Removing BMW Door Panel & Replacing Window Regulator

[BMWkamikaze540]

I have a 98 540i pushing 300k miles. My left rear window rolls down fine, but doesn't roll back up, but you can pull it up and down freely by hand. Do I just need a new regulator? Also my front passenger window works fine, but is noticeably slower than the rest and if not rolled up little by little makes some nasty noises, and also rattles when partially rolled down, I fear it's on it's way out too. Any insight is appreciated.

[BavarianAuto]

@BMWkamikaze540

We'd say that both window issues are failed and failing regulators. We have them in-stock at bavauto DOT com

[stanleymejia1]

how do i fix a broken door handle

[BavarianAuto]

@stanleymejia1

The Bentley repair manual will detail door handle replacement. We have the manuals in-stock at bavauto DOT com. What model do you have, and is it inner or outer?

[u163665]

Thank you.  This was extremely helpful.

[Eastahtata]

I have a final installation tip. After doing this, you will notice the auto up/down will not operate. Simply close the window and hold button all the way down for 30 seconds. Then open the window and continue pushing the button down all the way for another 30 seconds. Auto up/down should now work

[BavarianAuto]

@Eastahtata

Thanks for the helpful input!

[GiantSnipe]

Thanks, it's back at the BMW garage now - since the problem started when under guarantee, they're still doing the repairs. I get the feeling that they know everything about mechanics and very little about computers, which is why they've changed the motor, wing mirror etc, but the problem persists. It was one of the first 2-dr 118's (I think) so maybe something wasn't quite worked out. But thanks for the comment, I'll definitely ask them if they've tried this.

[GiantSnipe]

Great video! My prob is with 118 passenger side. Since purchase 4 yrs ago, window sometimes does not drop when door is opened, so door does not close properly. When this happens passenger-side wing-mirror & window switch also stop working (window can still be lowered from driver side). I can reproduce failure by opening door fully - on last position if the window was down (working properly) it will always go up again. Any ideas? They've changed the window mechanism but didn't solve the problem.

[BavarianAuto]

@GiantSnipe -

This sounds like a control module issue, The control module may need to be re-programmed by the BMW dealer. Other than this, we have not seen your specific symptoms.

[MajorasFear]

@BavarianAuto Hello, last night i was rolling down my front passenger window on a 2003 325i as the window was going down it suddenly dropped and fell in. I tried to roll it back up and i could hear the motor working fine, but the window did not go up with it. I then tried to roll the window up and down once more and nothing would happen. My question is: Does this mean i need a new regulator? I hope this is enough information for an answer. Thanks in advance, great video.

[BavarianAuto]

@MajorasFear

Yes, it does sound like the guide broke from the drive cable on the regulator. Time for a new regulator. We have them in-stock at BAVAUTO dot COM.

[ErnestoJardinero]

I ordered the parts from Bavarian, followed the steps, and the repair went very well. The original motor was shot, and the regulator was worn to the point that the window fell in and would not stay up. The new parts work great, and it was easy to follow the video on my wireless laptop on the roof of the car.

[BavarianAuto]

@ErnestoJardinero -

Great way to go. Thanks for your comments!

[87sunset87]

@BavarianAuto I first want to thank you for your high quality video. Top stuff. As this video is by far the most viewed of your vids I would like to suggest a topic in regards to the leakage problem that may result out of the adhesive of the vapour barriers loosening. As most drivers of older BMW models (especially E39 and E46) will face this problem in daily use you could prepare a video and a product set on “how to seal a door leakage” with new vapour barriers and suitable adhesives. Cheers! 

[Mr2018TV]

do you have video to replace seats and door trim for e92

[BavarianAuto]

@Mr2018TV -

No we do not .... yet. The Bentley repair manual for the E90/91/92/93 chassis will cover these tasks. See it at BAVAUTO dot COM.

[jaystyles007]

Just add my two cents. On the coupe there is adjustment screws to do slight adjustments so when you close the door the window doesn't hit the trim.

[BavarianAuto]

@jaystyles007 -

Good point ... and quite true. The Bentley repair manuals will cover alignment and stop adjusting for the various models. See the manuals at BAVAUTO dot COM.

[kewonsingleton]

Great video! I am a 27 year old IT Specialist! I own a 2002 325I BMW sedan. I had never tried to fix a window on any car. Although I can fix laptops! This video made it easy to watch and repair the regulator. My BMW dealer wanted $325 per window to fix my broken ones. I ended up spending $350 for all three parts to fix my FP, FR, RR. I ended up saving a lot of money. Thanks BAVAUTO!

[BavarianAuto]

@kewonsingleton -

Great story! We're glad we could help.

[albertcl1977]

thanks for your help .. I will try to change it on my own I'm just waiting for the regulator ... thanks for your video was very helpful ..

[jimvitek]

This video helped me replace my window regulator yesterday. Thanks Otto!

[MrHt81]

1 more question my bmw 2005 525i Idrive said Fault in pass- restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner, belt-force limiter, any change that my fail airbag that make my passager side window fail too?

[MrHt81]

I have a 2005 525i front passager side window fail, How u check which is bad the regulator or the rotor? I try to listsin the rotor but nothin. Any idea which is bad? Thanks

[dakota4800]

I have a 1998 Z3. the driver's side window moves very slowly when operated. Is that usually a regulator problem or the window motor itself? Is the replacement procedure on the Z3 about the same as this video demonstrates?

Thanks

[BavarianAuto]

@dakota4800 -

The Z3 uses a mechanical gear and lever type of window regulator (as do all of the older BMW models). The slow operation may be a weak motor, or could be binding in the system. We would suggest that you remove the door panel and have a "look-see". The Bentley repair manual for the Z3 will detail the door panel removal and the regulator and motor removal. Go to bavauto dot com and search "Bentley".

[cvidales1]

Just changed out the regulator on the driver rear side,problem is window does not stop when closing,window goes up and all the way down,how do I re set the window to work properl ?

[BavarianAuto]

@cvidales1 -

What BMW model is this? Are you saying that the window continues up or down when you release the switch?

[cvidales1]

@BavarianAuto

it is a 2006 325I ,the regulator was replaced,when you have the window in th down position and go to close it ,the window goes up and the comes back down,after the switch is released.

The mechanic who replaced the regulator mentioned that "we may have to have the window recalibrated or reprogrammed ". Problem is you cannot close it without hitting the switch in a jogging manor to close-

[BavarianAuto]

@cvidales1 -

The E90 chassis (3-series 06-11/12) does have module controlled window operation. You may indeed have to have a "reprogram" performed.

[cvidales1]

@BavarianAuto how is a reprogram performed ?

[BavarianAuto]

@cvidales1 -

A BMW dealer or an independent shop (who has the proper diagnostic and scanning tool) must do any system programming or updates that may be required.

[MeritScore]

Thanks for posting this video, it helped me out a lot.

[mulletman069]

where do you get the ply tool from ?

 thanks

[goobergolf]

My drivers side window on a 96 328is is stuck all the way up. It started making a grinding noise before failing all together. Do I need to replace the regulator or the actual motor? Thanks

[ihsoft]

Today had replaced regulator using this video. Thank you, very helpful. Spent just 1.5 hours for the whole work.

I wish you had the similar video for sunroof fixing. Bought parts on your site couple of days ago.

[Bmwcookie]

Thanks for the video, the window is now up thanks to a piece of wood. When the correct part arrives it will also go down, and up again.

[bwh3200]

The job went ok but now my inside door handle will not work. Any one had this problem?

[colombianjon]

This is a very good video thank you for posting it. My only question is what is the size of the securing screws on my BMW E46 325I, I have tried to figure it out on my own through trial and error but I am unsuccessful. I would rather not damage the screws with the wrong size bit so if you know the size it would be very helpful to me, Thank you again.

[BavarianAuto]

To - Badobsession89:

The glass bracket bolts are at the bottom of the glass, in line with the two tracks.

[Badobsession89]

My window's stuck rolled all the way up. I cut the 2 cables and tried moving the window down manually, but it won't budge. Where in relation to the bottom of the window are those 2 bolts that were shown when the screen paused?

[BavarianAuto]

@Badobsession89

If you have ALL of the cables cut, you should be able to move the window by hand. Did you cut the cables on both sides of the glass side brackets?

[Badobsession89]

@BavarianAuto Got it! It worked after I cut the third, vertical cable that's attached to the cable guide clip. Much appreciated.

[1140ghb]

My window on the 2004, 325 driver side is stuck in the down position, how do I get the window up to access the bolts?

[BavarianAuto]

@1140ghb

Typically, you would need to go in and cut the drive cables on both sides of the glass slide bracket. You would then be able to move the glass by hand.

[frankazm3]

thanks thanks thanks ..... so easy with your vid i replaced mine and it works awsome

i will do more stuff my self and not get raped by the dealer ....thanks again

[1632poppa]

The drivers door on 325 will not stay open and actually closes pretty hard. What is the problem? This video is great for the first step of removing the panel.Thanks to anyone who can help.

[BavarianAuto]

@1632poppa

If the door will not stay open at the 1/2 and full open stop points, it's likely that he door brake is at fault. You can see the link-arm of the door brake when you fully open the door and look in the forward door jamb area, between the upper and lower hinges. The brake assembly is replaced from the inside of the door. Bavarian Autosport keeps these in-stock at: bavauto.com

[oliveiradamatola]

Again. Thank you. U R DA MAN

[oliveiradamatola]

@bavarianAuto

The drivers side headlight is out, I had my buddy trying to change it. He claims it requires a couple of hours to do, but now at temperature in the 112 outside and 140 in the garage it will not happen. Is it that hard to change it on 2006 325 I Sport ? Thank U

[oliveiradamatola]

Lol. Less than half. My buddy changed them and I gave him the 120. The BMW service guys charge $270.00 each. Parts and labor.

Thank you for the great video, you saved me a couple of $100s.

[oliveiradamatola]

The dealer wants over $500 to replace 1 regulator. I just got both back doors done $356.00 total. 2 Regulators at $118. Each

$236. Labor $120. For both.

I am sick and tired of dealer labor costs. Getting robbed at gun point is less painfull.

[wherryj]

@oliveiradamatola

I am about to do this regulator job (thus why I looked up this video), but started my 325i projects with the windshield washer pump replacement. I kept seeing these on the internet for about $40 ($37.95 at BV Auto), and people on BMW forums complaining about the dealers charging "$50".

I was in a bit of a hurry, so I dropped by my local dealer in Pleasanton, only to find that those guys are REALLY raping customers. Their charge for the BMW pump was $98.99. Avoid dealers

[oliveiradamatola]

@ BavarianAuto

Thank you for the vid. You are the man.

[BavarianAuto]

@oliveiradamatola

We're certainly glad that we can help out our fellow BMW enthusiasts!

[lrn2drv]

at 4.58 in the video, when you guys are showing the image of the bolts to be removed, i cant seem to find them in a e46 2000 328ci passenger side, can somebody help please?

[SuperSupersnooper]

I guys, I just wanted to thank you for your detailed work videos. Makes life much easier if one can find high quality DIY videos on youtube made by professionals.

Thanks again.

[timujica]

Thanks a lot!!!!, Last night, I put down the driver window, and it didn´t came up any more, as soon as i came back home, i start looking some info in here, so i found the video, and follow it, and i fixed the problem in no time!!!!, it´s an excelent video!!!!, again thanks a lot!!!!

[nighttrain334]

this is the best instructions ever!!

[Myx4o]

I did everything as shown in the video. And before final assembly I connected the airbag and all other cables before connecting the battery again to check if it's working. BUT now the car won't start. When I turn the ignition key, everything seems fine, but the engine won't even try to start. Why is that? I it is most likely an error due to the removal of the airbag, but why did this happen in the first place, since the battery (negative) was disconnected all the time?

[sgs126]

@Myx4o What was the cause I assume you got your car started

[Myx4o]

@sgs126 It was the battery. It had died just after a few tries to make sure the window is moving freely up and down without starting the engine. The battery was already more than three and a half years old, so I had to change it anyway, but at first I got baffled, because everything else was working properly. There were no problems at all with the new battery, though.

[nick0780]

Thanks! Love Bavarian Otto

[makemyownpath]

You guys provide the most detailed, professional videos yet when it comes to BMW basic maintenance.

[BavarianAuto]

@makemyownpath - Thanks for the kind words!

[kevin88851]

pleease help... for some reason i cant loosen the 2 nuts the secure the window

[zstrashni]

Awesome, thank you! Could not have done it without the video. For everyone... The 2 window bolts are 8mm and as the video says, do NOT unscrew them all the way. Thanks a bunch again.

[BavarianAuto]

Your rears will be a bit different. The Bentley repair manual for each chassis (3, 5, 7 series, etc) covers the details for both front and rear. We do keep all of the manuals in-stock (800-535-2002 ).

[5889buy]

Wow! I have a 2004 BMW325i. All 4 windows have been out for 6 months. I have been suffering not wanting to pay my BMW guy $300 a pop. It all came to a head when we were traveling with a cat and she stepped on the Drivers window switch, rolling the drivers window all the way down! I searched YouTube and found you guys. Bought the part for $65 and followed your video nearly every step. Even on the drivers side, no surprises. Thanks a bunch, one down and 3 to go!

[jackalng2222]

easily the BEST DIY vid on youtube... none of that dizziness inducing shaking camera work... top marks!

[BavarianAuto]

Thanks for the encouraging words. We hate camera shake too!

[b2chevy]

Your video is very informative, however on my BMW 325i the window is locked in the down position and I hear a clicking noise at the motor whenever I press the window switch (mounted in the center console) but the window doesn’t move. How would you fix this problem? My contact e-mail is: b2chevy@verizon.net. Thank you.

[BavarianAuto]

In cases where the window regulator will not move, due to a faulty motor or broken parts on the regulator (cable, pulleys, guides, etc), you can cut the two cables that connect the front and rear regulator rails (and move the window guides) and move the window by hand .... in order to get to the window guide attachment bolts. If this does not work, you will have to get creative in using an open-end or box-end wrench and trying to get to the bolts where they are.

[nm5177]

@b2chevy i have the same problem, did you find out what was wrong/ how to fix yours ?

[nikazp]

Thanks for sharing. Have a door rattle in my E83 which I will look at soon. Tried everything outside the vaport barrier but still some slight rattle present.

[topserpent]

very detail, thanks for sharing

[Archangel552]

Does this apply to E36 3 series similarly?