Rear Window Regulator Replacement

[Dathaeus]

So after my front ones broke a couple of years ago, now my backs are busted... I am assuming its the reg since both I heard a "crack!" and then the window stopped working. I guess at a certain time period they all have a similar shelf life no matter how often they are used. I assume being in South Florida doesnt help.

Are these 2 the "best" to get... their lifetime guarantee is nice and I think prices went up but it is what it is.

I guess my real question is, should I order any extra parts just in case, because I heard before with some of these, there are small parts I should have on hand just in case, to do a thorough job.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-window-regulator-left-rear-e46-51358212099

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-window-regulator-right-rear-e46-51358212100

If I went to the dealer here, seems like it would cost almost $500 each, holy $hit... ya that's never happening

[Fried_Chicken]

I just got ebay ones for $25 or so each, and they have been fine with no noticable difference in quality (since you're re-using the motor).

The eBay one I got for the passenger side, they were hesitant to replace under warranty, and ended up making me pay for shipping after I sent them pictures of the busted unit.

[Dathaeus]

I just got ebay ones for $25 or so each, and they have been fine with no noticable difference in quality (since you're re-using the motor).

The eBay one I got for the passenger side, they were hesitant to replace under warranty, and ended up making me pay for shipping after I sent them pictures of the busted unit.

So something like THIS ONE (https://www.ebay.com/itm/144103196367?epid=3023899284&hash=item218d3846cf:g:5n0AAOSwQ-1bxCg-&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA8Mnp5KYELBmaPYWzTwxvcoje8Y9bS RrebJERKpUXOpWWkRNssj%2BnOs30b%2BlYoeZKAmqBXL2QfDI aBlCFjrVHSXT9NmwtnSfp1hFk6u6AERlcQt9Rg5bHmSvW3PlkP rvyY8JDP0cknKS420GhYDbz8Jn3%2FhEtz0fAi4FZI9%2Fq2p3 5JgfLAKCKhYOXtxhLsTcoM5pUlfqmbc8dI6DHpOK7o6q5p%2F8 ogSVLAmWXcv5pfICB45JC%2FGJdULzvBU2p7WCYvzuyYy9h3OC DBwrLAX5BpRBh5pIvcq6ljD6oBHdDZy4a9sfDawyWAb34jpaFE X2miw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4yarvLYYA)

what do you really think it the difference in quality, if at all.
I would love to save that money if its only a fraction of a difference.

[Galapolis]

If you're looking for something in between, I got the Bavauto ones (I think Turner sells them now) and they've been fine.

[Fried_Chicken]

So something like THIS ONE (https://www.ebay.com/itm/144103196367?epid=3023899284&hash=item218d3846cf:g:5n0AAOSwQ-1bxCg-&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA8Mnp5KYELBmaPYWzTwxvcoje8Y9bS RrebJERKpUXOpWWkRNssj%2BnOs30b%2BlYoeZKAmqBXL2QfDI aBlCFjrVHSXT9NmwtnSfp1hFk6u6AERlcQt9Rg5bHmSvW3PlkP rvyY8JDP0cknKS420GhYDbz8Jn3%2FhEtz0fAi4FZI9%2Fq2p3 5JgfLAKCKhYOXtxhLsTcoM5pUlfqmbc8dI6DHpOK7o6q5p%2F8 ogSVLAmWXcv5pfICB45JC%2FGJdULzvBU2p7WCYvzuyYy9h3OC DBwrLAX5BpRBh5pIvcq6ljD6oBHdDZy4a9sfDawyWAb34jpaFE X2miw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4yarvLYYA)

what do you really think it the difference in quality, if at all.
I would love to save that money if its only a fraction of a difference.

Basically yeah. Look for some sort of warranty, as these stupid things are very prone to failure

[Dathaeus]

Basically yeah. Look for some sort of warranty, as these stupid things are very prone to failure

But is 1 yr warranty really anything... thats what this ebay listing had... seems like they will break again like right after it is expired...

Also there is the cost/time of install, so I might just go with the FCP... if install were free then ebay is def a possibility.

[Fried_Chicken]

But is 1 yr warranty really anything... thats what this ebay listing had... seems like they will break again like right after it is expired...

Also there is the cost/time of install, so I might just go with the FCP... if install were free then ebay is def a possibility.

It's pretty fast after you've done a few of them.... like under an hour per window. The first time will probably take you forever.

[Will]

As Fried_Chicken noted, the install is fairly fast.
I used a cheap one from Amazon when the regulator failed on my old sedan. No problems to speak of, but I rarely used the rear windows and only kept the car for another 1.5 yrs or so.

[Dathaeus]

I just got ebay ones for $25 or so each, and they have been fine with no noticable difference in quality (since you're re-using the motor).

The eBay one I got for the passenger side, they were hesitant to replace under warranty, and ended up making me pay for shipping after I sent them pictures of the busted unit.

Is it worth it to pay a little more for a new motor also? I mean its only like $15 more
And this place looks legit, nice video showcasing the quality LOL (smoke and mirrors? they have good reviews)

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Window-Regulator-Without-Passenger/dp/B01I82ZYMU

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Window-Regulator-1999-2005-Passenger/dp/B076M83WK2

FCP was $160

[Fried_Chicken]

Interesting you linked to an A-Premium product. I just bought trunk struts for a mercedes from them. Their reviews suggest they are high quality chinese crap.

I would go with them over the fcp euro ones. I don't think they will fail six times over unless you *really* use your windows a lot.

In fact the BMW window regulators are so crap, the only direction they can go in terms of quality is up, so I'd say get the e-premium ones.

[Dathaeus]

Interesting you linked to an A-Premium product. I just bought trunk struts for a mercedes from them. Their reviews suggest they are high quality chinese crap.

I would go with them over the fcp euro ones. I don't think they will fail six times over unless you *really* use your windows a lot.

In fact the BMW window regulators are so crap, the only direction they can go in terms of quality is up, so I'd say get the e-premium ones.

"high quality chinese crap"
LOL, cant tell if thats good or bad...
But seems like for "cheap chinese stuff" these guys are doing it "right"?

Ya I'm gonna, even at FCP, it'll be like $320 vs these....

But the motor? yay or nay?

[Fried_Chicken]

"high quality chinese crap"
LOL, cant tell if thats good or bad...
But seems like for "cheap chinese stuff" these guys are doing it "right"?

Ya I'm gonna, even at FCP, it'll be like $320 vs these....

But the motor? yay or nay?

Why would you put anything other than the OEM motor in?

[Dathaeus]

Why would you put anything other than the OEM motor in?

No idea... bec usually there are some parts that are ok to use cheap stuff and some not from various opinions and because I dont have unlimited funds right now so its always a balance right, between acceptable lower quality for how much savings and if it is worth it.

[Fried_Chicken]

No idea... bec usually there are some parts that are ok to use cheap stuff and some not from various opinions and because I dont have unlimited funds right now so its always a balance right, between acceptable lower quality for how much savings and if it is worth it.

I ask because the motors don't usually fail, the window regulators fail

[Dathaeus]

I ask because the motors don't usually fail, the window regulators fail

I agree... but I was wondering bec it was pretty cheap to add the motor in the package and I did hear some motors fails, altho not likely

I didnt get the motor, just ordered the reg.... one of them was recently on sale from FCP so for the little $20 savings I decided to just go with them and not mess around.

[Fried_Chicken]

Well if they're throwing in a motor for cheap, you can imagine what the quality is like.

[ELCID86]

I have one that I need to sell. Can’t recall if it’s front or back [emoji2369].

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Shawn in VA (USA)

[John in VA]

Shawn, it's for Body: Sedan, Chassis: E46, Position: Front Left. 51337020659

[ELCID86]

Shawn, it's for Body: Sedan, Chassis: E46, Position: Front Left. 51337020659

Thanks! Hope you are doing well. I’m down in Fredericksburg now and driving a 981 Cayman.

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Shawn in VA (USA)