Window regulator best brand???

OEM should mount on window frequently use. Buy a clip is your best choice to save money, if the other part is in good shape. Do NOT operate the window when they failed, otherwise you have to buy a new regulator. I knew that because I replaced three of them in one year.

whatever you do don't buy MTC. I purchased one from a certain sponsor and it failed within 2 months. I purchased a VDO and its been running great. OEM or VDO should be fine

Originally Posted by congeewong

whatever you do don't buy MTC. I purchased one from a certain sponsor and it failed within 2 months. I purchased a VDO and its been running great. OEM or VDO should be fine

I agree, don't buy MTC. I got one from a sponsor a several months ago because i felt like it was about to die. I can't say anything about its durability, but, when I went to install it today it wouldn't fit. The threaded stud by the motor doesn't line up with mounting hole in the door. It's about 1/4" off. I could get it to work if I drilled out the hole bigger or if I used a Dremel to make a slot, but, I don't feel like trying to make this cheap piece of crap work. Going to an OEM regulator.

Bought MTC from ECS...failed within two weeks, and I had to pay a restocking fee because of that. Needless to say i don't recommend either.

Better to just go OEM if you can't just do the zip-tie mod. Fit perfectly the first try with no modification and runs smooth as butter. I vote www.getbmwparts.com and I've heard good things about BMW PartsSource

dorman from autozone.com worked great for me and it comes with a lifetime warranty.

URO failed in 3 weeks. Trying Dorman now...

I've replaced 3 out of 4 window regs. I got them all from FCP Groton. Only 1 failed and it was replaced overnight with no additional shipping cost, even the return. Some will argue that their brand is inferior. However their service is outstanding.

I've had a dorman from autozone in my left rear for a year with no issues. Just replaced the left front yesterday with another dorman. $88 dollars and instant gratification is nice.

I can't see these being much worse than oem.

Originally Posted by mikel325xi

I have 3 Window Regulators to replace on my 2001 325XI. Best brand other than BMW??? that might save a few dollars or is BMW superior????? I have read the DIY's and seen the Video's and am ready to go. Go for the aftermarket doorman?? or other brand??? Thanks, Mike

I replaced all the regulators on my 02 330xi. i just bought them off of ebay and had no issues

Need 2 front and rear
I have been in the auto industry for 30 years and Dorman has always been a trusted name.
at this point I am leaning towards Dorman.
Pelican does not offer VDO for the front.
so maybe I'll go VDO rear, Dorman front?
But then I have to drive to Autozone. Ok Pelican it is, OEM front VDO rear
you cant beat free shipping to your door.
But wait, lifetime warranty on Dorman?
I plan on keeping this car a long time because I just really don't want a e90. Electric water pump?

^

Originally Posted by SamDoe1

^

Only intellectuals really get me

^^ Ah, well that cleared it up.

Sorry, but the "electric water pump" was - Random.

Allow me to assist; You clearly need an E90 with an E46 body to include a Pelican spoiler with Dorman mirrors and a VDO gauge. Oh, and an electric steering pump.

There you have it, solved. Continued procrastination shall cease.

Finally, someone understands my ADD!

Ok before this thread digresses any further let me fill in a few steps that I skipped in my conclusion.
Normally I really don't pay attention to parts warranties too much, but
(and thanks to whomever put in the info about the Dorman regulator.)
We put a lot of miles on our e46.
3 series is arguably the greatest commuter car,
so since the new models are getting too complex,ie electric water pump at 1100 bucks to replace,
and just too much interactive stuff requiring a scan tool to reset ,I don't know if we will buy a new 3 series.I might just try to keep this one on the road
till my wife retires. So, the lifetime warranty will trump free delivery if I am keeping the car another 10-15 years.
thank you guys for the info again, I try to go oem as much as possible, but I
am with a lot of the previous posters, the oem regulator just do not hold up that well so I guess we are just on Gooch street.
Anyone have any problems with the dormans?

I had URO on my front left window, and it failed in 2.5 months.. The cable cut into the spool and just turned into a mess. Probably going to go OEM + zip ties next.

I put a couple of Dorman reg/motor assemblies in a few months ago and they work great (so far).

Does autozone still carry dorman? and if i get a dorman without the motor, will the oem bmw motor fit?

Yes... The motor will fit. In my opinion it doesn't matter what brand you buy they will eventually fail at some point. Just make sure you exercise them regularly... Up and down. Mine seem to fail when I leave the windows closed for a long time and then they seem to stick closed. The steel cable then jumps the track when it is forcing the window to open.

I did the e-bay regulator and other than noises that sounds like abrasive in the track and a clicking like gears slipping it's been working OK since last Aug. Although the wife uses it very seldom due to the noise. It did work better, move faster, after I did the GM5 module repair. If it does fail, I will do the Dorman from Advance Auto because of the lifetime warranty and the newest store around here seems to show one in stock everytime I check their online inventory. I do need to check out what's making the noise, maybe a little lube will help.