Removing X5 Door Panel, Replacing Window Regulator

[@jasontollas7767]

You guys are always my go to DIY for my e53 x5 and you make it alot easier. I appreciate you "dumbing it down" for us that weren't born with a wrench in our hands - I know i do and need it that way. Thank you

[@lynwilliams3800]

Thanks Eugene...I watched this 5 years ago when I changed my first one...and today when I changed my second. u da man!

[@tedskip]

Excellent job. Straightforward and concise. Glad you aren't one of those who likes to hear themselves talk. Can't stand those guys who yap yap yap, and not even about the subject at hand. Thanks.

[@BoudewijnOomkens]

Thanks for a very instrutive and helpful video. With a prefectly functioning right and left hand, it made a imple DIY job for me. A little advise; next time close the workshop door. It will make hearing what you say a lot easier...

[@robertdavies3048]

Magic I had a rear window shatter yesterday this helped a lot to replace the window. 12 year old Vid but perfect for a 76 year old with a 2003 X5 e53 I have had 20 years and still love. I do most of my own work So thanks for the show how. My first with the window.

[@heinduckdich769]

Greetings from Germany. I have a bmw e53 4,4 v8. I Love this car. Power on the German Autobahn 👍

[@patrickveekay7115]

Keep rocking my man!

[@erickportillo8716]

very good information, the only bad thing was the background noise cars driving by. Thank you for such good information.

[@TheBodT]

Excellent video tutorial! Huge thank you for helping us all save money with this info. I had bought a $30 regulator from amazon which was so poorly made, I returned it and bought the OEM unit from BMW (which is what you showed in the vid). I followed these instructions exactly, except it took moments to remove the door speaker and avoid the struggle of getting the old regulator out and the new one in.

[@DJKA]

Thank you for the video. It was very helpful. You were so lucky the window didn’t fell when you took of the tape. The window is attached to 2 bolts instead of 1. The other one is right of the speaker. When you take the bolts of together with the clips, instead of just loosen them, then you don’t have to take of the fragile strips

[@michaelgaras179]

Terrific Video and Instruction. It was quite simple and straight forward for the people who understood the instructions which I found to be very clear. For someone to go through the effort and trouble to put this video together to help others, I think is great. I followed the instructions and fixed my window and I saved quite a lot of money. Thank you .. it is much appreciated.

[@armetacave5705]

Thank you for your great video tutorial, this is my first BMW and with the all the mechanics shops being closed this was very helpful! Thank You!

[@AutobahnEugene]

Glad it helped

[@donniewilson6564]

I took the Speaker out which made putting the motor side in very easy.... Thanks for the video saved me some money.

[@NickDiLello]

Thank you for taking the time to post this video! I wanted to get an idea of how hard this is and got the finer points from your video! Please don't listen to the winers on here, you put out a video that shows the basics and walks people through the whole replacement, you didn't speed through it and I doubt any of the complainers could do a better video. It is hard to work on a car and take a video at the same time! Thank you very much! :)

[@gloriaowensby1475]

Thanks, 2 of my windows broke within days of each other. Now, I know the name of the part I need to order and have an idea what it will cost. Thanks for your help, Eugene! Keep up the good work!!

[@AutobahnEugene]

Glad I could help!

[@ljbrizo]

IT DOSENT GET ANY MORE SIMPLE ,BEST X5 REGULATOR REPLACEMENT VIDEO ON U TUBE, I BET THE STEALERSHIPS DONT APPRECIATE YOU SHOWING THIS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

[@pzackery]

Thanks again. Just repaired my third regulator and had to watch a part of this for reference!

[@matthewroderick257]

Sensational help. Just what I needed tough job in some ways with all the broken bits from the past owners. thanks mate easy to follow and without alot of dribble. Cheers

[@classicfunctionalhealth3197]

Great Job on the video! Thank you very much for sharing! Please keep making more quality videos like this one. I can tackle this job now thanks to you. Just bought my son an 2001 X5 with some problems. Using it as a project we can work on together.

[@tomc9020]

I've found that taking out the large speaker really helps with reaching in there. Very simple to remove. I'm surprised that's not mentioned.

[@AutobahnEugene]

Great tip!

[@Vardarization]

Dude!! Thank you so much. We did this together with my son, saved %#^$& load of money, and spent quality time with my son. Sincerely appreciated!!!

[@benjaminbenjamins6107]

worked out well for me. although the window bolts were a pain to put back on. I also gorilla glued where the clips connect to the regulator I think that's where the old regulator failed at. also these door panels are not fun. definitely helped me out alot

[@rockystone6096]

Solid methods, good Lil tips on the side. Thanks a lot, Goin to replace my window and regulator now 😁

[@perrieiles493]

thanks - this helped me a lot - even though you drive on the wrong side of the road !

[@four2x4]

I agree. I appreciate the effort to provide a video but there are several questions left unanswered as he goes through was is routine for him. For example, the plug removal from the window switches. They can be broken if not removed correctly

[@catepatton1973]

Duuuuuuuuuuude...... was literally gonna pay someone $50 to put the little plastic clips in my front doors to get them right again. THANKS!!!

[@laurapacheco5535]

Thanks for this vid great job. Next time speak up a bit more though the sounds was a little tough in parts. Cheers

[@langdeezey]

Hey thanks for the step-by-step instructions on how to fix the regulator! Awesome video and very easy to follow. I didn't get it done as quickly as you did, but I got it done and now my window works again :)

[@saeidtaheri2992]

Thanks for this video

[@1chrisg1]

Wow nice video BUT ONE WARNING!!! Just remove the bolt, nut and plastic clip assy on the bottom of the door glass INSTEAD of "just loosening" the 8MM bolts. Then you will have plenty of clearance to pull the glass out of the door WITHOUT removing and / or damaging the very fragile outer door belt moulding. Plus it would be a good idea to order NEW clips and replace them.... they hold a very heavy door glass to the regulater and they cost a whole $2 or less each retail.

[@quaddawg]

PERFECT VIDEO!!! Thanks for not talking or adding silly words that mean nothing. PERFECT!!!! Thank you!!! To hell with the people that this isn't good enough for! They should not be working on their own stuff if this is not enough!!!

[@johnozier4001]

Thank you for this video. It helped me with removing my regulator.

[@AutobahnEugene]

Glad it helped

[@classicfunctionalhealth3197]

Great Video, If some of these morons are complaining about a FREE video and want every detail, they should not be doing this job. Thank you for making this video. I used this to change the regulator in my son's car with no problems.

[@richardmarshall6751]

Very helpful video, thanks Wallace! You covered all the necessary steps, (other TY videos miss one or more important steps). I cannot believe there are folks bitch'n about the production values not being up to Hollywood standards, while offering nothing themselves. Incredible. This video showed everything you need to know to do this job.

[@richardmarshall6751]

Couple of suggestions: 1a) Disconnecting some of the hardware can be tricky. The connectors on the window control panel are all locking, do not force them off (actually applies to all the connectors and the latch). The two smaller ones have latches that need to swing out to release the connector. They are keyed, though, so you can't mix them up. The larger connector has a latch that must be pried full out to release the connector. The door latch light needs to have the clear acrylic base squeezed. The regulator motor has to be squeezed near the top of the connector to release. The air bag connector needs to be pried up on one side (either side...) to release. The door latch has a small "catch" facing you that needs to be released, then gently pull the cable away from door panel while supporting panel, and the latch mechanism will pivot out of the latch assembly and separate. 1) Order new glass clips (BMW part # 51338254781), if the replacement regulator does not come with them (mine did not). The old ones will either have broken "fingers" that go into the holes in the glass and expand the hold the window tight or will likely be brittle and break soon. These parts are only a few bucks each, you can find them on Ebay, Amazon, auto parts online and even the BMW dealer. Cheapest thing in their inventory. 2) I could not get the glass to fully seat with the round, metal "barrel" nut in place, even when loosened to the point of almost falling off. I used a 1.5" bolt of the same thread (6mm-1.0) as the normal (OEM) bolt, to push the barrel nut out completely from the glass retaining clip (part listed above), while retaining it on the end of the bolt (the normal bolt is too short to accomplish this..) I could then squeeze the glass and the clip together, forcing it to fully seat against the shuttle "sled", i.e. the retaining clip fingers was now fully inserted into the hole in the glass. While holding the barrel nut in place, unscrew the 1.5" bolt, push the barrel nut fully into the retaining clip fingers (now inside the hole in the glass) , and install the normal bolt and tighten. If you can do this by merely loosening the barrel nut, more power to you, I could not. Alternatively, install the regulator without the retaining clips, and then install the clip on the shuttle sled, but without the bolt and barrel nut. Squeeze to seat the glass against the shuttle sled, as above, and now install the barrel nut and bolt. Probably easier than the above process, I will try this approach next time one of the regulators fails, which seems inevitable on these BMWs....:-)

[@NickDiLello]

Agreed, quit bitchin! If you don't like it, don't watch. I am very thankful this man took the time to show us the basics, if you can't get how this is done from watching this video, you better not attempt the replacement. One more note, if you disconnect the battery how are you going to wind the window up to the point you can access the bolts, plus it resets all your radio presets, clock, etc unless you have one of the 9v battery to cigarette lighter adapters to hold all of the memory items...most don't have this and would need another video to learn how to use that!

[@SanFranciscoRiderr]

hi great video very helpfull thanks. one quesiton - do you have to disconnect the battery ? why is the disconnect not required or required ? others say there is some service light issue when you dont disconnect ? your thoughts will be very helpfull thx

[@AutobahnEugene]

@nTheQ Hello, The door panel has to come off to remove the outside door handle to see what is broke there. Based on what is broken parts replacement may be necessory. You are lucky if only the linkage came disconnected. Those door handle inside levers are made of pot metal and they do tend to break. Thanks for the comment and watching the video.

[@nesmacinvestmentsllc772]

My passenger side window has a hard time coming back up. It rolls up really slowly and you'll hear a click about halfway up. Is it the motor or the window regulator?

[@TheGreenNewSteal2025]

7yo video still helping people like me out. Thanks. Don't listen to the whiners Wally. Obviously you know what you're doing.

[@DesertDirtRider]

Great explanation and video!

[@AntonioRamirez-lb4rd]

Very good video, I know it has been awhile since you made it but I have a question. I turned the key on without the air bag plugged in how long will the light stay on? will it evenually go away?

[@carlfriedman3976]

VAICO ‎V20-0657 window regulator front left. I did the right rear v20-0660 which is identical to the old one that was in there. Im about to order the v20-0657 which is made in spain by Vaico and the v20-0660 is made in Germany. These appear to be OE. I did the right rear without removing window. Like another person suggests I removed the nut and plastic clip which broke in my hands when removed. If there are any problems that come up, I will post an update.

[@AutobahnEugene]

@BOLTbandpage Howdy Mate, This is a linkage related problem and is very common on these model Beemers. Either the linkage that allows you to open the door from out side is broke or came disconnected. Either way the door panel has to come off to lok inside to see what is broke or came disconnected. By the way thanks for the comments. Makes it all worth it to produce and publish these videos.

[@flash178]

Hey Great vid, Thanks for posting this. This video totally stopped my sevice manager from "Smashing me in the face"

[@heezo1]

Thanks. I fixed my window because of your video!!

[@chiggychiggy4996]

Very frustrating video. Starting with your first removal of the trim - you stand right in front of the camera, then I could hardly hear you for the rest of it and still you kept blocking the cameras view.

[@StephenWitharose]

@Ghost TURD^

[@AutobahnEugene]

We call wally the silent, strong type. Not the right combination when doing youtube video. This is also wally's first video, let us cut him some slack. I think his other videos are much nicer. Subscribe to receive info on our latest video posts.

[@dassehmc]

Do I have to disconnect my battery at all?

[@MR1JUNO]

I have removed the door panel and foam cover as well, but the window does not move up to allow the bolt and nut to removed. My family mechanic said to cut the cable. Problem is window does not go up and is all the way down.

[@Capn_Cantankerous]

Mario Rosales I know its been a few years but do you recall the solution? I'm currently having this exact problem

[@northcoastus]

You don't need any special tool. For the smaller connectors, the bracket on top swings to the back of the connector and releases it. For the large one, you pull the bracket on the back out.

[@timbamler8964]

Fantastic video, thanks

[@popitn2nd]

mine just die out. i couldn't roll down my right passenger window on my x5. i assume the motor is dead. is there around this to get fixed?

[@bluepill9131]

hi, do you have to align the window when replacing it or does it just sit on the clips and fit right in place?

[@AutobahnEugene]

@pisendar I am afraid the door panel has to come off first for a trained technician to see inside and run some tests. Do you have a after market mechanical break down warranty? If you do, you may want to read the terms and see if they cover the cost of repair. Some do and some dont. Read fine prints please.

[@ruffneckdaniel8842]

Great video, 👌

[@kevinbarry496]

I had a quote for a new drivers side door panel for my 06 x5 2grand

[@JimPoff]

I cant get my passenger side door open at all to remove panel and repair lock mechanism. Can you help? I dont want to rip it off on the inside and have to replace the whole panel.

[@enochjames5287]

great video - extremely helpful - it could be improved a little by explaining how all the plugs are disconnected also my view is always buy a set of the little black window clips as they always seem to crumble thanks

[@kristymattix2623]

Awesome video. I took the darn thing apart and helped the window up. Daughter is back on the road with 100MPH tape over the window controls. She can now get her boyfriend to put the new regulator in. :)

[@nTheQ]

Excellent video! I have a different problem. My 2006 x5 driver side OUTSIDE door handle won't open the door when pulled and now doesn't fully retract flush with the door when let go. The inside handle works perfectly and so do all locks. Do you have a fix for a DIY guy. Looking at this vid. I can't see if maybe a cable got over torqued or fell of a track to operate the outside door handle.

[@Bill-in2fo]

nTheQ It’s been 8 years, not sure if you still need the information. Mine did that on the passenger side. The bracket inside the door, holding the outside door handle broke off

[@ediecerrato1025]

do u know what’s the plastic call for the door

[@AutobahnEugene]

The process is similar to the front window repair, but actually probably a bit less complicated. carefully remove the door panel and have a look inside at the piece that holds the glass to the regulator, no doubt the plastic has broken. Dont be too upset with your son, The rear window regulators commonly fail on their own too! BMW released a Technical Service Bulletin on this specific failure for the X5 model. Supposedly "...The window regulator has been improved as of June 2002".

[@pjagg]

Great video! I'm about to replace both passenger regulators on my 2001 X5. Will I need to remove the rear glass the same way as the front? Anything I need to look out for specifically for the rear window? Thank you!

[@hatah_hdj80_roi_du_desert]

Merci pour ce tuto 👌

[@chrislu9473]

I have two questions for 2001 X5, any help will be appreciated. Thank you in advance! 1). Is the same procedure applied to the front passenger side window? 2). The window only goes down for half inch, then get stuck. Any suggestion? Many thanks!

[@1234complex03]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Will try on my E39 530i. Hoping there wont be much difference between this video's X5 and my vehicle's front passenger door, is there? Again, thanks for sharing.

[@patrickveekay7115]

Good video guys!

[@aaronr71]

What are you thoughts as to aftermarket regulator and motor for this repair?

[@northcoastus]

I finally got the window to move. Played around with the switch back and forth and finally it appeared to have jarred loose enough that I could get it to move upward by helping it along. I positioned it so I could see the nut and also feel the clip. It most certainly was the issue. Many more posts on this on Xoutpost,com that show the problem in detail. Getting the $1 part hopefully locally tomorrow and then I should be back in business.

[@vr6redline1]

Great video never mind the haters I appreciate you uploading this video it was very helpful !

[@AutobahnEugene]

Hello, It seems the door latch mechanism inside door panel is in door locked position, even though the little button pops up and down when you use the key to lock or unlock. I am afraid the door panel has to come off to inspect inside to see why the key does not unlock the door. This is a linkage related problem and not very uncommon.

[@bjones1148]

How do yu disconnect the airbag wire from panel

[@guerrero59]

how i can replace the rear glass mount, that small aluminiun guide broke, and when i roll the window all down the glass stuck and it won't go up again, i tried to find the part as a 2005 x5 driver side door rear glass mount, but i do not get any result

[@robertotalavera9016]

excellent video, thanks, you, save me a lot of $$$$ doing it my self.

[@AutobahnEugene]

@Olepersson Hello, subscribe to receive info on our latest videos. Thanks for your comment.

[@northcoastus]

So my window is all the way down when this part failed and I am not able to elevate it so I can reach the bolts to loosen them. Pressing the up or down window switch only moves it less than a quarter inch (1 centimeter) and it sometimes make a very loud noise.... Can I move the window manually?

[@ceasargarzautsa]

Great guide. Thanks.

[@thekidap]

Thanks. I think I need a modulator because the cable won't stay connected to the metal slider.

[@martinparrish9532]

Stealership wanted $550. I bought a new regulator on Ebay for $36 that came with new motor and clips. My wife and I followed the video and changed it in 2 hours. We couldn;t have done it without this vid. The only casualty was the little light that lights up in the door handle that is about the size of a pin head. I can live without it though.

[@armanusa986]

what did this video exp;ained to you about airbag?, what do you know if it is accidently blow up?

[@midi510]

It looks like with the window taped up, you can get the regulator out. Do you really have to take the window out to get the regulator out?

[@RideFixy]

I am wondering the same thing. As I prepare to do this with my car I would like to know if I can keep the glass and trims in place. Would rather not risk bending my window trim.

[@AutobahnEugene]

Thanks for your comment, subscribe to our channel to receive info on our latest videos.

[@MrMightyJedi]

Before removing door airbag you dont need to disconnect battery? And after computer didnt show some errors related with aibag? I mean airbag warning light on dash.

[@armanusa986]

than what makes it good to replace window regulator myself! sooner or later i will bendover for a dealer!

[@patrickpiazza5482]

Anyone know what the removal tool is called, that he uses to disconnect a few of the electrical connectors?

[@AlexGFitnessProduction]

@BOLTbandpage Hell buddy one question how much how the window regulator i need to buy one for my BMW 2001 x5 did you know where can i get one? in SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

[@kevinmoore5631]

man i was so waiting for when he was beating the door panel back on to crack the plastic and how he didnt baffles me. #luckyassdude

[@rurico45]

Great video thanks. One question the passnager some times it opens some times it does not, but when is open it can always be close from the drives or its repective control switch. Could it be just the motor? If so can the motor be replace w/o removing the regulator?

[@firstoutlander]

rurico45 I have the same problem, my motor is no good so I cannot access the window nuts. How do I replace the motor with the window up? Got to whole assembly, of I cut the cable? Any help appreciated.

[@lindalavish]

How do I get the back door on the passenger side open on my 2001 BMW X5? I put the child safety lock on and have been unable to open the doort from the outside ever since (and, of course I can't open it from the inside since the child safety lock is engaged). The latch will go up and down showing that the door is locked/unlocked, but the door won't open. So how do I get it open to figure out the problem and fix it? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

[@rave00fever]

What is the purpose to remove the glass out of the frame? To me it looks like you can still replace the window regulator with the glass secured in the all the way up position. Can you verify my comment? thanks

[@kendziuk6576]

Merci pour votre vidéo

[@thekidap]

Do new clips come with a new regulator assembly?

[@claudecharles9540]

I have the same problem, how can I reach your shop ?

[@Kazbek-Yandarov]

Hello - My front passenger window wont open. From main driver module or from door module still wont open. Also when i close the car or open it ,,, car wont lock or unlock... Please help .- i have warranty on the car it is 2005 ... is it covered by the warranty ?!

[@AutobahnEugene]

Jonathan, if you can safely secure the glass in the all the way up position you need not remove it. However, I attempt to post procedural videos here so as not to cause any one to break their glass.

[@crunkpnoy]

I'm unable to remove the door panels due to the door not being able to open... My father encountered an issue with the inside door handle on the driver's side when attempting remove the door panels. The door was accidentally closed and is now unable to be reopened due to the outside door handle being broken as well. Is there any other way I can get the door open or remove the door panels with the door closed? Thanks!

[@scottplater5916]

very helpful, thanks!

[@thekidap]

I ordered a new regulator. Does it come with new clips?

[@kevinrobles8298]

hey good video but i need to remove the panel x5 2003 rear door/back i cant find out how to do it so im woundering if u can help me ! thanks !

[@EX141FE]

Impressive!

[@MakeTaijitsuGreatAgain]

Thanks a lot

[@JohnStephensUK]

superb!! thanks JS (UK)

[@AutobahnEugene]

You are most welcome.

[@AutobahnEugene]

@langdeezey Our pleasure. more DIY videos ion its way. Subscribe to see them all.

[@chatopwer]

Please explain how to only replace the clips. I'm sure a video is to much to ask but some instructions on replacing just the clips would be helpful. Otherwise, as the regulator is only $50, why not replace it all if you have to open up the door so much? Thanks