BMW 5 Series (E39) 1997-2003 - Rear window regulator - DIY Repair

Features BentleyPublishers' BMW 5 Series 1997-2003 Repair Manual (E39) - www.bentleypublishers.com/c/B503
How to replace a rear window regulator on a 1997-2003 BMW 5 Series (E39). For more information on Bentley Publishers line of BMW technical manuals, visit www.bentleypublishers.com/
Thanks to our friends at Motorcar Alternatives for hosting us for this video
www.motorcaralternatives.com

[@timhafso]

Thank you very much for posting this video! It helped me to do a job that I didn't really have a clue how to do. You did a good job of giving clear, step-by-step instructions. It still took me a fairly long time, though... for some reason. I think I could do it quite a bit faster the second time round (although, it wasn't the most enjoyable repair job to do).

[@deanopants]

Thanks very much for creating this video and posting it! It was a greatly helpful resource for me when I replaced one of my broken rear window regulators. Note to those who are facing the same job: you'll need a 10MM (long) socket for the upper regulator fastener (it's a star-type fastener but the 10 MM socket will work if you're careful). AND - you will also need a 10 MM flat box end wrench for the bottom regulator fastener, as well as a T20 (or maybe T25 - can't remember for sure) and T30 bit to remove the regulator and motor from the door. Also could help to have some extra white BMW trim clips on hand in case some of them break (mine didn't but I got lucky).

[@nature10879]

Just got mine changed and this video helped a lot. Paid someone to change it but they could not get the window out, Had to watch this video and tell them they gotta do something to get the window out..just like the guy does it. 1999 bmw 528i rear passenger motor and regulator changed.

[@Bill-gt8xg]

Just removed and replaced rear regulator, would never I've known how to do this, Thank you so much.

[@josemedeiros007]

Excellent video and tutorial, my rear window regulator broke with the window stuck down, just after replacing my front drivers side regulator. I wish they made a better quality regulator with metal pulleys instead of the plastic ones that seem to be the cause of the regulator breaking.

[@syjeklye]

best video on window regulators for e39!

[@TheHeretic435]

Ok, so there's gotta be two types. I just took mine out of a rear left door on an E39, and my motor is fixed, and located at bottom near two bolts. 100% NOT mounted up there with screws. I was starting to think I was loosing it.

[@WTFITBS1]

I had no idea you guys had these video series. It's great! Thanks!

[@petercampbell1855]

Thank you..Thank you..Thank you.!!!! I REALLY, really appreciate your video.. I have repaired my left rear window regulator. And may I congratulate you for this Video, and for the EASE that I carried out the EASY chore.. So mate from a Grateful ''backyard macananic" ;) From "Down Under" in Aussieland. (Y).

[@benwang1006]

this video helps me a lot replacing my e39 528i rear window, thank you for film this video :)

[@ripdawg]

Great material & well presented but sombody get this poor guy a glass of water.

[@oogiemaster]

I could never finished this video. I kept falling asleep!

[@only1balto]

Thanks so much for this video. I haven't done it yet- but I'll need to. I really appreciate the vids!!!

[@BartoszXIV]

Thank you so much! I managed to replace regulator today in my 523i :)

[@BartoszXIV]

For some reason it stopped working again after 2 years so nice to be here again ;)

[@BartoszXIV]

today replaced another one on the other side... does this ever end? XD

[@natanielgwizdala7286]

Very helpful

[@vanbellenl]

Thank you very much for this. Made the job a lot easier :)

[@thooke222]

If Only I could do this as fast as your video...

[@BeamerFanaticsE39E90]

Thank you I really needed this video. keep up the good work we need more videos like this on KZbin

[@YuriyG14]

Thanks a lot,good job.

[@Gcal1956]

thank you sir!

[@y0Special]

Pro tip if you want to do this but your window is stuck up. Remove all the trim around the window and you dont have to lower the window. You can pull it right out.

[@bmwnasher]

Great video. Only trouble is my window is stuck up, any ideas.

[@marioperez-kb2wl]

My driver side door was replaced some time ago due to getting hit. I did not test it before I took it home it doesn't work. I don't sit back there never realized it. I wonder if the body shop ever connected or replaced the regulator. I am going to attempt this and see if the regulator is even in the door. Wonder if you would put the mfg part # up not lazy just easier.

[@tgreg990]

Very good except: 1. The problem with my 528i 2001 broken window drive may have been the computer causing the the motor to drive the cable out of its retainer and into the top pulley. Do I put a new drive mechanism and cable in and have it happen again?. 2. Both rear door windows failed at the same time, after a 1 mile drive, parked in the sun, and then tried to open all windows. Crunch from both rear windows. The hadn't been driven in a week. Star shaped bits were need to unscrew some parts

[@davidsoppsr2196]

probably a stupid question but how do you tell the left from the right in rear. mine is the rear passenger I'm assuming that is left

[@mocrg]

I have the window shades does that change removing anything? And what about the rear quarter window shade?

[@keatonstout]

What size torx is used ?

[@zora2hip72]

Where can I buy the bottom regulator fastener...my original didn't come with one but I noticed my window moves now that I've replaced the regulator

[@BentleyPublishers]

Tori Sharpe Try looking on www.realoem.com. Get the part number. Put the "BMW" in front of the part number and paste into google. You will find many retailers selling the part. Or call a dealer with the part no. That's generally how I go about it for small inexpensive parts such as fasteners. Good luck.

[@LuViNaToR]

Anyone knows how to remove rear window panel for 2008 528i, I found two screws one on the bottom and one on the side toward door hinge area. Then, I can't remove the panel. Am I missing other screws? There is no screw by the door handle for 2008 528i... Please help!

[@BentleyPublishers]

Your E60 rear door is similar, but differences apply. First disconnect the battery cable for safety as there is an airbag in the rear door. Observe all safety precautions in your manual. There are 3 screw covers that need to be pried out first before you can access the mounting screws. One is the airbag emblem cover, one is at the bottom of the door panel, and one is on the the leading edge of the door panel. Once the screws are removed, unclip the perimeter of the panel from the door, including the clips along the top of the door. With the panel fully unclipped, slide the panel up off the center retaining clip and disconnect the bowden cable at the door lock. Replace any damaged (white) clips. Remove plastic lock from center retaining clip on the door and reinstall into door panel. Check operation of window and lock upon assembly.

[@Dave35425]

I just bought the 528I 2-part hardcover repair manuals for $160 from Double 02 Salvage. Just perusing it I know it is not a factory shop manual but nonetheless it does have a lot of useful info and is 20X better than a Chilton manual. I am concerned however that upon going thru the process of removing the rear window to get the actuator out the book does not show or mention removing the outside trim piece which is essential to get the ear window out, yet in your video between 1.21 &1.35 you show it. Is this what I can expect from other parts of the book? Missing info? It would also be nice if you included in the R&R info what size torques , hex heads or bolts need to be removed..................

[@kyebroussard3188]

I mean it's assumed that you'd have to take the piece off if you wanna get to it lol

[@fotomedia1]

Is the installation on an e39 528it wagon rear door window the same as the sedan? Also, How do you determine whether it's a faulty window regulator or the motor? The motor seems to be working but the window doesn't roll up all the way, it stops the last 2 inches of being fully closed so I have pull it up by hand.

[@BentleyPublishers]

***** Hi Peter, Wagon rear door will be similar if not the same. It has been awhile since I was last inside an e39 door. Sounds like a regulator issue to me if you can pull the glass up by hand. With the window half down, does glass move lot when you pull on it? I would suggest you remove the regulator from the door to inspect the plastic parts, especially the driving dog that drives the glass. Good luck.

[@fotomedia1]

BentleyPublishers I just went ahead and bought a new regulator with motor to solve that whole issue either way and I installed it today. Your video was a big help. The process took about an hour. Thanks for the tips.

[@8liljon]

Peter Foto npqp

[@zd1322]

2nd time in five years left hand rear window regulator has failed. First was a motor pulley and cable issue, now the sliding window guide got chewed up by the bead on the lifting cable. The metal on the window guide is worthless cheap pewter like material. The design stinks. Similar to the driver's side front door handle, which has broken off in my hand for a 2nd time as well. Engineered failures?

[@zd1322]

1999 BMW 528i.

[@2200char]

My question is do you really need to remove the glass completely.

[@WronaKris]

+2200char No you do not he just did that so the window doesnt drop into the door and shatter i used blue painters tape to gold it to the door frame

[@2200char]

Thank you for the response. I ended up postponing my fix because my 1998 540i has air bags in every door and I don't want to mess with those.

[@Dave35425]

+2200char Yes ,you do or you can't get to the upper torx bolt holding the regulator frame.

[@iamjesper]

how the fuck do i re-install the trim that he takes off at 1:30?

[@MrStewart681]

I had an e34 and then an e39 520i and now an e39 523i, the e39s are very brittle cars and with many problems, the e34 was built much better, they tell me that many newer bmw have many problems, for me bmw is not plus a premium brand. Here too it is absurd to have to disassemble the glass to change the mechanism, it was enough to leave a hole in the glass to disassemble the torx, the engineer who designed the glass what did he think?

[@luckyhack78]

they say the same from E60 to E39 , it always be the same , how newer it is, how worser it is , however , the e39 is a wonderful car !

[@MrStewart681]

@@luckyhack78 It will be a wonderful car but the reliability is not that wonderful,sorry.

[@mikeobot]

All these American videos going on about safety every 10 seconds is super annoying.

[@jeffrunyan2691]

You should include the sizes of the fasteners so they know what tools to use.