Anyone changed their own window actuator?

[CharlieCroker]

I've had problems with my passenger side window not closing fully, so today I had the chance to have a look and as I suspected the cable system is faulty. Infact it just snapped as I was trying to close the window, so the question is should I attempt to replace the cabling myself or leave it to the professionals?

 

[benlumley]

Never done it on the Z4, but done a few on a Golf, both manual and electric ones. Think they are called regulators by the way - if that helps googling.

If it's anything like a Golf, it's a fairly simple to get out, hardest/fiddliest bit is getting the door apart without damaging anything and putting it back together. May break and need to replace the plastic membrane, depending on how fussy you are.

The window actuator itself is a fairly simple thing - once out it's all fairly exposed and easy to disassemble, see how it works, etc - although not sure it'd be possible to replace the cable in one if it's snapped.

Couple of things that might help:

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=18379
http://www.impee.co.uk/windowregulator_repair.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfD5XtLG9sI

 

[CharlieCroker]

Cheers dude, much appreciated. I did see that video and one where they actually take the regulator off and replace it. Does look like a job a DIYer could do if you have the balls, time and tools, you do have to disconnect the battery and recoonect it at the rght time so that you don't mess up the cpu codes. Thanks for the links and appreciate your comments.

 

[Marius]

I did on my car, new cable only £25 and it's quite straight forward job.

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[sk93]

ditto.. replaced it on my car.

most important thing is to disconnect the battery at LEAST 30 minutes before doing the job, as you need to take the airbag off in the door.
Once disconnected, DONT reconnect it at any point until the airbag is fully reconnected.

Otherwise you'll get an airbag warning light like I did...

 

[CharlieCroker]

ditto.. replaced it on my car.

most important thing is to disconnect the battery at LEAST 30 minutes before doing the job, as you need to take the airbag off in the door.
Once disconnected, DONT reconnect it at any point until the airbag is fully reconnected.

Otherwise you'll get an airbag warning light like I did...

Cheers dude, thanks for the heads up

 

[CharlieCroker]

I did on my car, new cable only £25 and it's quite straight forward job.

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Where did you get yours from, cheapest set I've seen so far is £44? Thanks

 

[Marius]

Google 'car window rwgulators' and you will find the website

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[Anonymous]

I agree with the guys above, if you've managed to get the door card off to have a look without damaging it then you are more than capable of changing the regulator
One little tip, once put the regulator and window back in make sure the window is all lined up and seals when the door is closed before you put the door card back on because its a pain in the a*&e to get it all back together and then realise the window isn't in the right place (experience of a numpty).

 

[sk93]

Google 'car window rwgulators' and you will find the website

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Have you got a linky Marius? I'm struggling to find it myself

Interested, as I'd rather not pay £140 for a new one, if you can get it for 20% of the price

 

[sk93]

nevermind! found it! :roll:

How to video:
[youtube]DfD5XtLG9sI[/youtube]

website link:
http://www.windowregulatorshop.co.uk/bmw-z4-convertible-cabriolet-window-regulator-repair-kit-front-left-1131-p.asp

 

[Marius]

Yes that's the one. Quick delivery, mine came next day

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[CharlieCroker]

Cheers guys, thats the one I have just ordered, if it doesn't rain on the weekend will give it a go, I don't expect it to go super smooth but I'm well prepared for the grazed knuckles and fffing and blinding! Thanks again, Charlie

 

[Daveyc2k2]

Let us know how you get on Charlie

 

[CharlieCroker]

Let us know how you get on Charlie

Oh man, I'm right in the middle of doing it now, just got the regulator out. Come upstairs to check out that video of how all the cables go back on... taken an hour up until now...

 

[CharlieCroker]

s**t is so fucking mangled inside the motor, think I'm gunna have to get a complete new mechanism.

 

[CharlieCroker]

I've go the whole thing apart, but and it's a BIG but how the f**k do you get the one press fitting off of the plate that holds the final roller wheel? Without braking it I can't see how it can be done? So anybody how has done this job, how did you get past this obstacle because I see no way around it without braking the part?

 

[Daveyc2k2]

Let us know how you get on Charlie

Oh man, I'm right in the middle of doing it now, just got the regulator out. Come upstairs to check out that video of how all the cables go back on... taken an hour up until now...

Doesn't sound much fun!!

 

[CharlieCroker]

Let us know how you get on Charlie

Oh man, I'm right in the middle of doing it now, just got the regulator out. Come upstairs to check out that video of how all the cables go back on... taken an hour up until now...

Doesn't sound much fun!!

Modern car fittings, I hate them. Better off with a classic car that has screws that go both ways, not these horrible one press fittings that brake off at the slightest touch!

 

[CharlieCroker]

I've go the whole thing apart, but and it's a BIG but how the f**k do you get the one press fitting off of the plate that holds the final roller wheel? Without braking it I can't see how it can be done? So anybody how has done this job, how did you get past this obstacle because I see no way around it without braking the part?

Right I've done it, you have to drill out the rivets. I'll compromise with bolts when refitting. Now the fun bit, gotta put it all bak together! I've got photos, you should see the mangled mess of wire that come out of the spool wheel!!