Window regulator zip-tie fix
 

Looks like this method is "holding water" quite well. Could be used as a "temporary" solution, but by the looks of things, it lasts quite a bit. One could fix it like this, and buy another part to have it at the ready in case the "fix" will fail.

Here is the fix from the ZHP Mafia.

Did the Zip Tie quick fix 3 years ago on heavily used driver side window. still holding. Figured I would get a few months out of this kludge but it has lasted years.

Suuuuuuper awesome post!!!

I am glad it worked.

Seems to me if you are going to all that trouble replacing the part is the way to go.

I was able to do the zip tie fix with only removing the door panel. you can raise and lower the window by hand to an opening where you can put in zip-ties.(at least on my 2002 X5).

If that is all there is to it that is a horse of a completely different color!

It is. I did the same without removing anything. Well door card, and peel back some of that membrane glued with super bullshit. I used some wire. But I have a feeling it was replaced by the previous owner with an OEM part, not OE. There was always some sort of wobble rattle from my regulator. I got my new one in the shop, and it feels infinitely more solid. Just need to allocate some time to get it done.

Hi guys,

I am working with someone to manufacture or 3D print the part that fails most often on BMW window regulators. I think it is show in this diagram. (closest to item 3)

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i DOOR WINDOW LIFTING MECHANISM FRONT

If this part were available, would you have been willing to purchase it instead of the whole new regulator?

since I just put two new regs in both front doors, would they last longer, if we just did the zip tie trick on the new parts to start with? would the zip ties "help" the new parts last longer?

I believe so
 

My experience tells me that the part that fails most often is the plastic piece in the metal regulator attachment. If that were made with harder plastic and a snap over clasp it may be just the thing to do the trick.