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Old 01-26-2008, 05:27 AM  
cooljess76
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Join Date: Oct 2006
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Default PERMANENT WINDOW FIX***DIY***

There's been plenty of threads, but none as detailed as this one. I'm confident that I have identified the source of our problems and developed a permanent solution.

I "fixed" my window many times before I finally got sick of dealing with it and was on the verge of retrofitting...

Last edited by cooljess76; 07-08-2010 at 09:42 AM.
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  #165  
By rich_thor on 11-07-2012, 09:58 AM
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thank you! il be trying this today hopefully with a lil sucess! there needs to a like button on this page loool
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  #166  
By b.u.ti-ful on 11-19-2012, 10:07 PM
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My window started coming off again after operating well for a long time after doing cooljess repair.

So, I put in a new regulator because the old one had been tweaked a lot.

As long as I had the new one on the bench, I went ahead and re-enforced the cheap arms. Might be overkill, but it has been good for a while now. Also admire my awesome MIG skillz.
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  #167  
By indiejack on 11-19-2012, 10:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by b.u.ti-ful View Post
Also admire my awesome MIG skillz.
NICE! lol, I thought about something similar not long ago, let me know how it works out over time as I expect these to break again come Spring (it's a cycle it seems for me).
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  #168  
By cooljess76 on 11-20-2012, 09:35 AM
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^^^GENIUS!
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  #169  
By anthony318ti on 11-20-2012, 04:24 PM
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Beautiful write up. Sad that i didnt find this earlier. My passenger side regulator (metal frame actually had a tear in it i got a new unit from NZ replaced it and did the same alignment steps noted in this thread its perfect now
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  #170  
By b.u.ti-ful on 05-15-2013, 02:28 AM
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My window popped off the regulator again
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  #171  
By patrick1990 on 05-15-2013, 09:36 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by b.u.ti-ful View Post
My window popped off the regulator again
Damn! Mine popped-off too, about two months ago. I have yet to attach the interior panel because I am scared it will happen again... it will happen again.

I AM TIRED OF THIS! Really, really tired of it!
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  #172  
By curtdfw on 05-15-2013, 01:19 PM
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Ditto. Since I virtually never have anyone in the passenger seat I've left the window up and disconnected the passenger side window switch. Will get to it one of these days, but between my gyrations and those of the PO, I'm not sure it'll ever get squared away.
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  #173  
By preppyr6 on 07-12-2013, 05:53 PM
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My pass side regulator failed 2 years ago (replaced all 4 when I bought the car then). The arm immediately started flexing after install (even if I left the adjustment screw loose allowing more leeway). I think I tested it maybe 5 times and the arms split apart. The problem was the window appeared to be binding towards the top and I couldnt figure it out (eyeballing the vertical tracks wasnt productive).

Anyways, just ordered a new regulator and am going to attempt to fix based on this thread. Never had a problem with the window falling out of the track (though havent had much time with the window actually working). The main problem was the stress placed on the regulator where it was meeting resistance (likely from the tracks) to where the regulator gave out. If this doesnt work, my next attempt will be to literally screw the broken arms back together and hope that holds out for a while at least.

I hate regulator arms, and seeming as I had two e46s before getting my 318, its very clear (and painful) where BMW figured out the design shortcomings and revised through the generations.
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  #174  
By brandonm on 07-19-2013, 02:10 AM
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thank you so much! my driver side window has been a PIA recently!
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  #175  
By preppyr6 on 07-19-2013, 02:15 AM
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Just replaced my regulator. I checked out the rails as I was having a hard time getting the window to rest in them. Ultimately I got them in, but the adjuster arm had a helluva time getting aligned to where I could bolt it to the door. I had to use some muscle to push the adjuster arm far enough down to bolt it up, suggesting the front of the window did not want to level out (go up) as I pushed the adjuster arm down. I'm not sure why, it might be that the regulator itself is misaligned as the areas where the rivets were drilled out and bolts put in got beat up a little. Either way, the window works now BUT I hear the motor struggling when its pushing the window up once the window is about 1/2 to 2/3 up. It's meeting resistance there and Ill likely have to figure out what the problem is before I tear up another regulator.
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  #176  
By SSpeedracer on 08-15-2013, 09:57 PM
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Two of my 318ti's have had driver side window failures because of this broken spot weld. If you are not inspecting welds you may not notice.

There are too few welds and they are too small to withstand the constant stress. This one will eventually fail.

In one car I fixed by re-welding. In one car I fixed by drilling hole and attaching bracket to door skin with screw/nut. I prefer the fastener method as shown in the picture.

If someone else with an earlier comment wants to repost that would be good.

Also, a wax pencil is faster than MS Paint.
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File Type: jpg IMAG0288.jpg (50.7 KB, 57 views)
File Type: jpg IMAG0289.jpg (38.0 KB, 53 views)
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  #177  
By b.u.ti-ful on 08-27-2013, 09:56 PM
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Checked my spot welds and they were good.

This is my latest modification - so far so good:
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File Type: jpg IMG_2240.jpg (50.5 KB, 54 views)
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  #178  
By R111S on 09-29-2013, 11:52 PM
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So I'd disconnected my Driver's Side Window Switch a few years ago due to the frustration of fixing then breaking again- again- again.

Yesterday I looked at it again. I disconnected the two lift arms and pushed the window up and down by hand - lots of resistance. So it was obvious the window guide track needed some lubrication but what to use? I have a pump spray bottle of Black Magic brand "Tire Wet"...clear fluid that is made for rubber tires...hhhmmm. I lubed the rails as best I could and suddenly the window glided up and down with ease. I reconnected the Lift Arms and now it's moving up/down fast like new. Now I'm just hoping it lasts.

Me thinks the reason for bent/broken parts is due to resistance to movement that builds up over time...so lubricating the window tracks may be the cure?
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  #179  
By patrick1990 on 09-29-2013, 11:58 PM
Wink

I sure as hell hope that's the solution!
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