Replace Window Regulator or Defective Window?

bohemianjsr · 08-14-2009, 06:57 PM

Ok,

This thread is not getting much play on the other bmw forum that I vist so I am posting it here.

a couple of months ago, because some idiot decided to take my cds by breaking my bimmer/s window, I had a window installer replace a broken driver's window glass on my e46 with non oem. During the install we noticed that the slide on the regulator had a broken piece which we decided to jb weld, to see if it would hold. I was in no rush to add to the damage cost having to get a regulator and wait for it to arrive before installing the widow.

Problem,
I recently had my windows tinted and the tint guy brought to my attention the fact that the window that was replaced is possibly not a 100% fit due to imperfections on the angles..

I did did the zip tie DIY thinking now i would be able to roll window up and down, but it widow will only go up 60% of the way.

What gives?
window needs to be adjusted? regulator is bent and it needs to be replaced in spite of successfully doing the zip tie DIY?
possible window glass not fitting 100%?

see pic. The window starts to push up agains the metal part of the door....(I removed part of the trim to get a better view.)

Another view

THis is as far as it will go...

The front passenger side window, rolls up and down nicely and stays on the track plane....

RockLee · 08-14-2009, 07:37 PM

Its because its non OEM glass.

GoingNuts · 08-14-2009, 07:54 PM

Go buy glass from the dealer, and demand a free fitting from your installer if you can't do it your self.

bohemianjsr · 08-14-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingNuts

Go buy glass from the dealer, and demand a free fitting from your installer if you can't do it your self.

That sounds $ I wonder how much an OEM glass is.

lbcluis325i · 08-14-2009, 09:06 PM

how did you get the panel removed from the door?

bohemianjsr · 08-14-2009, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbcluis325i

how did you get the panel removed from the door?

How? There are a few DIY threads on here on how to do it. search window regulator DIY.

bohemianjsr · 08-14-2009, 09:48 PM

I've been thinking. I may as well buy a new window regulator, install it, and if I still have problems push the installer to replace the window glass with one that fits right.....better use of my time and money, I will assume a window regulator is cheaper than a new OEM glass.

bohemianjsr · 08-27-2009, 01:21 AM

Conclusion: after taking the felt on top of the door where the window rests fully down...I looked closely at the window lay out and realized that the window was not properly put in the guide. I had to re loosen the window from the regulator, rest the window on the guide, before fastening it to the window regulator again. It has been working 75% good now, meaning it is still slow to go up past the 1/2 way point but at least I can close the window now.

08-14-2009, 06:57 PM	#1
bohemianjsr Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Inland Empire Posts: 78 My Ride: 2001 325I Sport View My Garage	Replace Window Regulator or Defective Window? Ok, This thread is not getting much play on the other bmw forum that I vist so I am posting it here. a couple of months ago, because some idiot decided to take my cds by breaking my bimmer/s window, I had a window installer replace a broken driver's window glass on my e46 with non oem. During the install we noticed that the slide on the regulator had a broken piece which we decided to jb weld, to see if it would hold. I was in no rush to add to the damage cost having to get a regulator and wait for it to arrive before installing the widow. Problem, I recently had my windows tinted and the tint guy brought to my attention the fact that the window that was replaced is possibly not a 100% fit due to imperfections on the angles.. I did did the zip tie DIY thinking now i would be able to roll window up and down, but it widow will only go up 60% of the way. What gives? window needs to be adjusted? regulator is bent and it needs to be replaced in spite of successfully doing the zip tie DIY? possible window glass not fitting 100%? see pic. The window starts to push up agains the metal part of the door....(I removed part of the trim to get a better view.) Another view THis is as far as it will go... The front passenger side window, rolls up and down nicely and stays on the track plane.... __________________ DD: 01 325I ZSP, WTB: Meyle or Powerflex 66mm FCAB's, GROM Aux In Expedition Rig: 80 Series Modified, Land Cruiser

08-14-2009, 07:37 PM	#2
RockLee Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: VeroBeach Florida Posts: 1,367 My Ride: 1999 BMW 328i E46 View My Garage	Its because its non OEM glass. __________________ "17 year olds think, hmmm If I pull this handbrake lever all my girlfriend's clothes will fly off"-Jeremy Clarkson

08-14-2009, 09:48 PM	#7
bohemianjsr Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Inland Empire Posts: 78 My Ride: 2001 325I Sport View My Garage	I've been thinking. I may as well buy a new window regulator, install it, and if I still have problems push the installer to replace the window glass with one that fits right.....better use of my time and money, I will assume a window regulator is cheaper than a new OEM glass. __________________ DD: 01 325I ZSP, WTB: Meyle or Powerflex 66mm FCAB's, GROM Aux In Expedition Rig: 80 Series Modified, Land Cruiser

08-27-2009, 01:21 AM	#8
bohemianjsr Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Inland Empire Posts: 78 My Ride: 2001 325I Sport View My Garage	Conclusion: after taking the felt on top of the door where the window rests fully down...I looked closely at the window lay out and realized that the window was not properly put in the guide. I had to re loosen the window from the regulator, rest the window on the guide, before fastening it to the window regulator again. It has been working 75% good now, meaning it is still slow to go up past the 1/2 way point but at least I can close the window now. __________________ DD: 01 325I ZSP, WTB: Meyle or Powerflex 66mm FCAB's, GROM Aux In Expedition Rig: 80 Series Modified, Land Cruiser

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08-14-2009, 07:54 PM	#3
GoingNuts I screwed up and can't post Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: London Posts: 4,050 My Ride: 2004 330Ci View My Garage	Go buy glass from the dealer, and demand a free fitting from your installer if you can't do it your self.

08-14-2009, 09:06 PM	#5
lbcluis325i Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Long Beach CA Posts: 85 My Ride: 325i View My Garage	how did you get the panel removed from the door?