BMW Z4 Window Regulator REPAIR (Cable) - BMW Z4 E85 / E86

BMW Z4 Window Regulator Repair (BMW Z4 Roadster / Z4 Coupe) E86 E85 window regulator cable repair. EVERY step SHOWN in this BMW Z4 window regulator repair DIY!
Can you hear the electric motor turning but your BMW electric window not working? Or maybe you heard a bang that resulted in a BMW electric window fault? If so, it is likely that your BMW Z4 window regulator cable is broken and so a window regulator repair cable kit is required.
In this video, I demonstrate on my BMW Z4 coupe E86 (same process on BMW Z4 roadster) EVERY STEP required to repair a window regulator using a window regulator repair kit.
💥 I have done quite a lot of OTHER VIDEO’S on the BMW Z4 💥 Check them out! 👉 • BMW BST Airbag Warning...
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Cars covered by this video:
BMW Z4 E85 2003 - 2008 (This is the Z4 Roadster)
BMW Z4 E86 2006 - 2008 (This is the Z4 coupe)
Models: Z4 2.0, Z4 2.2, Z4 2.5, Z4 2.5SI, Z4 3.0, Z4 3.0SI, Z4M ROADSTER, Z4M COUPE
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🙏 If you would like to share this video, thanks and here is the link: 👉 • BMW Z4 Window Regulato...
You can also find me on Facebook at: 👉 / philatrevivemyride
00:00 BMW Z4 Window Regulator Repair
00:10 BMW Z4 E85 Window Regulator Repair
00:20 BMW Z4 Window regulator repair kit
04:50 BMW Z4 window regulator removal
08:46 BMW Z4 window regulator cable replacement
08:57 BMW Z4 window cable repair kit - installation
Affiliate links: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission. I always try to link to parts and tools with the same criteria as I would if buying for myself, which is usually a balance of price, quality cost etc. In most cases (but not always, due to changing availability over time) the tools, parts etc are the exact ones that I used in the video.
DISCLAIMER Please note that this video and its content is intended for information purposes only. Although every effort is made to ensure that all the information is correct, there is no guarantee that this is the case. This video should not be considered a substitute for seeking independent advice or the services of a professional. Any work that you carry out on your vehicle or vehicles in your care are at your own risk.
#bmwz4

[@rogerclarke1748]

Unbelievably fantastic video, so detailed and excellent description of the whole process. Really, really good job. As with the comments below, saved me hours and no doubt loads of money. An absolute credit to the KZbin community. Keep it up and thank you. 👍

[@ReviveMyRide]

Hi Roger, Thanks very much for your comment, really appreciate it! Yes, I tried to show everything. Makes for a longer and more detailed video (too detailed for some people! lol!) but if you want to DIY the job, you need really do need all of the info. Really pleased that it helped you with your car 👍 Thanks, Phil

[@mrmarcuscars2072]

Following your instruction is great. But I found one more easy way to get the last big plastic wheel in place. 2 way around with the wire just as you did both up and down and put the wheel in place but with the wire slacking. Then put the wire on one of the other 4 plastic wheels and slide the wire in place and last, put the wire in the two brackets that slide the window up and down. Also If you use the old plastic wheel or if you buy a new set, note that the whires may go the other way around in the plastic wheel. Sorry for my bad english. I´m from Sweden. :)

[@ReviveMyRide]

Thanks for sharing! There’s always more than one way to do a job and anything that makes it a bit easier is a good thing! If I have to do it again, I’ll definitely look at the information that you provided! 👍

[@Dvd888]

Thank u so much with this detailed walk thru. Just spent the morning replacing the cables using this video and all fixed and working a treat. Garage wanted £650 to do the job

[@ReviveMyRide]

@ps8225 Thanks for your comment! I'll be honest, it was a difficult video to film and edit, so I'm really pleased it is helping so many people save some money! Not the easiest job either but wow, a £650 saving! Not too surprised though, the full part from BMW is expensive and then at least a couple of hours to fit it... Cheers, Phil

[@michaeldaum]

That was really the best video I've seen so far, thank you very much for that. Translated by Google since my English is not the best 😀

[@ReviveMyRide]

Thanks so much! I use google translate all of the time, it works really well. Glad the video helped you 😊 cheers, Phil

[@chrisfaulds8618]

Thankyou for this video, I just wish more folks who created tear downs were as thorough explaining in intricate detail. I've ordered the materials for the job 1x repair kit 5× stainless m8 flush head, slim nut fasteners. This detail has been a godsend as it means I am more likely to be able to get the job completed in one go, rather than realising I need more hardware to finish part way through. I have got as far as removing the door card and CAREFULLY removing the tacky black perimeter of sealant around the foam. One tip I can recommend when it comes to removing the lower plastic pop clips on the door card; Take your time to locate each clip and work along to apply pressure in stages, rather than pull in one go from the bottom outer edge. I also used 2 to 3 plastic glazing packers (wedge type). Work one in, to one side of a clip, then put a second in a little deeper to the other side of the clip. Keep alternating this method and it gently levers the clip (less chance of breakage). Thanks again, all the best!

[@ReviveMyRide]

Hi Chris, thanks very much for your post! Also, some great tips there for removing the door card with less chance of damaging the clips. I have some of the packing pieces you are talking about and will definitely give it a try! Cheers, Phil

[@edwin3143]

This is the best repair video I’ve seen, this is going to help me loads tomorrow ! Cheers !

[@ReviveMyRide]

Thanks so much! This was actually quite a tricky video to make and explain. Great that this has helped you, hope you got on with the job ok, it's not the easiest DIY. Cheers!

[@kadirates1465]

This is just great, everything needed is shown and explained in such a sufficient way. Great work!

[@ReviveMyRide]

Thanks very much! 👍😎

[@toumbi]

I suggest anyone to set the position of the lift to ~26cm between the top corner screw ( center of the wheel ) and the hole that is use to fix the glass before mounting the motor back.

[@TheNazaranto]

Really help me, thanks 👍

[@ReviveMyRide]

Great to hear! Thanks for your comment! 👍

[@donchan1622]

Thank ur so much I just my got done and u video help alots..!

[@ReviveMyRide]

@donchan1622 Great to hear! Glad the video helped you, it can be a tricky job... 👍

[@paulgnovak5489]

Thank you ☺️

[@ReviveMyRide]

No probs at all, hope the vid helped you with this job, which can be a bit tricky… cheers, Phil

[@tommymagsino7421]

Good job

[@ReviveMyRide]

Thanks!

[@johncache3856]

Best Video My Regulator is Fine again 😃

[@ReviveMyRide]

Thank you! Good work, it's not the easiest job! Cheers, Phil

[@ron8566]

@22:22 I don’t exactly understand this part of setting the rear of the glass. In my case, my new glass has the plastic sandwich pieces already attached. Can I leave this alone and simply line it up and screw in the bolt?

[@ron8566]

What a minute - now I think I see that the Plastic sandwich sits on a “hook” on the regulator.

[@ReviveMyRide]

Sounds like you got there! Sorry if that part wasn't clear! Cheers, Phil

[@samsalud2412]

Hi! Thanks for this video. I was wondering if it is possible to force pull the glass up (stuck on down position) without removing the regulator while im waiting for my repair kit to arrive?

[@ReviveMyRide]

Hi Sam, yes you can! In fact, I did exactly that but didn’t show it in the video, maybe I should have. It is still quite involved though, you will need to remove the door card and access the mechanism, then detach the glass from the regulator on the left and the right. You can then lift the glass up. I used two pieces of wood, cut to the right length and with “vee” shale cut in the top where it touches the glass. You can also use holes in the inner door to put a temporary wood screw through to help hold the two pieces of wood in place. Hope that helps! Thanks, Phil

[@rossmaitland9848]

Amazing video! Don't suppose you have a link for the cable repair kit by chance please? I don't want to get the wrong one!

[@ReviveMyRide]

Hi @rossmaitland9848 I didn't to recommend the kit I bought because I had an issue with the reel / spool. It looked like it was 3D printed and was a little too large. It wasn't a problem for me, I just reused my old one as it wasn't damaged. But if you just need the cables, it worked fine for that: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324917595290 Thanks, Phil

[@joseperez4561]

@@ReviveMyRide Great video which was essential viewing for me. To be honest, I had to keep referring back to it countless times during the job! I’d never have been brave enough to attempt this repair without your video, so many heartfelt thanks. I too had issues with the plastic spool that came with a repair kit I bought on eBay; the cables supplied were fine.However they sent me the wrong side spool…(drivers side, instead of near side left.) I spent an age trying to thread the two cables onto the spool just like in your video,to no avail. After repeated views of your video and a lot of head scratching & cursing, I eventually worked out that the spool supplied was a mirror image of the original spool! I ended up using the original spool, after cleaning it up. Cables went on easily this time!🤣 Thanks again…much appreciated.🤙

[@ReviveMyRide]

@@joseperez4561 Ah man, I'm with you! It's actually quite a tricky job. Glad the video helped you but there are so many variables, other DIYers are bound to come across new issues. Can't believe the wrong spool curve ball they threw you, well done figuring it out! That would have been half a day of trying for me because I'm so stubborn! lol! Cheers!

[@pauldavison2012]

I have the same problem with my G32 6 Series GT Rear Right window regulator, (broken wire or cable) where do I get the new cable from to do this job please motor and all else is good the cable is rusted through and snapped

[@ReviveMyRide]

@pauldavison2012 Usually there are a lot of these kits on Ebay, that's where I bought mine. Sometimes the quality of spools and other equipment is poor in thembut usually the cables are ok. As always, look for a seller with good feedback. Allow plenty of time to do the job, could take all day if you have some minor issues. You can also get them from BMW but they usually want to sell you the whole regulator mechanism. Cheers, Phil

[@pauldavison2012]

Many thanks fir your reply much appreciated. I also need the wheel as the frayed cable has damaged the grooves. No kits for mine on ebay or anywhere else but got the new galvanised 1.5mm catenary wire from a supplier in England for £3.50 and I can probably get the 2 end ferrules off and resolver to the new wire. BMW will only sell complete Regulator £317.75 2 day delivery time but I found the name of the maker on the unit with the gear wheel in it and I have e mailed them ref purchasing the gear, will let you know how it goes, Many thanks for the video as it's the principle that matters as all Window Regulator units are very similar.

[@ReviveMyRide]

@@pauldavison2012 Hi Paul, some good creative thinking there! I hope it all works out for you because that would be a good solution and yes, if you have time, would be really interested to hear how you get on! 👍

[@toumbi]

I followed your tutorial , it helps a lot , unfortunately the kit i bought on ebay is a sh...it. the motor wheel is 40mm on the kit , but mine is 38mm and the crossing cable lenght also is around 40mm shorter (i remarked that cause the both lift where not moving to the same final position ) and i couldn't event reuse my old motor wheel waiting for new parts .. I bought 5x16 mm flat head screw to fix the plastic cover in case you wonder what to use to replace the rivets. @ReviveMyRide do you have any reference for the kit u used ? . also is it possible to replace a corner wheel ?

[@ReviveMyRide]

Hi @toumbi Sorry you have run into problems. Unfortunately, there area lot of kits available and a lot of variation in quality. I didn't want to recommend the kit that I used because it wasn't perfect either, one of the cable ends (that has a large white plastic clip on it) wasn't correct for my car and I had to transfer it from my old regulator. I also didn't use the wheel but mainly because the quality was poor (rough 3D printing?) and my original one was still in good condition. Regarding the corner pulleys, I'm not seeing any kits with these but you can buy a complete window regulator that comes with them. Just linking to an example: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351865601511?fits=Car+Make%3ABMW&hash=item51ecd2fde7:g:05YAAOSwzaJX9EL~&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8PCIy5uBR4fMbakqG1LGV8HNFKXVbW8vTeWlAkle6BkRxiKnfh7QlXXaAn%2BKdS4P8DMKfsCeQQ5BXPVD3toAeQkJ7zKbfC%2FofbBpb6EsqMeqdLPpPDEkvgWYUucsEEjeSh9ec%2BannIFB08jnU6ddWO3soVD243MXyrGdgRWolRbYZBAkLR%2BUQSukW9DJGGUEzVO5GEMCfQHOJkp6Zt0sGLCHXesihI1G2OwzhkvZx30xn%2FFjpq9LboClvjUf6Sw0Rh1yyfmsbUrHNHWbsU%2BMVknbNfv20x%2BnlOGo%2BQIzNL5tZZvlO3gRMQ%2BOc25ofEcwpA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6rrm8jrYg Hope that helps! Thanks, Phil

[@toumbi]

Hi @@ReviveMyRide. I will by a new regulator complete , I can't wait to fix the windows open. Anyway don't buy the 40mm wheel for your E85 z4 cause it's not compatible and double check the 2 lifts move and stop the same position while cable is in place . Thank you for the great tutorial , It helps a lot . 👍👌💪

[@ReviveMyRide]

@@toumbi Cheers and thanks for the additional comments here and above, will hopefully help others that do the job! 👍

[@Mountain-K2]

I have done most jobs on cars even rebuilt engines. No! way, Am I doing this Job its a nightmare. I will just purchase the whole lot and give the Job to somebody els. No Chance.

[@ReviveMyRide]

@Mountain-K2 I can't argue with you! It was a much bigger pain in the @ss than I expected it to be! However, just to say, if you bought the full mechanism from BMW it would be much easier. The hardest part is fitting the cable repair kit and you would potentially avoid that if you bought the full kit... Cheers, Phil