2005 Mini Cooper
Well, my window is stuck halfway down. Yesterday after a short trip I noticed wind noise from the passenger side. When I got home, I saw that the window had not moved back up when the door closed. So I did a little up/down motion with the window switch. The window didn't move at all but the motor was working, sort of. I was able to push the glass down and after fiddling for a while, the glass was all the way down but would not move up or down with the switch.

Today, I did some exploring and took the door panel off (already replaced the door actuator a couple years ago, need to to the driver's side now). I was able to push the window from below to about mid-way up. It will absolutely not move up any further but I can still push it down with my hands. Using the window switch up, the motor went partway and seemed to back off like it was up and then down the 1/4" since the door was open. However, it is only halfway up. Using the switch down, the motor turns but the window still doesn't move.

My question is do I need to replace the regulator or the motor or both? Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks in Advance,
Bill

 

Well, I have to add that for the past couple years, I haven't really rolled down the passenger window because whenever it was rolling up, it sounded like it was going to crack and break. Now it seems like it was probably the mechanism and not the actual glass.

Since I didn't receive any replies from anyone with experience, I ordered both parts to eliminate the need to replace a second part when I find out I got it wrong in the first place. Just doing both of them and getting it over with.

 

It sounds like the motor is working but there is binding or some interference. It may be difficult, but I would inspect all the mechanical guides and other moving parts to see if there is something obstructing the movement.

 

Well it turned out to be the regulator. A cable broke and left the window useless and halfway down. Thankfully the weather was clear for a couple days while I had the parts ordered. Replaced the motor too at the same time since I already ordered it.

As for the work replacing the motor and regulator, it was amazingly easy and straight forward. Probably took about 90 minutes. Not bad considering it was the first time. Now to replace the driver's side actuator.

 

Glad you resolved your problem.
This problem is very familiar in the BMW world. Its usually the regulator guide failing and rarely the motor. The guide wheels will break and the wire gets all tangled up in the motor. Lots of replacements available on EBay and online stores both aftermarket and OEM . MAX BMW Parts usually has the best prices. Buy OEM for quality.

 

Thanks for all the help. Does Max BMW parts have a website? I've been shopping at oembimmerparts.com in San Antonio lately. Good prices and their free ground shipping is overnight to me.

 

Its the same guy. LOL
Another good source is http://ebmwparts.com

 

The regulator in my daughters 2002 has just failed. I have yet to open it up, but upon manually lifting the window into place, it will pretty much just pull right out of the car on the rear end. Since the back end came up and out of the door, there is a big hole in the window I assume is for a bushing attached to an arm. I ordered a complete regulator with motor. May as well just replace the whole asm. The company does free return shipping so if I can just sort out the bushing, I will do that.
Has anyone run into this before, and if so, do you have any advice ?

thanks

Mike

 

Should have given it a good whack. They are well known to have flat spots.

 

The regulator is completely detached from the window. Whacking would probably drop the thing into the door and break it.

 

Doh, reading is fundamental! Sorry about that.

I have yet to hear of one fail, so I have not had to hear into it.

 

possibly, just the clamp that holds the glass in place onto the regulator has loosened and the retaining bolt dropped out. your regulator may be still good. Take off the door panel and see if that is the case. The bolt and clamp may be at the bottom of the door so look for it.

 

Thanks guys. Will report back. Hoping that is the case. ^^

 

It ended up being the regulator. Part was $83 with the motor, shipped. Local body shop replaced it for $50. That is certainly not worth messing with myself.

Thanks.

 

Since I didn't receive any replies from anyone with experience.

 

Car doors will lock with remote but driver's door will not unlock with remote. Is it actuator or programing?