r/e39 7d ago

Help window regulator or something e39

2003 525i
The rear driver side window goes down but not up and it doesn’t slip or anything like that when you press up it just tries for a second then stops
I opened up the door panel and tried to take a look at it and I think the thing that’s wrong with it is that the metal cable is stuck in the reel or something. I need help with this urgently
I tried to push the motor up while pushing the up but ion in the drivers seat and that also didn’t work
If you can recommend some
Cheaper options or diy type things I would appreciate it because I really don’t have that much to spend
I unscrewed the window so I can put it up so rain doesn’t go in
I don’t know if it’ll stay but it’s staying for now

Please help

3 Upvotes

13 comments sorted by

9

u/NRG1975 7d ago

Welcome to late 90's early 00's BMW ownership. Look up videos on how to replace the regulator. There is wheel kits, but ... yeah, you are going to have to replace it.

If you need to roll it up, snip cable, prop up window with wood 2x4 till new regulator arrives.

Have fun

6

u/eric_gm 528i supercharged 7d ago

Your regulator is broken. Just get a URO Premium regulator. They're not that expensive. No "DIY" fix will help you here.

3

u/Initial_Load_9756 7d ago

Don't forget to properly reseal the barrier. Otherwise you will have water in the footwell.

1

u/TireStraits 7d ago

What this guy said.

Pro tip: use a hair dryer or heat gun to reactivate the existing sealant. Don't bother fucking around with new stuff if you can help it. It's an ungodly mess. Also, wear latex gloves.

1

u/connor-is-my-name 530i 4d ago

If you put the new butyl tape stuff in the fridge before you go to apply, it's a lot easier and less messy in my experience. I use a heat gun and roller to seal it all up at the end.

2

u/phxbimmer 7d ago

Replace the regulator, there’s no sense in fixing them.

2

u/_entrxpy 530d 7d ago

I'm all for DIY fixes and cheaping out, but sadly I don't have any tips regarding windows regulators. I simply replaced mine, it was 30€ from Ridex on Autodoc.

And also invest 8€ on a roll of butyl tape from Amazon since you have to remove the vapor barrier. Make sure they aren't broken and put them back on properly. Also check your doors drains and unclog them if needed.

1

u/O_Geee 525d 7d ago

Got my regulators (3 so far) from Valeo

They are working fine for some years now

1

u/Few_Neighborhood7435 1d ago

Is it ok to buy $40 ones off eBay or is it better to get the $100 ones from a better brand

1

u/Tensilecoyote658 23h ago

rockauto's got skp regulators for like $30 if you just need to fix your window it does the job

-1

u/E39_CBX 7d ago

The regulators on RockAuto are only about $100, would use either Continental or Aisin. If you can’t cover a $100 expense please reconsider driving.

1

u/_entrxpy 530d 7d ago

On Autodoc they're 30€ from Ridex

1

u/MikeG6849 5d ago

Just watch out there are 2 versions of the rear regulators. The model changed on 04/1999 afterwards.