As we all know, the long list of Preventative Maintenance (PM) items for our cars is long, and at times, expensive. The window regulator is yet another aspect of our cars that, with time, will ultimately fail. However as I can tell, there is no official DIY addressing this issue. This will be my first DIY
*Note*
As of right now, I don't have any pictures of myself doing this repair. What I am simply providing at this point, is reference material to source parts and conduct a successful DIY repair. When I do my next window regulator, I will update with pictures and detailed step by step instructions.
The Problem:
Failure of the window regulator, or related components, resulting in inoperable window function.
Common solutions, and talking points:
A lot of people have had this issue. As such, a lot of solutions have been presented. Some people opt for replacing the clips that hold the window itself in place. My issue with this is, if you are already in the door to replace one plastic component, it is very likely that the rest of the plastic components are not far from failing. These parts are cheep and not hard to replace.
Many people on this forum will argue that any part purchased on Ebay is cheep, unreliable, parts made in china (they are). In my experience with doing 3 window regulators in BMW's, previously this was not the case. However, now I cannot recommend the Ebay regulators. There are fitment issues and they do not have good longevity. ECS Tuning is a good source for window regulators. FCP Euro also carries a wide array of quality parts. They can be sourced anywhere from $40 - $140 depending on the brand you go with. The genuine BMW part is well over $120, not including shipping costs.
All that being said, it is far more cost effective and reliable to simply replace the entire window regulator assembly. From a PM standpoint, it may be beneficial, to mitigate failure, to replace the component every 2 years, depending on usage. These figures will of course vary per individual usage.
Where to source parts:
ECS Tuning, or FCP Euro as previously stated. Enter search term "E46 window" or follow links.
Driver side (front left):
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-323i-M52_2.5L/Interior/Window/Regulator/ES2776543/
Passenger side (front right):
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-323i-M52_2.5L/Interior/Window/Regulator/ES2776542/
Rear drivers side (rear left):
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-323i-M52_2.5L/Interior/Window/Regulator/ES2776546/
Rear passenger side (rear right):
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-323i-M52_2.5L/Interior/Window/Regulator/ES2776547/
Equipment needed:
Standard torques bit set
Standard mechanics socket set in metric.
Number 2 flat tip screw driver or applicable trim removal tool.
1 Roll of duct tape, or similar adhesive material.
Applicable window regulator assembly
Procedure:
As stated above, I don't have pictures of my self doing this procedure yet.
However I do have a nice video DIY for everyone to follow! Front window regulator Is similar install. Video by edzgarage.
Window Regulator Installation BMW 325i e46:
http://youtu.be/-QYflvMB3AU
Here is also a link to another thread that addresses this issue! The more information the better!
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=356847
I hope this Helps some people out. I will update this when I do my next regulator. Any positive/constructive feedback, please leave comments. Any negative feedback, please file it in shredder. :thumbsup:
*Note*
As of right now, I don't have any pictures of myself doing this repair. What I am simply providing at this point, is reference material to source parts and conduct a successful DIY repair. When I do my next window regulator, I will update with pictures and detailed step by step instructions.
The Problem:
Failure of the window regulator, or related components, resulting in inoperable window function.
Common solutions, and talking points:
A lot of people have had this issue. As such, a lot of solutions have been presented. Some people opt for replacing the clips that hold the window itself in place. My issue with this is, if you are already in the door to replace one plastic component, it is very likely that the rest of the plastic components are not far from failing. These parts are cheep and not hard to replace.
Many people on this forum will argue that any part purchased on Ebay is cheep, unreliable, parts made in china (they are). In my experience with doing 3 window regulators in BMW's, previously this was not the case. However, now I cannot recommend the Ebay regulators. There are fitment issues and they do not have good longevity. ECS Tuning is a good source for window regulators. FCP Euro also carries a wide array of quality parts. They can be sourced anywhere from $40 - $140 depending on the brand you go with. The genuine BMW part is well over $120, not including shipping costs.
All that being said, it is far more cost effective and reliable to simply replace the entire window regulator assembly. From a PM standpoint, it may be beneficial, to mitigate failure, to replace the component every 2 years, depending on usage. These figures will of course vary per individual usage.
Where to source parts:
ECS Tuning, or FCP Euro as previously stated. Enter search term "E46 window" or follow links.
Driver side (front left):
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-323i-M52_2.5L/Interior/Window/Regulator/ES2776543/
Passenger side (front right):
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-323i-M52_2.5L/Interior/Window/Regulator/ES2776542/
Rear drivers side (rear left):
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-323i-M52_2.5L/Interior/Window/Regulator/ES2776546/
Rear passenger side (rear right):
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-323i-M52_2.5L/Interior/Window/Regulator/ES2776547/
Equipment needed:
Standard torques bit set
Standard mechanics socket set in metric.
Number 2 flat tip screw driver or applicable trim removal tool.
1 Roll of duct tape, or similar adhesive material.
Applicable window regulator assembly
Procedure:
As stated above, I don't have pictures of my self doing this procedure yet.
However I do have a nice video DIY for everyone to follow! Front window regulator Is similar install. Video by edzgarage.
Window Regulator Installation BMW 325i e46:
http://youtu.be/-QYflvMB3AU
Here is also a link to another thread that addresses this issue! The more information the better!
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=356847
I hope this Helps some people out. I will update this when I do my next regulator. Any positive/constructive feedback, please leave comments. Any negative feedback, please file it in shredder. :thumbsup: