On the way home (ironically, from the body shop) the front passenger window just dropped halfway down. No reaction from buttons other than crunching noises, both up and down. The window itself can be lifted by hand. What I wonder is, is that a routine window regulator malfunction (like this: http://tinyurl.com/mxvjg7 - part #51338252394 @ http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DN53&mospid=47588&btnr=51_2250&hg=51&fg=10) or something more insidious than that? Still have a couple of hours before I will get to disassembling the door, all clues are welcome.
Yep, figured that much (not the first time). Still didn't get to it (Real Life (TM) interfered), wonder if the motor gears are OK, will know tonight. While I'm on the topic - does the window clunking mean the same part (window regulator) is gone, or it's something else? http://540i6.com/probsfixes.html mentions part #51338257714 as a fix - is it the part of the window regulator, or a separate part? Strange thing is, it's supposed not to be happening on cars produced after 02/98, mine is 02/03, still clunks (that's the driver side window, not the one that is gone now, so I'm in for more fun).
The motor comes off of the regulator- you just need the regulator most likely. The normal problem is the plastic crap in the regulator gets brittle and disintegrates. It is a common problem for all E39s and X5s (and E46s, and probably more.)
Agreed...most likely the regulator Moosehead but I do recall reading something about one of the alignment guides failing, which could be the cause of the clunking. If I find the info, I'll post a link...
... and what's the part # for those alignment guides? Aren't those the part of #51338252394 already? Or you meant #51328226874 or #51328226873 @ http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DN53&mospid=47588&btnr=51_2250&hg=51&fg=10 ?
Not sure but here is the link to the DIY at BF.c so maybe you can find some helpful info within this thread...peace. http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=15687585#post15687585
Of course it's the damn window regulator: http://tinyurl.com/yccvrnm Just like the last time: http://tinyurl.com/yavr96c Same ****ty piece of plastic - for the fourth time on my car alone. Wonder what BMW is doing about it - seems like a design defect to me.
Related question - what's the part # for the rubber plug on the bottom of the front door, about an inch in diameter? Somehow my door is missing one of two...
My window did the same thing. I removed the door panel and found the window had become dislodged from the bar that holds the window in place. It was easy to repair. I don't know what causes this to happen but the problem has not reoccured in the last six months.
