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Subject: Window regulator repair Author: Roderick : member since January, 2004 : 620 posts Posted on: 2008-03-03 22:58:27

My passenger side rear window actuator has been broken for the last few months. It didn’t bother that I couldn’t open and close the window because I rarely have people in the back seat, but what was annoying is that the glass would keep dropping down 1/4 to 1/2 inch. I repaired the drivers rear last summer and it is still holding up so I decided today to do this one also.

If you regularly use the rear windows I would recommend replacing the actuators with new ones, but for now I have other things I would rather spend $250 on.

I won’t go into great detail because replacement is well documented on bmwtips but I did take some pictures for those interested.


First step remove door panel. You need to unscrew the door handle, remove the window switch and the light under the panel. Before removing the panel unplug the speakers.


Carefully pull back the vapor barrier – you will need to make sure this seals up well when you replace things.


There are three bolts holding the actuator in place
1) Torx bolt that holds the glass in place


2)10mm bolt on bottom of actuator


3)Star bolt at top (behind window) this is the difficult one to get to – use a 10mm open end wrench on this one.


Once you have these three bolts out remove the four torx screws that hold the motor in place and unplug the motor.


Remove the actuator


This is the bracket where the failure occurs. You can see how the tabs on the side are bent and will allow the ball on the cable to come out of position.


Get some JB Weld


Goop up the connection point like so


Reinstall everything in the reverse order and keep my fingers crossed that without much use it will hold.


1998 528i - Oxford Green/Sand - Mechanically stock
Xenon upgrade - M5 corner lights - city lights - rear fogs

• Window regulator repair (pic) - Roderick 2008-03-03 22:58:27 (6728 views)
  • FYI: 'Repair' Kit $15.00 (url) - CNN-090 2008-03-10 21:54:44 (902 views)
    • Re: FYI: 'Repair' Kit $15.00 - ramansour 2008-12-13 17:09:54 (166 views)
    • Re: FYI: 'Repair' Kit $15.00 - lbecoats 2008-11-25 18:33:05 (170 views)
    • Thanks, will get some in case (nt) - Roderick 2008-03-11 16:45:53 (310 views)
  • Nice photos. Thanks for sharing! (nt) - DavidC 2008-03-07 23:25:46 (279 views)