Window Regilators

[das boots]

Hello to all....

Front Left Window lower down all the way smoothly. But yet when raising, window has this weird sound almost similar to something cracking on some point and a little binding with the felt lining? It's been a while since I did apply silicone lube to the felt lining. Never replaced the window regulators. Still original parts with now at 165+ miles. Would like to also confirm that the problem is the window regulator beginning to go south. Would replacing both front regulators the same time ok even though the right side is working fine? But for how long?

[fredo]

I'm pretty sure a new window regulator will solve this. My 2005 SG ZHP with 128k miles had similar symptoms and got 3 new regulators in the past year: FR, RR, RL.

But I don't know if it's the first time they have been replaced.

[John in VA]

I would purchase both regulators (price will probably only go up!) but not replace the right one until you hear the crackling/experience failure, unless it's a job you enjoy!

[fredo]

Price is going up, indeed. I bought the FR (51-33-7-020-660) regulator for $149.33 at thebmwminipartstore.com on Jan-2024.

Now it goes for $154.30

Use promo code ROUNDEL at checkout for a 10% discount.

[das boots]

Does it matter if purchased from bmwpartstore or from FCP Euro? I know original is original ($154) and FCP ($99) is by Lemforder although manufactured in Taiwan?

Edit: Ordered the Original Parts from part store.

[fredo]

Genuine is your best bet. This is the most recent review for Lemforder FR regulator in FCP Euro:

"Was working well for two weeks and then failed. I'm gonna get the Genuine one."

[John in VA]

Last I checked FCP Euro only sold original BMW regulators - with their lifetime replacement warranty I'd consider purchasing from them.
Although they all fail, if yours lasted 20+ years I'd go with original. Many report results with Amazon ones but, while it's not a hard job, it's not something I want to do every few years!

[das boots]

Got the funding for the window regulators. Will there be anything else I need for the process like getting new fasteners or door clips for the door panels? I know BMW has a lot of plastic clips/fasteners all over. I noticed there are clips in RealOEM. But there's Green and White and Grey with different quantities. 51418101204 (Green), 51418224768(White) & 51418224781 (Grey). Thanks.

[John in VA]

You might break some clips or have some of them or the small gaskets missing - it's nice to have them on hand.
Butyl caulk strips to reattach the foam vapor barrier - make sure the seal at the bottom is good. I detach the barrier from the top & sides to keep the bottom sealed so the floorboards don't get flooded!
Heat gun to soften the caulk for a better seal.

[das boots]

I realize that the vapor barrier also needs to be addressed. Sealing all over the plastic barrier. The narrow and can be molded. I can get those at HD.

Do anybody remember what is the color of the clips used for the door panel? Anything else needed, please let me know.