Window regulators

2015cs · 09-25-2014, 10:44 PM

Newbie here.

Is it true that the window regulator problem in E46s was solved in the E90? My brother's old E90 has never had a regulator go out, but in both of our E46s over 15 years, we were throwing $400 at these things all the time. I called our repair place right before we bought a 2011 E90 today, and the mechanic said she has never replaced a window regulator in an E90. Not knowing her experience, I asked if she had replaced them in E46s and she said, "Sure--all the time." So . . . I'm hopeful. What can you BMW mavins tell me? Thanks in advance.

mike3000fl · 09-25-2014, 11:32 PM

It actually spread to the door locks too.

Neckbreaker · 09-26-2014, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike3000fl

It actually spread to the door locks too.

yup just did my door actuator not to long ago.

sunny · 09-26-2014, 05:16 AM

On e90 it's $56.00 part and easy dyi.
Amazon doorman.

2015cs · 09-26-2014, 08:35 AM

So, you're say the design flaw has continued into the E90 and my 2011 228i should be expected to be just as bad as my previous E46s???

(If so, given that BMW knows about the problem and it's easy and not expensive to go back to a pre-E46 design that rarely broke, I gotta wonder what they're thinking, as it makes them money in parts but really tarnishes their reputation.) BTW, the door lock problem mentioned by one poster also exists in E46s, where it becomes intermittent, making it harder for mechanics to fix.

BMWho · 09-26-2014, 02:20 PM

I've had to replace the window regulators in all 4 windows, and the door actuators in 3 of 4.

MiniXP · 09-26-2014, 02:40 PM

It wouldn't be a 3 series if it didn't have window regulator issues.

I think its a design requirement at BMW to have window regulators fail on all generation 3 series.

Coming from an e46 myself, I don't think the e9x 328s are much of a change in reliability, but I also think that the e46 is pretty reliable. Most issues are minor with the e46. A window regulator, while annoying, is not really an end of the world issue.

techietaichi · 11-10-2014, 10:22 PM

It's all part of the fun of owning a BMW! Hell, I just ordered both rear regulators minutes ago. Besides, with all the DYI gurus on these boards, you won't be lost man. Embrace the FAIL then savor the VICTORY when you successfully keep your money in your pocket instead of contributing to someone's "bottom line". DIY when you can, feed the monster if you must. Have fun dude.

09-25-2014, 10:44 PM	#1
2015cs Private First Class 10 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 328i Sedan Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Portland OR iTrader: (0)	Window regulators Newbie here. Is it true that the window regulator problem in E46s was solved in the E90? My brother's old E90 has never had a regulator go out, but in both of our E46s over 15 years, we were throwing $400 at these things all the time. I called our repair place right before we bought a 2011 E90 today, and the mechanic said she has never replaced a window regulator in an E90. Not knowing her experience, I asked if she had replaced them in E46s and she said, "Sure--all the time." So . . . I'm hopeful. What can you BMW mavins tell me? Thanks in advance.
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09-25-2014, 11:32 PM	#2
mike3000fl Banned 138 Rep 2,731 Posts Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Tampa iTrader: (0)	It actually spread to the door locks too.
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09-26-2014, 05:16 AM	#4
sunny Lieutenant 45 Rep 472 Posts Drives: E92 M3, e90 330i Join Date: May 2008 Location: central CA iTrader: (1)	On e90 it's $56.00 part and easy dyi. Amazon doorman.
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09-26-2014, 08:35 AM	#5
2015cs Private First Class 10 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 328i Sedan Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Portland OR iTrader: (0)	So, you're say the design flaw has continued into the E90 and my 2011 228i should be expected to be just as bad as my previous E46s??? (If so, given that BMW knows about the problem and it's easy and not expensive to go back to a pre-E46 design that rarely broke, I gotta wonder what they're thinking, as it makes them money in parts but really tarnishes their reputation.) BTW, the door lock problem mentioned by one poster also exists in E46s, where it becomes intermittent, making it harder for mechanics to fix.
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09-26-2014, 02:20 PM	#6
BMWho Enlisted Member 4 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 2007 335i E90 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Missouri City, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i Sedan [0.00]	I've had to replace the window regulators in all 4 windows, and the door actuators in 3 of 4. __________________ 2007 335i - Stock 2008 Pontiac G8 GT - Sold
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09-26-2014, 02:40 PM	#7
MiniXP Captain 69 Rep 718 Posts Drives: 08 335i, 06 X5 3.0 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	It wouldn't be a 3 series if it didn't have window regulator issues. I think its a design requirement at BMW to have window regulators fail on all generation 3 series. Coming from an e46 myself, I don't think the e9x 328s are much of a change in reliability, but I also think that the e46 is pretty reliable. Most issues are minor with the e46. A window regulator, while annoying, is not really an end of the world issue. __________________
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11-10-2014, 10:22 PM	#8
techietaichi Major 294 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Pre-LCI & 2010 X3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Massghanistan, USA iTrader: (1)	It's all part of the fun of owning a BMW! Hell, I just ordered both rear regulators minutes ago. Besides, with all the DYI gurus on these boards, you won't be lost man. Embrace the FAIL then savor the VICTORY when you successfully keep your money in your pocket instead of contributing to someone's "bottom line". DIY when you can, feed the monster if you must. Have fun dude. __________________
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