BMW 330i 325i E46 Window Regulator Replacement DIY

Step-by-step on how to replace a window regulator on an BMW E46 3 series with helpful tips on what to do if your window is stuck in the open or closed position because the regulator has jammed.

[@failoblivious4951]

You're amazing man! My passenger door regulator went out for the second time (different point of failure each time) a week ago and I just knew either you or shoplifetv would come in clutch. I believe it was near $650 for diag, parts, and repair at a locally owned shop. But with Your knowledge, my time, tools I already owned. I only paid the price for parts which at this time is only $40. Thank you for everything you do for the e46 community!

[@rbell3505]

Been fixing my E46 for 5 years now, always with help of 50s Kid - really good filming, calm clear analysis and explanation - one of the best KZbin presenters I've seen. Thanks Jason for the huge amount of work you put in, it's much appreciated!

[@shamusbarringer6863]

Thank you young man, I'm a 68 year old recycled teen-ager here in a cold and damp England 🇬🇧. I've just spent a miserable afternoon at the side of the road sat on the pavement (side walk to those in the colony's) fitting a new window winder. Without you I would have given up, how are ment to get an 8mm spanner in to re attached the glass? Thanks to your video I now have a working window again Yah Hoo! You have made an old man very happy, you didn't know you were going to do that today did you? Once again thank you you are a star ⭐. 😀🤟🤪✅

[@ludwigkirchner08]

Thanks mate. Third time doing drivers side, second time passenger. You covered just about everything. I used a zip tie to hang the airbag from the top of the door frame and didn't disconnect it, and duct tape to hold the window up while installing the new regulator. 2004 325i 151K

[@turbolabamerica]

You videos are much better than all of the other ones. Thanks for the help

[@rayerven5559]

I don’t know how anyone would “thumbs down” any of your videos. Thank you from a ‘01 330i owner.

[@senorsicon6116]

You are awesome! I just replaced my driver's door window regulator on my 2003 325xi. I followed your video every step of the way, and while I am sure it took me a little longer than you, I got it right the first try with absolutely no problems! The hardest part for me was just getting the new regulator in the door - the various metal tabs and flanges on that thing just wanted to get hung up on everything! I don't know if there is a repair on my e46 that you haven't made a video about (thankfully!). This one saved me about $250 in labor costs! Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into making all of these incredible videos!

[@Craigster818]

You can adjust the window up or down using the motor to find the two bolts aligned to hole in Window regulator to slide window up and take out old regulator. But but remember to reconnect the air bag temporarily or until you get the Hole lined up. Then disconnect battery and disconnect air bag again. Then finish removing old regulator. Otherwise, you need a special scanner to clear air bag light on dash. If the ignition is on to use switch and roll up window the air bag must be connected or air bag light is triggered as error. I learned my lesson because last time I had to pay mechanic $20 to clear air bag light and turn off. Wireless Scanner to expense to buy. Also I’m by myself so taped window up to get old one out too.

[@snivesz32]

I just finished doing the drivers side. I didn't need to remove the inner window trim. One small tip is to leave the motor attached to position the regulator slides into the proper position to access the screw to attach the glass to the regulator mounts. But just be sure to disconnect the battery any time you mess with airbag systems (usually cables in yellow).

[@imstillw8ing]

This was such a pain in the ass. Thank you for the step by step though. You really helped.

[@scottmckinstry1698]

Really? I thought it was pretty simple

[@jyo8914]

Awesome! I know I will refer back to this video a few more times before I tackle my window regulator. Your channel has been invaluable to me in my E46 repair travels. Thank you for all your hard work, time and effort you put into it.

[@dinkodobrev9330]

Thank you for the excellent tutorial, just did my windows today. Just one little addition - remove the 4 bolts holding the regulator motor to the gear mechanism, and it comes off very easy. Spray some grease inside the gear mechanism, this makes a big difference in the window speed going up and down.

[@hmp0149]

Thank you! Your videos by far are the clearest and easiest to follow

[@wendydarmanin5195]

Very good video, clear voice and no annoying music, miles ahead of some of the others. Thanks for showing.

[@JMUDoc]

Just finished this on mine - it really, _really_ helps if you can afford to cut the old reg out. Managed to do it with the airbag still attached (just bungeed it to the wing mirror) and lucked out in not having to adjust the motor once it was done. Make sure you've got a very thin socket for the glass-to-runner bolts; I had to use one on the end of a screwdriver because none of my ratchet set's extension bars would fit through that tiny hole in the door skin.

[@moisessanchez5308]

Yo 50skid! I’ve just bought my first manual e46BMW. 99 328i. I am in love with this car and your videos have brought more joy into my life with my car. Thank you so much. Be blessed Moises

[@Hamburger_helper]

You sir have helped me install 3 window actuators on my e46, and all your videos have helped me more than I can express, good on you!!

[@jimreiter3103]

Just did the job successfully. I especially appreciate the detail on how the window lines up and attaches to the new bracket assembly...really helped. Thanks!

[@Mezwangendaba]

Thanks so much bro, just finished DIY installation of the driver window. Very simple and straight forward if you follow the video in detail. Keep it up 👍

[@Rob-ds6os]

Just did my driver side today. Thank you so much for the video's. I've saved countless hundreds of dollars due to your videos. You're the best. Thank you so much

[@GavinFish]

Thanks for making this video! I'm replacing my regulator this coming weekend, and now I know what to do. Cheers!

[@realethereal8217]

best video for window reg on BMW's. took me hour and a half and saved me $$. thanks

[@50sKid]

Awesome to hear

[@huzaifabadri9707]

Note on a coupe the 2 bolts the hold the window need E7 socket and they are reverse threaded. I learned this the hard way.

[@larainepeterson8581]

The DIY video was perfect, thank you soooo much, so many extra good tips that were very much appreciated. You are my favorite in the DIY search, keep up the excellent work!!

[@Disciplyne]

Thanks for this video. While I’ve replaced these before, it’s been awhile. This is a great refresher on how it’s done!

[@naturalafricanism9219]

I like this guy. He is so thorough and in-depth. Great video.

[@320iguy]

I've taken these doors apart over a dozen times, and I always forget the t30 torx, and that there is the 8mm... Thanks again. Timeless video.

[@rogerolson2252]

Thanks for the video. You and ShopLifeTV keep my E46 chugging along.

[@natbaby_]

My God thank you for this video. Everybody has videos on if your window is stuck down nobody has one on what to do if it’s stuck UP. I have 0 wiggle room for the window, gonna try this in a few. Thank you!!

[@cleveij1]

Awesome video! It saved me a lot of headache. I watched it before I started and had to come back to check a couple of things. Didn't break a single clip with your method. The only thing I could add was that the 6.5 inch speaker in that door was blown as well. So I ended up replacing that at the same time. Why not eh! One of those little clips that the panel screws go into wouldn't stay in place while putting the sound barrier back on. So I used a little bit of that black flubber like stuff that holds the cover on to hold it in place. It also works to put a bit of it in the screw heads to hold them on the driver as you insert them into those deep holes on the door handles.

[@user-qz6ix7od3b]

now this is the best video tutorial. thank you! watched about 5 different guys trying to do the same video and completely failed compared to you 😂. so I for one really appreciate the work you've put into this. cheers!

[@50sKid]

Glad it helped!

[@Zdena_de_La_Pena]

E46 2.0td compact - THX for your video, today i change my Window regulator and it was much easier when i can first see instruction.

[@romeomike8918]

Great job of explanation. I recently did the front driver side window regulator on a 2004 E46. The white speaker wire clip hooks to the door card. The top cable with the yellow cable guard around it was zip-tied to a small circular opening in the top center of the door frame. Removing the inner rubber seal from the top of the door frame might not be necessary (I didn't have to do it on mine). Again, well done.

[@mrromo714]

I swear bro, you’re My go to guy! If I don’t see 50’sKid, I don’t bother looking, thanks for all the videos Brotha, blessing your way!

[@jakengle]

Great instructions. Followed these and it worked exactly as shown.

[@1duncehead]

Great Video. I have a repair shop and this was a job we normally don't do but your vid really helped alot. I subscribed automatically. thanks man keep em coming!

[@myxipitlik2]

Thank you so much for making this video, your channel is awesome and has helped a lot in maintaining my own car.

[@chuckho0624]

Just like everyone said, this is an excellent tutorial. Thank you, thank you!! 😊

[@toniocastro5426]

He, is the BEST. PROFESSIONAL. BRAVO.!!!!!

[@dcibwb]

Your videos are always very helpful...thank you!

[@Residew]

The best there is. Been watching you for years.

[@robdude1969]

another solid video. thanks for making it easier for the rest of us.

[@TTO2016]

thanks for the clear instruction in the window getting stuck in the up position helped a lot

[@savagesaxon9743]

Can't thank you enough for these videos saved me thousands

[@steveholliday6684]

As always, great BMW instructions

[@TSIXGaming]

ty i followed yur guide and got my window working again!

[@glennfelpel9785]

I know I am a very late comer but Thank You for sharing this information. I am needing to change the regulator on a 325xi. This was very well done!!!!

[@SirFrancoQ]

Awesome tutorial maestro ! Much as gracias 👏👍

[@mostlychillchill9027]

Great video , I just did mine today and like you said two clips got broken hahaha. Other than that everything went so smooth. Again great video really explicit. 👍🏼

[@ethownzbh]

15:50 something I discovered helped me greatly with getting the window clips in position when the clips were too low for the window to reach (could push it down far enough) was plugging the battery back in and rolling up the window so the clips raise into position, just make sure the bolts aren't in the way of the glass when the clips slide up onto the window. Then you can electrically, and by hand, lower the window so the bolt heads can be accessed by the 8mm socket, makes it so much easier and faster. Just remember to disconnect the battery before putting the airbag back on and when you plugging the airbag in take a moment to think and ensure that you disconnected the battery again. Also it isn't necessary to remove that window trim.

[@tonysanford3579]

Wonderful man!! Very informative 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@scottmckinstry1698]

Worked like a charm! Thanks brother!

[@barne3668]

One thing I might add about removing the sound dampener layer> I used my Farrah Fawcett 2000 Hair Dryer to soften up the glue. I also used a razor blade to slice the glue and that made the whole piece come off clean.

[@davidtsai9013]

I appreciate this video. Problem fixed! Thank you!

[@zallman7526]

Thanks brother, you helped save me 250 dollars. Much appreciated.

[@XxBlakpaladinxX]

Great videos man - very very helpful!

[@sbmallik2]

Thanks for posting this awesome video! In my case the window will not roll up (front passenger side). Probably the regulator is bad.

[@kamaalx]

Man 50skid what would I do without you.

[@waynewarner5717]

Excellent video 50sKid!

[@niklaskarjunen2888]

Thanks for the video and other videos. These are so great 👍 having same problems with my e46 and it is so easy to repair after your videos

[@tonyplow3187]

Thank you very much bro!! Huge help!

[@dennispiramo7487]

Thank you! Just fixed mine.

[@keenaristau1499]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You saved me $$$

[@inderjagessar5163]

Great video,s helped me a lot! Thankmyou so much!

[@davidbattenfield2259]

thank you, very good instructions and video

[@erikcorkran9200]

Great video thanks for the help.

[@DIYTEA]

Great tutorial! In your case the cable ist damaged so you have to replace the hole regulator system. In most cases only the sliding units holding the window broke up. It was for me easy to replace one of them without taking out the complete system. Costs are about 15$. I saved time and money . I want to say also that it will be better to replace the old sealing under the Weather sheet. It costs about 10-15€ for 6meters.

[@inoaguirre9897]

Where did you buy the sliding unit from?

[@DIYTEA]

@@inoaguirre9897 Ebay. Not OEM but solves the problem 😉

[@callmejohntre]

Detailed video! Thanks!!

[@dwainsellers6453]

Thank you so much well done!

[@rosskolaric4871]

Good job. Perfect, now i just need to do it.

[@AdamandTedshow]

Thanks for the video.

[@tspark1071]

Pretty nice job.

[@akunamatata1515]

Very helpful Video

[@fredthe52]

Very good video the best

[@naturalafricanism9219]

You are my go to guy

[@jctjh]

THANK YOU>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[@rwl001x2]

Hey thanks a lot for sharing!👍

[@PrakashRandhawa]

Thank you Sir 🙏🏼

[@edlee108]

Awesome video! I lost one of the clips for the screws that the airbag is attached. Do you know the name of that clip?

[@Triggerman2505]

you stated at 15:20 that you will show how to do the adjustment with a 10mm wrench, but I don't see that in the video. I put mine in and now it screeches really loud going up and down like it is rubbing on the window wipe molding. Thanks.

[@dankennedy6925]

ya I checked over and over,couldn't figure that out

[@Triggerman2505]

Thanks, I thought it was just me. I am still living with it. I have to put a finger in my left ear every time I roll the window up and down..the noise is unbearable :(

[@FarmerD78]

Great video I just got done with mine but all I needed was two zip ties to fix it everybody needs to google the zip tie method for fixing the regulator it won’t work for all but it worked for mine

[@jerolvilladolid]

The real question is, is it worth going through all this is you KNOW the windor regulator will break again? Since the design is flawed. Every DIY video on E46 regulators always shows someone else opened and repaired it before!

[@earthexplorer579]

Hi so am i supposed to disconnect the battery first before evthing ?thx for the video btw

[@Alberto-qy2rs]

Thank you

[@user-pt2xd9je9v]

Had driver window regulator changed but now my air bag light is on. Can you make a video on how to reset air bag without having to pay someone to charge me. Thanks

[@n8neiTen8n]

Does the replacement have to be OEM? Or do you maybe have something you could recommend?

[@47691lee]

Unfortunately, the person who took your door apart did not put back the polystyrene block which goes into the corner of the and stabilizes the rear window runner if this is not put in there would be a fault code on the reader for that window.

[@AlwaysAwesome001]

Gold ⭐

[@abel2909]

Great video. it really helped with me doing this on my 2004 325XI. However i do have one qs, does anyone know how long before the airbag light goes off?.i was soooo excited i got the job completed that i forgot to listen to your last tip. :) . Thanks for the video.

[@50sKid]

You need a bmw scan tool to turn off the light. I have a video on those. Or you can get a regular code reader that can handle abs lights

[@Paul-gj7qu]

I own a Bmw e46 coupe. The passenger side window regulator has gone and needs changing is it easy to do? Could do a video on it.

[@quartznation9499]

Love your vids bruv.. can you do a diagnosis on key doesn't automatically open doors anymore? Nothing's wrong with my actuators just the key fob. Did all the basic diagnosis myself {battery etc..}I don't know how dealers help is gonna be or mechanics for that matter.. My fear is that when I changed the car battery from 630 crank to 730 crank {would that make any diff}? X3 BMW m54 e83 2004.. thanks..

[@quartznation9499]

I'm gonna get a new key fob from dealer and take or from there.. Mg5 module? Antennae module? Ems? Wiring? Help

[@soundseeker63]

Great guide very useful. Anyone know why these are such common failures on the E46? It may be a design classic and a fine drivers car but there are so many areas of rather flimsy construction/poor design, it makes them quite a frustrating car to own long term! :-/

[@kouyang22]

So I removed the airbag with the battery plugged in. My airbag light is on and I know that everything is intact. Now my air bag light won’t go off even after resetting the battery. What do I need to do? Thanks!!

[@Craigster818]

Go to a mechanic with a BMW scanner to clear the error

[@JAW0703]

I followed your video, and everything went perfectly, but now my airbag light is on. Any ideas on how to get it to go off

[@kingpharaoh3880]

question i changed my passenger window regulator, before i did so it was getting stuck on the way back up now i replaced everything but the motor is only going down when i press up it goes down and when i press up it goes down...i did open the motor on accident when i was removing it from previous regulator...any ideas on fixing this?

[@Youtubejourneybegins]

love your vidoes!!! i have a problem!! do you know where i can buy the window clips?? or where i can buy replacement glass for the e46?? literally all 4 of my window regulators are fucked but i went to pull out one of them today and i noticed that one of the window clips in the rear driver side door was broken, have any idea where i can look to buy and replace them??

[@50sKid]

Those clips actually come with the window regulator. If yours are broken off the regulator, you'll have to replace the whole regulator.

[@itselmer]

Was that an original part from bmw or where did you buy the window regulator? And how much was it because 3/4 of my windows went out

[@TheEliteShatter]

Can you reset airbag light if you didn't have it connected? Not sure if I'll have the light as I've done this procedure before on my other car without connecting the airbag to adjust window with no issues.

[@kastellos]

Two questions: I am replacing both the motor and the regulator, must I remove the motor from you existing regulator to pull out the existing regulator, and secondly, my window shattered so I'm replacing that as well, any hints you can give me on how to deal with the new glass would be appreciated.

[@kristijant475]

Please also link what parts you use and where you buy.