How to fix MINI Cooper Window Motor 2002-2006 R50 R52 R53

How to fix a broken or stuck MINI Cooper window. For 2002-2008 R50, R52, R53 first generation MINI Coopers.
Get the Window regulator here. amzn.to/2SQjszA
Mod MINI's Tools: amzn.to/2QEMznK
There are two different kinds for 2002-2004 and 2005-later, but you can use either if you don't mind swapping the wiring. They are the same other than motor polarity. You can also buy the regulator without the motor, but I recommend replacing both.
Gen 1 MINI Cooper Parts: amzn.to/2AMemOk
Mod MINI Tip jar: www.fundly.com/mod-mini-tip-jar
See all the Mod MINI Videos on my channel: / modmini #modmini #modminiKZbin

[@ModMINI]

How to fix a broken or stuck MINI Cooper window. For 2002-2008 R50, R52, R53 first generation MINI Coopers. Get the Window regulator here. amzn.to/2SQjszA Mod MINI's Tools: amzn.to/2QEMznK There are two different kinds for 2002-2004 and 2005-later, but you can use either if you don't mind swapping the wiring. They are the same other than motor polarity. You can also buy the regulator without the motor, but I recommend replacing both. Gen 1 MINI Cooper Parts: amzn.to/2AMemOk Mod MINI Tip jar: www.fundly.com/mod-mini-tip-jar See all the Mod MINI Videos on my channel: kzbin.info

[@jasonderonde]

Mod MINI so. Question on this. The motor is attempting to push but it seems like the window on mine is stuck down. Any suggestions

[@zachattackzero]

@@jasonderonde Have you tried hitting the door card just below the handle? Apparently that's the key to getting it to work well enough for a couple of movements from what I've read and seen in other videos. Far from a permanent fix, but it might be able to get the motor unstuck or wires to make contact again to work short-term.

[@A_Bad_Driver]

Hey Mod MINI, I had to replace my regulator but I'm having issues with the window making a loud clunk when reaching the top. Any ideas on what it could be? I wasn't able to line up the window to where it was with the old regulator due to the window being stuck when it was down. Any input and response would be greatly appreciated!

[@americanpride9733]

My window is stuck in the up position, is there any way to move it back down to have room on the window clamps?

[@gaylegerig9799]

Good evening... I followed your directions, ordered the part, and did the work. Thank you for your clear directions and advise. I’m a 73 year old single woman (for 30+years and holding) ...the only way I can keep my 2004 John Cooper Mini (his name is Blue) is to begin making as many repairs as I can myself. Feeling pretty darn good about it so far!

[@ModMINI]

Congratulations on the repair.

[@xstorm_8_shadowx]

Heck yeah he’s one of the top 3 people I watch for Mini....but he’s prob my favorite to watch, very good directions.

[@511dirty]

Go gayle keep it up 👆

[@MK_ultra_]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@danieledwards8779]

I'm sooo,!! I'm glad I found this guy ,,,what a great description. Down to every detail. Thank you so much, after repairing both windows on mine, I have to repair my cluster lights on dash or replace the whole cluster.

[@NoahTheFacts]

Today after 22 years, my driver’s side window stopped working. I’m not even mad. An excellent tutorial, as usual. Thank you for all you do for this community.

[@michaelsethcudd]

We're MINI fans. We still have our first MINI that we bought in 2006, and I don't want to get rid of it...ever. I'm just planning to restore it eventually. Anyway, your videos have been a big help, since owning a 15-year-old MINI comes with a great deal of maintenance. My window now works again! Thank you! Cheers!

[@theflyingboxcar4804]

God dang it dude, your videos are the freakin best! I seriously wish every single how-to video on the internet was exactly like yours. Great editing, PERFECT point of view (headlamp camera I assume?) and everything you do is just so clear and easy to follow. I'm in the middle of this project right now, and I stopped and took the time to write this comment because I just wanted you to know how much this (and all of your) videos have helped me. Thanks man, keep it up!

[@ModMINI]

Thanks. yeah, GoPro head strap with a light attached to it. Thanks for watching.

[@ThurmanBrasher]

Thanks so much for this video! I did the window regulator job today watching your instructions. My Mini Cooper window works like new now thanks to you. Amazingly clear step-by step instructions and good video technique. Damn, I'm impressed!

[@thewilddogtales]

A big thanks Mod Mini again from across the pond, UK, I have saved so much money from watching how you can accomplish tasks, so far; power steering pump, Bypass valve, AC compressor, passenger window regulator today, oil seals, power flex poly bushes to taking the front bumper off my Gen 1 Cooper S. You keep us going, where the dealer stealers charge top wack, many thanks and very much appreciative of your videos.

[@qwerrrz202]

Well explained, had to do that job last year on the passenger side. Glad I've done it, garage would have probably charged a nice amount to do it haha

[@psyclepath1964]

You're saving my butt again! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us. I replaced my clutch with your expert instructions, now I'm going to do both window regulators. Thank you again!

[@jttrimble3025]

Thank you so much for this video, I am far from a mechanic or someone who should be touching wrenches, but I followed your every step, and I am back in business. Thank you!!!

[@grimfic]

I don't know much about cars; just did this job at home. Video was superb. Thank you. Took me over an hour. Few bits were quite tricky, especially the two hidden white cable clips at the top. One just snapped when removing. And when installing, one had to go upside down. I swear it wouldn't go in any other way. Window smooth and now running better than any other part of the car.

[@nedflanders5380]

Thank you for your commitment and selflessness to help us keep our 4 wheeled nightmares alive 👍

[@Greek2Me64]

The PERFECT video! Using the "head" camera (rather than a stationary mount) gave a "birds eye view", I could see exactly what he was seeing and every step was explained perfectly and breifly, all I needed to fix this problem without wasting time or effort! VERY well done, thanks so much!

[@hershelatkinson5245]

If the window goes down when it’s suppose to go up, you have to remove the four screws holding the motor in place and pull it out a little and turn it 180 degrees. I had it do this on my install. A great video helped me a lot. Thanks for providing them.

[@ssferrari98]

do you completely separate the motor from the regulator?

[@raybarnett5290]

Thanks for this, the local garage wanted £389 to do this job with original mini parts. Ill have a go at most things so I went to the local car breakers, got the part second hand for £55 and within 3 hours I had the job done, really thorough step by step video! 👍

[@JulieRoo]

£55 second hand? That is way high for a used part, I'm looking at less than that for brand new on ebay from big sellers. Around £45 new or £30 second hand. Sorry.

[@sup3rbasscann0n]

Your back Mod Mini!! Would just like to say your clutch replacement video truly helped me !

[@dustinac2474]

Great video!! I was feeling very accomplished until I discovered it was the gear on the motor slipping under load. But it's okay! This will all come together twice as fast the second time ;) Thank you for your expertise! Your channel has been the 'go to' for many of my Mini fixes!!

[@GeneralSpecifiK]

Excellent instructions. I did this job on my then-girlfriend’s car a couple years ago and this would’ve been super handy to see ahead of time!

[@ryanwheeler9735]

Had swap out the glass on my NS R50, this video guided me through the steps, perfect 🙌🏼

[@kraken1521]

Thank you for your video. I've used it twice now in the last 4 years. Once for the passenger side and once for the driver side this week. Your the man!!!

[@cwinne]

Your complete channel is a gem, so much friggin value with these videos. Thank you for another great DIY video

[@2005CessnaPilot]

Did this repair today on my 2002 R53 Mini Cooper S. Passenger door. Went well! Thanks for the video.

[@johnandre6717]

Great video...excellent camera, work concise instructions, no unnecessary commentary...excellent!

[@aldarko9487]

As always......thank you for the best MINI DIY videos.

[@geraldsaylor1850]

Just took the broken one off and new one on using this video. Ive never done work on a car before so thank you very much, this video was perfect.

[@teamquadzilla]

I’m a car guy now. 😎 Thx to this video, I performed the repair first try. Saved me nearly $700 as quoted by 3 local shops. Great video!

[@switchbladeslaydn6468]

@Mod MINI Hello Sir, I just don't know how to thank you! A very good friend of mine has the same model and the same problem. Thanks to your amazing tutorial, we were able to fix it. Thank you so much and keep the great work up, greetings from Germany!

[@keithjefferies9862]

Well done very impressed good to see a quality tradesman at work

[@tylershimek6806]

You have saved me so much time and money with your videos! Thank you!

[@natalieroache7686]

Yes great video mate cheers!! Female here doing this job myself also feels great to be able to fix small jobs on a car 🚗

[@ModMINI]

Awesome - good luck

[@TS-lg5fz]

with your help of posting this video, we accomplished the task! Gave us the confidence we needed - father and son - to fix it ourselves and save $$$. Thanks!

[@ModMINI]

I wish my kids would turn wrenches...

[@Cliphip324]

Thank you for simplifieing the steps. Great work! Mini coop windows are back in business

[@ModMINI]

Good to hear. So many MINIs have window problems. I think they all will eventually.

[@DJGunn260]

Just tried this out and fixed it first time. You’re a mad lad. Thank you so much

[@user-mn3wl7sn2x]

Awesome video, everything went in just as you showed and it worked perfectly! Thank you!

[@jacksomb1]

I just want to say two things. 1) If I'm looking for a 'How to' for my mini, I include Mod MINI in the search string. 2) When removing the glass (and your window is fully up), rather than struggle forcing the motor, if you you look down into where the weather stripping was, they're right there and easy to reach!

[@bertchristiaens4687]

Awesome instructions! Watched the video, ordered the new part and installed it exactly how it was explained. Thank you a lot for this great tutorial!!

[@royd7636]

Hitting the door trick didn't work on my 2004 R53 but I was able to remove the bottom half of the motor by removing 2 torx screws (not easy). I then cleaned the armature with some crocus cloth and isopropyl alcohol. That was last summer. Still working great.

[@Slack3rDav3]

One thing that isnt stated in this video is what to do if the motor is reversed. The easy way to fix this is on the motor itself there is a dome shaped metal housing held on by 4 screws. Remove that housing and rotate it 180 degrees, and that will change the direction of up and down. EDIT: also, you should check the direction prior to putting it in by just simply plugging it in before putting it in the car. Can save you the hassle of bolting it up, then having to unbolt it, swap the housing around and bolt it up yet again.

[@j.barreda4303]

Thanks! i followed your video step-by-step and it was PERFECT! Thanks!

[@erisar2001]

Excellent instructing video. I watched it to get me view how to to this job on my daughter’s Mini one . The only think I can add: there is not need to broke the top clips as you can see them from the top of the door and the easiest way is just to open them using just your fingers. 👍 Well done 🥂🍾

[@ModMINI]

That's what I did and explained in the video. I popped them open without breaking. Only difference is tool instead of fingers.

[@JEEROFUKU]

Always pleasure to watch your instructional videos👍🏻🙏🏻🚘🚙

[@bobbobby5724]

Fantastic video happy new year.

[@Cacti_claudz]

This helped out so much I now have a working window on my mini r50 tyvm for posting this !

[@SnaxOnSnaxOnSnaxOnSnaxOnSnax]

This video is super clear and concise. Thanks a million.

[@jasonjohnson9148]

Great video. Very thorough. Thank you for making!

[@annemariesinclair9334]

Thnak you for putting up such great DIY Videos ! You can be sure that because of your Videos there are a lot more cars getting lookaed after than being scrapped. Great Job !

[@hillrunner2]

Great video! Very detailed in what to do. Thank you.

[@robertthrelfall5007]

You are the best person I've listened to in the hole of 2022

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

Man you rock Sir I wish you live next door to me I got three Mini Coopers; 2012 Cooper S, 2013 Paceman S All 4 and a 2015 Cooper convertible. My wife and I have a mini addiction I guess 🇬🇧🇨🇦👍 along with a Triumph motorcycle. Just love the minis so cool to drive not like all the boring SUV’s and other cars around today. Great channel and absolutely amazing videos. Let me know if you’re neighbours house goes for sale 😁😁😁😁😁 I’d be dropping cars off for servicing!!!!!

[@jade-kathrynwells3418]

Amazing video great detail you rock thank you so much!

[@matthewmarien3101]

I'm a first time 03 Mini Cooper S owner. And these videos are amazing! Great job on all the video dude. I'm sure I'll be using them in the future.

[@79Markhicks]

Brilliant video, made my repair very easy 👍

[@caifasjz1-157]

Thank you, it works !!!! You just saved me some money.

[@frystephenw]

Nicely done.

[@catchcarpcarter]

I'm in england but this just saved me so thank you dude the pov makes your videos way better then others as I could see everything just translated it to MY driver side door 👊👊👊

[@ModMINI]

I tried to say "left side" or "right side" but people get confused when standing facing the front of the car. I end up saying "driver" or "passenger" because it should be unambiguous when people hear the funny American accent.

[@tjkumario4951]

Excellent video did one today . One thing I messed up one was keeping the black electric plug clip that goes into the yellow motor connection from snapping when disconnecting it .

[@Deluxesponge]

Thank you so much for this video! Today I replaced it and it works perfectly now :)

[@leopoldoaraujo8849]

Very useful ....this video really made is easy thanks....

[@chrissmifff]

Top Video thanks saved me a garage bill

[@TheRealJustinMorgan]

Mod MINI I'd like to request some Gen 2 repair videos to include countryman models. There are no good tutorials on how to replace a Gen 2 clutch... You MINI repairs videos are the easiest to follow on KZbin. you have saved me thousands on repair costs for my Gen 1.

[@theYJ1]

Great video good job 👌🏽

[@MelissaCole-ow6jy]

Your very good at making these videos .... Thank you

[@unozunoz3705]

Sir, thank you for this video, you saved me 100 us$ with punching method

[@maxwellthomas3610]

Thanks. Made my life a lot easier

[@eoinmurphy210]

great job,much thanks.

[@josedejesus6451]

Thanks brother vídeo work great 🔥👍🏻

[@williamgunther6739]

This guy is awesome!

[@grimfic]

Amazing, thank you.

[@princedark7230]

This guy knows his stuff..

[@djhscorp]

Great vid , thanks for sharing👍

[@gwenmarquez2815]

Best window repair video I found up to now! Hitting the door indeed works, I am wondering if it is possible to clean the motor (remove carbon dust) to have it working better...did some one tried it?

[@ModMINI]

It will work for a while but fail again. The brushes do wear down.

[@robertwheeler3382]

Fun trick. A set of cheap harbor freight oil filter pliers work awesome to turn the cams. thanks for the video.

[@gathrik]

Superb, could not figure out how it was attached, I managed to get an an Allen key on it.

[@Taubenshit]

very well explained ... thanks mate. makex the fixing of my sisters car way easyer . greetings from germany

[@ErickBastida]

Awesome 👏

[@1969Spursgeezer]

Excellent video very clear

[@ia6398]

I have found my Mini Twin 😀 I have a black 2003 Mini here in the UK and it has the exact same interior colouring as yours, oh and it’s got a dodgy window which is why I’m here. Annoyingly, my stuck window is preventing the door from closing so sadly time to replace it 🥲

[@johnbolton9368]

Great instruction video

[@egypsy]

Thank you for an excellent guide to window glass removal, my motor's fine. My only comment is to sugest a small pair of Stilsons, (pipe wrench) to gently turn the knurled wheels is preferable to knocking them with a srewdriver as it prevents them canting over and risking damage to the mechanism, job done, window glass replaced, tyvm. :)

[@s1914]

Another fine vid 👌

[@lorikawa1]

beautiful thanks

[@lizandrocampos8395]

This man has the patience of a saint!

[@ModMINI]

Not patience, experience.

[@johnbiscaino993]

Thanks. Used this step by step to change regulator and motor on my 2002 mini. My question is the motor polarity. Used correct part number for both passenger side window parts. However, up and down are reverse when I tested at the end. I inherited the car with the window not working. Plug on motor only goes on one way. What did I do wrong or more importantly what can I check to fix? Thanks again.

[@grantltompkins]

First, from the bottom of my heart thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Second, a request: Stiff door handle on the r53. A video addressing this would be wonderful. Third, an audacious challenge: r53 full overhaul. The r53 has been my dream car since I first laid eyes on it. I found a well trimmed 06 with one owner and many many issues. It had over 200k Miles, ridiculous amounts Oklahoma red dirt everywhere and obvious issues, but the price was very good. I have done a couple things with your tutelage, but the more I do the more I think it might be easier to overhaul. What might an overhaul cost? (Both if I had a MINI specialty shop do it and DIY) Thanks again. Really happy to see new videos.

[@ModMINI]

Never really seen stiff door handle. Remove door card. Check bowden cables. If not that, then maybe the latch mechanism. Engine overhaul? Certainly in the thousands but you'd have to ask a shop if you are looking for a quote. Might be better to just install a good used engine. You could rebuild the old one while still driving the car.

[@grantltompkins]

Mod MINI I was meaning the whole car overhaul. It almost seems easier that way.

[@ModMINI]

@@grantltompkins I think by overhaul you mean restoration, which is to fix anything broken and renew anything that looks worn. The cost of that varies greatly depending on the condition of the car and what work is needed. Interior/electronics/body parts will be the most challenging, especially parts for which there are no non-OEM manufacturers. In many cases it would be cheaper to sell the worn car and buy a better condition same make/model used car.

[@jorgemora7190]

O wow very good job thakns for your time great job

[@bigjoetheelectrician]

You have a video on how to replace the lock solenoid?

[@jesusorozco3965]

I ❤ your vids!

[@mtbdon2009]

is there an adjustment to snug up the glass to the vertical rubber seal of the B pillar? When the window is up I have an 1/8" gap along the bottom half of the window. I saw how you were able to adjust it slightly towards the front end, but is there a way to snug up the glass from the driver's side towards the passenger's side (left to right)? Thanks and great video by the way.

[@m.aviator99]

thanks for posting this vid. it helped so much! question though; i’ve replaced the regulator but now when it gets to the top it makes a solid “boom” sound. i’m mean it’s a serious thump. the best i can figure is that it’s the spring on the regulator cable being compressed? i’ve watched it as it goes up and it’s as if it goes all the way up then keeps going but it cranks too far or something.. idk

[@oscarisinsane]

I HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE RIGHT NOW PLEASE TELL ME IF YOU FIXED I CANT FIND ANYTHING 😭😭😭😭

[@dennisondenatalie]

So I don’t think I need a new regulator? But when I open the door, my window doesn’t move, but I hear the motor working. Then if I push the window down it does go back up when I close the door. What part do I need to replace in that case?

[@marshallmckay2434]

Hey mate just watched your video and was wondering what the possible cause of my problem is. I have a 2004 Mini Cooper r50 and mr drivers side window is still working properly however when using the auto up and down mechanism the motor seems to keep going after the window is down as far as possible and the same for up. What should I do

[@strikeminded7399]

Great Job! I love the stand you have t he mini on. What brand are they?

[@pepieuxrental]

Thanks, great help, my problem is the window is stuck in the open position so I can't get the clamps off, other than cutting the cables is there a way to manually lower the window? Thanks, Kim

[@peterroshouse]

Thanks again for another video. I foresee this repair coming on my wife's car soon. The parts link has 2 brands, Dorman and Uro. Which did you use? The Dorman reviews looked pretty poor for quality. Lots of failures in less than a year.

[@ModMINI]

Generally good to stay away from Dorman but if you are replacing both regulator and motor, probably ok

[@jimi1044]

What do you suggest when the drivers window is not going fully to up position thus allowing 'whistling window'?

[@roberteichelberger8660]

I've had to punch my door for over a year now every time I want to put the window down, can't wait to fix it once the part gets here

[@Famaice]

Hi, On my 2004's Cooper, i was fed up to bang my door to unlock the window motor until i watch this video. Checking and cleaning the window motor has been a easy job to do. But now i meet two unexpected problems : 1st : When i close the windows, there's a loud banging noise when the window come into abutment. (But no sound when i down the window). 2nd : I struggle to properly adjust the glass on the gaskets (i guess the BMW special tools are strongly recommanded to do this job). I'm taking any suggestion or advice to fix this problems.

[@JamieB2111]

Hello! Thank you for the video it is super helpful. My window is currently down and will not go up from me pushing/pulling up (hard). Any ideas?

[@ModMINI]

Cut the regulator cable maybe.

[@wldrose23]

I have recently been having problems with my windows. We had a bad winter and they wouldn't roll down. Now that it's warmed up, they do but I have to hit the switch a couple times. My driver window screeches now. Do I need to replace the motor?

[@zachattackzero]

Mod Mini, first thank you for all of your 1st gen MINI videos! You've single-handedly enabled me to replace numerous parts on my 2005 R53 from brakes to struts, and more! I look forward to watching all of your future videos and using your existing videos on future repairs! You are THE source for R53/R52/R50 repairs as far as I'm concerned. Do you happen to know if this part has failed? I have nearly purchased this replacement regulator for my passenger window, but most of the Amazon reviews have said that it lasted them a few months. I haven't checked the price from the "stealership" yet, but I'm sure it would be astronomical compared to the Dorman part too unfortunately. Thoughts and/or experiences? Any other aftermarket part that might be actually as good as OEM, but with an intermediate price perhaps? Thank you in advance!

[@ModMINI]

Are you asking if the replacement part has failed? I have no idea. Owner has not come back. I've installed several of these with no complaints. If you don't trust aftermarket but don't want to pay OEM prices, look for used on eBay or at a junkyard.