BMW E46 Window Regulator DIY + Ebay Regulator Review

Welcome to ShopLifeTV!
In this video I start my showing you how to take the passenger door panel off of a BMW 2001 325i. Then I show you how to replace a broken window regulator. I used the cheapest regulator on the market so that I can review it for you guys. This DIY can be used for almost all models in the E46 category.
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Disclaimer: Not sponsored Disclaimer: The product links provided are often associated with an affiliate. When using any of the affiliate links I may get compensated for any products purchased using the link. This compensation does not affect my views on the product.

[@brianhardig7115]

Just replaced my driver's side regulator with an Amazon $25.00 unit. Works like a charm. No fitment issues at all. I do highly recommend his tip to tape the bolt to the hex bit. It will save you a lot of headaches.

[@mattj6183]

Can you drop the Amazon link?

[@annellapodaca4280]

You can also snag a teeny bit of that black goop thing and put it on the tip of your hex bit. Less hassle

[@dinud4028]

Hi.. please share Amazon link.

[@ironnerd8336]

Oh man! The feels.... I think this was the first vid of yours I watched when I was having vapor barrier issues. The rain was pouring in the bottom of my passenger side and you sorted me on how to fix that with your door disassembly in this video. You helped with my DISA rebuild, vacuum leaks, valve cover #1, valve cover #2 when I did my VANOS. the VANOS, and two weeks ago when I did my whole cooling system. Now here I am again. Two regulators went while stripping my old tint. You would think I would remember how it's done. If you ever get back to Charlotte or Rock Hill, I owe you a lot of beer.

[@ii182]

Hey I'm having the same issue but from the drivers side, what was your actual problem/fix as water keeps leaking through my armrest :(

[@ironnerd8336]

@@ii182 I put the vapor barrier back on and sealed the tears and bottom with Gorilla Tape. It has been working for years.

[@jamesknightreading]

I just did one of these on a 2003 BMW 320D with a £22 Amazon regulator. In view of your problems, I did not remove the bolts holding the clips to the window. I just loosened them. Also, you might notice there is some position adjustment for the regulator by moving the screws in long slots. Therefore I left these loose until I got the window engaged in the regulator, and only fully tightened them after putting the window up & down a couple of times. Also, rather than keep removing the airbag lead, I just hung it on the lock button with a zip tie while I worked.

[@Potrvlb]

Master tech tip for all, take a little chunk of the black sticky rubber glue that holds the foam protective sheet in place and push it on the bolts then push bolt in to socket. Bolt will be secure when screwing in 2 window bracket holders. 👍😜

[@SHREKALLDAY]

Crazy how much content on BMW there is on this channel I'm in the market for an E46 and this channel has been very helpful as to know what to look out for

[@DriftProductions1]

Massive help. I actually used this with another poorer quality video to replace my window I launched a rock into while mowing the lawn yesterday. Took me a bit but your video was so well done I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you!

[@BrianMattson]

Thank you!!! I’m not a handyman by any stretch, but with your help I changed out our window regulator. Very satisfying feeling doing it myself, but it wasn’t really by "myself." I had you!

[@davedammitt7691]

Nice video. I did mine, and have a couple of tips: I did not unplug my airbag. I used a bungee cord and hung it from the top of the door/window frame. That way, I was able to raise and lower the window without worrying about setting off the SRS light. Also, I don't remove the 8mm bolts that hold the window to the regulator. Just back them off a couple of turns and the window will pop out of the regulator when you pull up on it, and will also pop back down when reinstalling. Other than that, I follwed your video and everything worked fine.

[@usmcromp8769]

I watched 2 other videos on how to do this. 1st guy I didn't know what he was doing or trying to do. 2nd guy seemed like he skipped hella steps in what he was doing, i was constantly lost. Your video though, got me to the finish line. Thank you sir. Much appreciated

[@tarzan30809]

2004 E46 325i 235k still going strong thanks to your videos! For sale just because a 2013 535i in my garage not getting enough use. In case anyone is interested

[@adrianedhouse5175]

Just bought a 2005 E46 and really glad I found this channel. I know I need to look after it but without any previous workshop experience, it does seem quite daunting. Please keep these vids coming.

[@alexiaramirez69]

Adrian Edhouse this channel and 50skid are the best for e46s

[@jookbj]

Adrian Edhouse door panel is a bitch to get back on without clip.

[@waltervashey1979]

I had the same problem with the window dropping in to the regulator. I just loosened the back side track and raised it a little and that did it. Thanks for the videos. They're extremely helpful, and I appreciate them.

[@LabracadabradorBamboozle]

Watched your video and followed everything step by step. Everything went perfect without any hiccups . I would just like to say thank you for posting this great video. I really do appreciate it. You've saved me time and money !

[@kkdiavel]

Followed your steps exactly per your video. Thank you very much for this great video. I managed to find the part on amazon and had no fitment issues, managed the job in under an hour taking great care not to damage the trim. Your tips were invaluable and cost me just £30 to change the regulator, which works perfectly now!

[@Reddwarf1994]

Hey man. I just wanted to say thanks for your superb videos. I have just changed all 4 regulators on my 2003 330i Sedan Sport for a total of £50 with great success. This is incredible! I couldn't have done it without this and your other Vids. Many thanks from Suffolk, England 👍

[@shedthestate5739]

Just done the driver's side regulator, using this video as a guide. Slight fitment issue with the amazon/ebay $25 units. The bolts connected to the regulator, that push through the door structure, were slightly out of alignment, but easy to sort out. First time working on a car with airbags in the doors, so that was an added worry, but just followed your video, and everything was fine. Window working again now. I am just about to do the passenger side as well.

[@encryption767]

Year late but I would like to add that it is usually a good idea to add some grease to these regulators. Bought a cheap one on e-bay about 6 years ago for my 2000 328i and haven't had any issues with it at all. Another thing to do to make sure they don't fail is to make sure the inside the large seal that surrounds the window is kept clean so it doesn't bind or stick when you go to roll the window down.

[@Radices1]

17:05 If you loosen the 2 nuts for the back rail there is enough play to line up the glass bracket. Then tighten the rail again.

[@JoshuaDeanHealey]

Exactly right on the money!!!

[@jonathanalcaraz7001]

You got the best DIY videos for Bmw e46 🙏

[@MrJaz8088]

Agreed E46 330i owner here

[@danielver4484]

I replaced the rear-passenger side using URO about 5 years ago for about $48 and so far it is much better, quality and faster wise that the OEM. I just bought two regulators and Bosch motor for the front doors to replace the OEM. Thank you Jason for sharing this very educational video.

[@andrewmoore5141]

I hope you are still around to read this - Thank you as always, great job explaining how to get this done.

[@flipvdfluitketel867]

Pro tip: I always buy some extra plastic clips when I do something like this. Most of these cars are 20 years old and some clips will break. Replace them to avoid any rattling for that nice BMW feeling.

[@qico9018]

thank you! i prepared and broke 4 clips while installing back the door panel. this was a great tip

[@flipvdfluitketel867]

@@qico9018 glad I could help!

[@Brundleslife]

There is absolutely no way then I’m going to attempt this. I would gladly pay someone like yourself to fix my same issue. Amazing job I give you lotta credit

[@qico9018]

Great video! Still helping after many years, didn’t think I was able to pull it off but it was a lot easier than I expected

[@rickhamilton20]

Great video and it certainly helped me prepare for the replacement. I did procure a $20 Ebay regulator and it fit and works perfectly. Don't know how long it will last but since the original Bavarian unit failed, can't go wrong with a $20 replacement!

[@mvilla4614]

Thank you so much, I just changed out my passanger side window Regulator, using this video. You were 1000 percent on point. I truly appreciate excellent instructions and guidance...

[@pshhh7856]

Bro thank you so much for your videos. Honestly don’t know what I’d do without them. Cheers to you !!!!! Thanks Shoplife😎💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@RaiLosTHisMind]

Just followed your instructions step by step. And everything works perfectly. Thank you so much

[@MEGA93STUDIO]

Thanks, you are the best.I replace my regulator so easy with your instruction.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Glad to help!

[@TheBlueProject-hh9bq]

Followed this video step by step today on my e46 318i and hey presto, one driverside front window now fully functional. Great work you're doing 👏

[@parkerjones4503]

I have found a better way to hold the bolts is the tape residue from the vapor barrier. I've done 5 regulators on 2 different BMWs and it is easier!

[@jess59cab11]

Great informative video I used an eBay regulator and it works perfectly and fitted fine.Just a tip you can use masking tape to hold the window in place no need for a second person.This vid made the job easy thanks.

[@greatpix]

You’re doing a great service for the folks who want to try doing it themselves.

[@fernandovizcaino5564]

Cannot express how much I thank you for your video

[@origachima]

Hey! So I was wondering if you had a vid of how to fix the annoying window-slamming sound that occurs when you close the door and the window is halfway down. Thanks!! I love your vid and utilize them a lot!!!

[@hokiebywater1]

Your videos are always great and I very much appreciate them!

[@paulbrosco281]

happy to have come across this great vid...have two windows in my '04 325xi in need of this procedure. it has over 200k miles and blue book is like zero, but I love it and I'm stoked to give this a try, thanks to your excellent step by step instructions.

[@1BMWdrvr1]

I appreciate the detail, especially at the "clips" and the tabs on the little plastic covers. This is why I pay the "stealer" to do my service! (I'm old). I can only add that with all the labor involved and having to remove the vapor barrier, buy the OM part, so to don't have to do it again in a year or two. Good luck with your new shop, wish you success.

[@alonsolopez8384]

Thank you so much, I finished installing my new window regulator on my 330xi, your videos are very helpful!🙏

[@dopedrums]

You're saving a loooot of people money with these videos man. Thanks!

[@dosvaskosfarms2985]

Just found your channel and you do a fantastic job! we have owned our 325i since new in 2005 and things are starting to go with only 72k. You are saving us a mini fortune, keep up the good work.

[@nickneysari3259]

Thank you for all your DYI videos. I just bought a 2001 ZHP, So Ill be here often as I start working on the car.

[@SniperNuggetz79]

2001 zhp? what

[@TheNostorian]

Car got broken into. Had my window smashed. Made this an easy fix. Thank you.

[@bothermetomorrow]

Thank you so much for this very useful video! It saved me at least 200 euros by doing it myself. Kind regards from The Netherlands.

[@VictorEstrada]

14:33 "hand tight these nuts" lol great video though, watched as I did it myself!!

[@Jocitb4utryit]

Thanks for sharing. Detailed and informative.

[@Docbrut]

Thanks for the video man! had this job done start to finish in 45 mins with your help. The hardest part was fitting the new motor & regulator. Piece of advise take the new motor off the regulator if it's fitted and it'll make it much easier to slide into the door. Cheers

[@kkeshav74]

I've been using eBay regulators for a while now and for the price, they aren't bad at all!

[@garygarner6032]

Me too!

[@julianhernandez5437]

has it been reliable ?

[@alwaystinkering9579]

This was a very helpful video as far as disassembly and assembly even if your new regulator had some issues. Thank you for posting this years ago, it is still very useful. I had a 1999 323i with this problem and used the Dorman part. A couple extra points, my window attachment bolts were very tight and a American Standard 5/16" socket fit better than the 8mm in my case. Also a dab of Goop on the nuts in that red tab kept them from falling out on reassembly. Thanks again

[@normanchong5796]

Most honest and sincer foreman...may god bless u...thanks for sharing your knowledge...

[@hpygolkyone]

Well done. Thanks for taking one for the team on the ebay POS review.

[@blardymunggas6884]

Thanks so much for all your videos. I’m brave enough to attempt the window regulator replacement. I bought a 20 dollars one just now. Cheaper and hope it works

[@l-abi]

It's been almost a Year since you posted this, how durable was it if i may ask?

[@Posted3000]

It's been 2 years now, I too would like to know

[@ehmjauhh5495]

Its been 4 years now...

[@Mr_Jonno]

Did you guys not watch? He ended up ordering another regulator because the right side carrier for the glass didn’t align properly and he recommended not to buy an eBay regulator. It caused more resistance in the window operation and he believed this would cause premature failure of the regulator

[@Mr_Jonno]

Look at 18:10 onward and he talks about it

[@Healthydiscoveries]

I really appreciated this video, thank you. I had to replace the window brackets & nuts along with the regulator... and had a hard time fitting much of it, so there was a lot of connect/disconnect with the negative terminal. As much as i tried to keep the airbag light off...its now on and i cant clear it. Ive tried clearing the codes however there aren't any codes. Do you have a quick fix for turning off that light? I don't want to have to take that the door off again. Thanks so much for the help!

[@DarknesS9814]

Thank you so much! Done replacing both of regulators. Greetings from Poland! :)

[@thySerge]

Dude thank you so much for this video!! It was a tremendous help!! Awesome channel for E46 owners!

[@UnitedJetSetter]

Thank you so much for your video it was very helpful! I went three years with a busted window finally fixed it!!

[@dracomenda2]

You saved our bacon twice with this video! Thanks for putting this up!

[@DieHardChevyMan]

I will give due credit. Your videos are very well done

[@grantleyte2784]

Great tutorial - I've just finished doing this to my M3 and your instuctions were faultless

[@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, essentially 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. Don’t have scanner too expensive and had to pay mechanic $20 to clear air bag light last time I did this job. Also I’m by myself so taped window up to get old one out too.

[@timbailey8381]

Thank you, nice clean and clear descriptions. This is a hard job unless you are a BMW Surgeon by trade. It feels like a difficult puzzle with many pit falls and victories. All good, Thanks!

[@deadtimber]

I bought a couple of different regulators. The cheaper ones, like $29 on eBay and elsewhere are definitely not made as well as the ones that are $50. The cheaper ones' motor holes don't line up so you have to drill them out and bend them, and they don't put all the rivets in that hold the motor bracket to the regulator slide bar! Missing 3 rivets where there are holes for them. Euro is definitely made better, and uses bearings on one end of the pullys.

[@dsbranch9144]

Great video....I would question why the regulator was not working properly in the first place. When I disassembled the door panel and removed the regulator (as per the video!), I found that the plastic bracket that the window connects to was disengaged from the regulator cable. The plastic was cracked. Instead of replacing the entire regulator, the cable needed to be re-inserted and then epoxy glued into the bracket (permanently). Just was a different way and not a professional fix. Any rate, great video and very helpful. thanks

[@bmgstang]

This video was very helpful, thanks!

[@velizarpenchev7426]

Your video was very helpful!!! I did everything by myself. Greetings from Bulgaria :)

[@hawk5177]

I love your videos brother, your awesome to the point and very helpful. Keep posting like a champ. I do have one other request which I'm not sure if you already have posted, but my driver side incliner is not working, the motor works but the part that is attached to the motor is not turning the rod, you can hear the motor work perfectly but the incliner is not moving at all, I was wondering if you could post something that shows how to remove that piece and reinstall to make it work, thanks again.

[@johnjones3648]

Way to, BMW! Thanks for taking a task that should be incredibly simple, over-engineering it, and making it a real pain in the ass. Yay! German engineering.

[@mrlrob3102]

gGreat vid . You know you can use suction cups to hold the glass where you want it , like the ones from harbor frieght .

[@ShopLifeTV]

Yessir, good suggestion!

[@alfredkane3353]

Thanks so much for your excellent videos ! I saw another video by someone else that recommended lubricating the windows if they were slow with WD 40 SILICONE SPRAY, which I did as my front passenger window was slowing more and more till one day it just stopped altogether. Then all of a sudden it started working again so I thought it might be a good idea to apply the WD 40 SILICONE SPRAY, but immediately after all the windows started making that awful rubber against glass screeching noise and the driver side rear window went down and stopped working altogether. All the other windows are working properly now and have stopped making any noises, but the left rear window refuses to work, so I guess I'll be replacing the motor and regulator when I have the money, but thankfully due to your DIY video I'm confident I can do it myself. I also put an auxiliary input to my stock Harmon Kardon unit mounting it in the ashtray "butt snuffer" using your DIY video and it has worked like a charm - I watch practically all your videos and enjoy and utilize all of them ! Yours are so professionally done and I really appreciate the time you spend on your editing and speeding up the tedious parts to make it quicker to watch ! Thanks again - I subscribed after the first one I watched and give a 👍 always!

[@TheRedcroatian]

Hey man! Thanks so much for this video, I was able to change my regulator with ease. I bought one from eBay for $20 and it works like a charm! Btw, here's my tip. Instead of using that blue tape to secure bolts when connecting glass just put a little bit of that black silicone adhesive since it's readily available all over the door :)

[@AlexandruAtomei]

Please make an installation guide for Harman Kardon audio line !

[@albertoarias8494]

Wow, your videos are by far the most comprehensive and instructional videos that any buddy can follow. You explain every step very easy and understandable. Thank you very much for your dedication to help us out with our E46 or E39s. With that been said, I have a question: when you can still hear the motor winding but the window does move either way, is it the regulator or the motor that is failing? Do you suggest replacing the regulator with the motor all together? Thank you in advance for your time and prompt response

[@curiousspectator2025]

This channel is seriously underrated

[@LuisMartinez-yx9jl]

I had same issue with right side not aligning right, loosened right 2 nuts of window regulator and slid up like 1/4” an fit perfectly

[@robertpitt2041]

extremely clear and well presented Thanks

[@jonzxcv]

Referenced this video when I did my regulator today. Thanks a lot man, keep doing what you're doing

[@reytorres9221]

E46 window regulator is very common failures. It will will surely fail if you still have the original parts. I replaced all 4 doors plus the motor too.

[@lulamevasamatar]

Hey! Thanks for your videos! Really help to me with my 323ci coupe. I have a little problem with it. It is about the pilot and copilot window with irregular road I hear noise in the glass or around I don’t know. Someone say me something about the hidratation of the rubber around the door ... Could you advise me! Thanks! Great channel !!

[@nebojsastojiljkovic6879]

Bravo majstore,lepo objasnjeno!!!

[@KamicarzCreations]

Thanks for the tutorial.....job done 🙂

[@cronocide]

thanks to your great video the hardest part was getting the door card to behave itself.😊

[@MrGGLENN2]

Hello, I change the mechanism of all my doors thanks to your video, now the problem is how to adjust the descent and the automatic mounting of the windows. It's all wrong, but like restarting the system by pressing the button once?

[@deemdoubleu]

Brilliant tutorial thanks very much, subscribed. BTW the window might have seemed sluggish because it was running on battery only (without engine running).

[@Statureman]

dude. thanks! the wood block idea is great. this exactly the repair I need to do.

[@carlosGarcia-zl2hf]

Great video on diy 👍🏽

[@richardleejunior]

Great instructions, would off really struggled with out your guidance. Job done works perfect 👍

[@TKBlvd]

I have a 99 e46 and my sunroof wont close can you help with a how to video. Thanks

[@leegod100]

Great video, works perfectly, thanks so much!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Glad it helped!

[@MikeyFraz1]

Wow what a pain in the ass! You’ve got the patience of a saint. Thanks for producing such a competent video.

[@julionavarro6255]

Thank you very much. You saved me $150.00

[@alancooper7062]

I find it easier to leave the fitting of the motor until the window is fastened, this allows you to move the window up and down by hand, the motor is easily fitted afterwards..also put graphite powder in the slides it helps to make it move easier ?

[@williamwilliam82]

Hey, I replaced my window regulator and of course I had to disconnect the airbag. I connected everything back but now my airbag light is on, how can I reset it?

[@johndeszcz1531]

I have tried for over an hours and I can not get those 8mm bolts loose from the glass. I’m going to spray something to loosen the bolts. Any ideas

[@seanl2863]

Hi, wonderful video tutorials but this task is above my confidence (rolls up & down but halfways only) so do you recommend to take it to the people who replaces windshields or to my regular mechanic? Thank you

[@katherinej51679]

We’re those hex bolts reverse threaded? I think ours are but we didn’t know that and stripped the crap out of it. Now it’s the one step we’ve been stuck on for 2 days. We’ve tried PB blaster and about to use an extractor to try to remover them.

[@Triaglon]

Excellent explanations ! You saved my life. Thank you from France !

[@DemonSlayer-df4ym]

@ShopLifeTV Thanks For ALL your programs and HowTo's ...Quick Question brother.... My e90 (SEDAN) passenger side rear window would get stuck at the bottom and not come back up . Changed out both driver and passenger windows regulators. Now both get stuck? ...You aware of this issue?..any advice?

[@H3YdUD3]

easy to follow tutorial, good job!

[@trungnguyen-lv3bq]

how do i manually move the window down for 2008 335i convertible , so i can access the clips for the glass, my window will not move up or down by both left and right switches , thanks.

[@maleksweidan4839]

good job keep its up I learned a lot from you so helpful