Driver side window

[Jamturbo]

Hi,

I seem to have a problem with my window. I noticed today that the usually smooth operation of the window going up and down was notchy and sounded like it was grating on something. The rough noise seemed to be coming from behind the door card.

The glass goes up and down and the operation seems to be working but the glass has dropped by about 3-4 mm when fully closed. The little adjustment that raises the glass when the door is shut works as it should. I can hear outside noise that I didn't hear before.

It sounds as if one of the fixings has come loose and needs to be repositioned and tightened as everything seems to be mechanically working. I hope the grating noise is because something is loose. Fingers crossed that it is nothing disastrous.

I don't have the time or the weather to tackle this now so I have put a full cover on as the moment, there is a lot of heavy rain.

Has anyone come across this before and, or any ideas what might be the cause.

Thanks

 

[skelters]

It's the window regulator on its way out.

You can get a repair kit thing from eBay for about £30.

Until you get it fixed stop putting the window down as it will fail.

 

[enuff_zed]

It's the window regulator on its way out.

You can get a repair kit thing from eBay for about £30.

Until you get it fixed stop putting the window down as it will fail.

Could be that but when wifey's started to do exactly that it turned out to be the bolt holding the frame had worked loose.
I popped the door card off, tweaked it up whilst holding the window fully up, and all is well.
I will dig out the link on here I used, and add it.

 

[enuff_zed]

Found it.
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=74331&p=1091688&hilit=window+adjust#p1091688

Look for the bit that explains how to adjust the CAMBER angle of the window.
On mine it was that rear cradle where the bolt had come loose and allowed it to drop a little.

NB. I am not saying this WILL fix it, but it is a quick check before you invest in a repair kit.

 

[Jamturbo]

Thanks both. Certainly sounds like one or the other. I have taken to heart the advise not to make the window go up and down, I was doing just that until now. I have taken the door card off before to replace the membrane but once at that point is there much complexity and anything to to look out for?

Thanks

 

[enuff_zed]

Thanks both. Certainly sounds like one or the other. I have taken to heart the advise not to make the window go up and down, I was doing just that until now. I have taken the door card off before to replace the membrane but once at that point is there much complexity and anything to to look out for?

Thanks

For the adjustment I mentioned, getting the card off is the only tricky bit. Then just find the hole and check the nut/bolt. You should be hoping it is loose. If all tight then more likely to be the regulator. But even if it seems tight, loosen a little, push the assembly up and tighten again, just in case.

 

[Jamturbo]

I remember having to disconnect the battery to remove the airbag. If it turns out to be the regulator, does the airbag have to be reconnected during the window adjustment etc or can it be left off whilst tring out window fit. Thanks

 

[ARCS]

If it turns out to be the cable that's stretched, here's the repair kit I bought. (Still to fit it though)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-E85-ROADSTER-CABRIOLET-WINDOW-REGULATOR-REPAIR-KIT-SET-RIGHT-OSF-/222979738581?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

And here's quite a good how to for installation

https://youtu.be/zqIWUrI2VFE

 

[Jamturbo]

My initial disappointment is over. These things happen. I shall just approach it calmly and take things apart and have a look first and see what needs doing. I was all lined up to take some leave to change the suspension all round but the window trumps that. For information, a brand new regulator from a dealer is £200. Thankfully I have a full body BMW cover so I can leave things off the door if I need to get parts.
Appreciate all the advice and how to's.

 

[Haro]

That video makes it look far easier than it is, the cable is very, very tight. Getting the wheel on was a struggle I will never forget.

 

[Jamturbo]

New regulator arrived today and hoping the weather on Saturday is good. I have a question about removing the motor from the regulator, is the motor held on by rivets? If so what size nuts and bolts should I use when attaching to the new regulator. Thanks

 

[Jamturbo]

Sorry folks, I have the answer now. I was looking at the wrong part being drilled out on YouTube.

 

[Jamturbo]

Update. I replaced the regulator a few days ago. Quite fiddly. All working fine now. Before removing the old regulator I did check for any loose nuts etc. All secure. Guess it was the mechanism. One down, a few to go.