Is it the window regulator that has gone??

[hotdog3147]

The other day I was dropping my passenger window when I heard what sounded like something metal fall and the window stopped moving.

The motor is fine and can still hear the window runner moving up and down and the window can be moved up and down by hand (which came in handy in getting it shut)

My question is, would the runner still move if the cable had snapped or is it more likely that the window has came loose from the runner. I am going to attempt to rectify it myself but just doing my research now before taking the door panel off. If it is more than likely the cable I will order one in before starting the job.

 

[Street]

I had exactly the same..
In a multi story car park I was opening the window to put the ticket in the machine to get out.
As it reached half way I heard a sharp thud as if someone had banged on the door and the window went back to the top.

I could hear the motor running fine inside but the window went nowhere.
The cable in the regulator runs in a figure 8.. depending where it snapped one runner may still be going up and down.

I had to get it fixed same day so got it from a BMW dealer. Cost around £80 from memory. You cant replace the cable alone. You can reuse your existing motor! No reason why you can't get all the trim off and have look before heading out to find a new one.

Easy job to do.. after removing the trim and unbolting (but not disconnecting) the air bag... there were 4 bolts holding the regulator in place.
Just look how its fitted and refit the new one in the same way.

Dont over tighten the fixing that holds the glass to the runner or it will shatter.

HTH

 

[hotdog3147]

Cheers for that, was exactly what I was looking for. Time to source a new regulator most probabaly, thought as much.

 

[hotdog3147]

Inflation!!! £120 for the regulator from dealer. Got it and gonna fit it at the weekend.

 

[hotdog3147]

Fixed and working again, thank god.

 

[Ali_Z4C]

Gutted.... only had my coupe for a month and this has just happened to me :thumbsdown:

Was pulling up at a parking ticket machine last night and heard a snap / bang noise when I went to put the window down it went down a wee bit the stopped. Managed to get the window back up but wont move now! I can still hear the motor going though when I press the button.

hotdog..... was this a hard job? Is there a how-to anywhere on how to take the door card off (had a search but could find one)?

Guess its time for me to introduce myself to my local stealer and order the part.... hopefully this wont be the start of a (not so)beautiful relationship!

Ali

 

[sk93]

...Is there a how-to anywhere on how to take the door card off (had a search but could find one)?...

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11567&p=176419&hilit=remove+door+card#p176419

 

[Ali_Z4C]

Cheers sk93! Guess its time to brush of my tool kit!

 

[frankiefish]

Ali did you get it sorted? The exact same thing happened to me about 4 hours ago :thumbsdown: Only had the car a month, I've got a 3 month warranty from the garage so I'm hoping that it is covered. (not had a chance to ring yet)

let me know how you got on with it mate

 

[Ali_Z4C]

Ali did you get it sorted? The exact same thing happened to me about 4 hours ago :thumbsdown: Only had the car a month, I've got a 3 month warranty from the garage so I'm hoping that it is covered. (not had a chance to ring yet)

let me know how you got on with it mate

Hi mate.

Sorry for not replying.... just getting round to fixing it so that why I checked the thread! Hardley needed to wind the window down in the weather we have been having so not been in a rush to fix it!Going to take the door card off this weekend and have a look.... will let ya know how I get on.

Did you fix yours??

 

[Chris04z4]

im fixing mine tonight... had the same exact problem. pulled the door panel off, took a look around and the cable broke on the regulator. Ordered a new one and it will be at the house when i get home tonight....

shouldn't take but a couple hours to replace.

 

[craig3.2]

Yeah,£120 about going price now,mine went last yr
seems to be a common problem/just like the rear springs and window motors (getting stuck/gunged up with crud)

thats why we all love our z4's,lol
(just joking/love mine to bits)

 

[z4alfie]

Yeah,£120 about going price now,mine went last yr
seems to be a common problem/just like the rear springs and window motors (getting stuck/gunged up with crud)

thats why we all love our z4's,lol
(just joking/love mine to bits)

There is a new thread for a dealer with great prices on spares. might be worth a try. soper bmw lincoln from memory

 

[Chris04z4]

Yeah,£120 about going price now,mine went last yr
seems to be a common problem/just like the rear springs and window motors (getting stuck/gunged up with crud)

thats why we all love our z4's,lol
(just joking/love mine to bits)

everything on my car has broke, is breaking, or will break soon.... its a little aggravating

 

[Chris04z4]

replacing the window regulator took no time at all... less than 2 hours and i had to backtrack 3 times. real easy as long as you have a "How-to instructions"

 

[calletson]

Hi, where could i find the "How to instructions"??

Cheers

 

[EdButler]

Due to popular email demand, heres a Rapdshare link for the TIS documents:
http://rapidshare.com/files/356596588/E85_Z4_Window_Regulator.zip.html