BMW 1 Series - E81, E82, E87 & E88 (E8x) 2004 - 2013, Window Regulator Replacement - Full Guide

Hello everyone and welcome back to the channel, and welcome to another video with my little BMW E82 1 series.
In this video, I will be carrying out a replacement of the window regulator in the front passenger side window due to failure of the original.
What happened on this particular car was that when the door opened, the window, instead of dropping ever so slightly as you would expect on the coupe models, it dropped all the way down! Once at it's lowest position, it then wouldn't come back up and sounds of breaking cable could be heard within the inside of the door.
Upon removal of the doorcard, it was obvious what had happened. Thankfully the window motor was in fine, working order.
As you will see, replacement of this part is relatively straightforward with a little mechanical knowledge and should be within the abilities of most.
Link to my doorcard removal video - • BWM 1 Series (E8x) Doo...
The link to the exact regulator that I purchase for my car can be found at a very reasonable price from the link below.
ebay.us/65SSiT
As recommended, you should use non-marring plastic pry tools to remove your vehicle trim to prevent any damage, linked below.
ebay.us/JI4w7c
All links to products are affiliate links for which I will receive a small commission on any purchase made, at no additional cost to you.
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[@Jasoncameltoe]

Few tips.
I didn’t need to remove outer door trim.
When removing sound/insulation pad, just use a plastic scraper and slice through the “insulation” while peeling the pad off. I had no damage to mine. Hot day helps.
The sprocket has a T20 on the close side and Allen key on the other, punch/screwdriver and hammer works pretty well on a stubborn one.
I was caught out by the alignment I’m about 2 mm short of the top trim. I cleaned the window when I took it out so couldn’t see the old line.
Excellent video. Thank you.

[@michaelold7357]

Very good narrative for replacing the regulator--many thanks!
I just did this on my 2008 128i Convertible, and I have two observations: (1) I had trouble fitting the glass into the channel inside the door and toward the front of the car. If you first insert the glass into the visible channel ABOVE the door, then guide it into the door progressively front to back, it seems to fit much more readily (for me, anyway). (2) There is a fair amount of adjustment available for the glass when mounted on the regulator. I got a very good fit by lifting the glass up and toward the rear before tightening the thumbwheels (or whatever they are).
Thanks again!

[@tome4796]

A little hint. Just did the job using this guide. That starwheel which hold window in place, on the end of the stub there is inner Torx 20, on the left side you can get in with the key, and on the right side you can use small ratchet if you lower window enough - there is a cut out :-) it helped a lot with tightening as you can really feel how tight you are making it.

[@Jasoncameltoe]

Also used the T20 on the sprocket, I also don’t remove my outside door trim,
But, in hindsight I should have aligned the window using tape, before I tightened the sprockets up because the window seemed to have dropped about 2mm.

[@chconger]

Just lost my regulator today. Thanks! This is a excellent overview. Looking forward to the job now.

[@TheLynx636]

Top tip for those hand wheels. I've seen other methods and this is by far the easiest. Tackling this today on mine 👍

[@alastair2001]

Really amazing video super clear! I wish all car videos were half as good as this. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this.

[@derekhaworth5036]

Great to see someone explaining. Helped me 100% cheers

[@user-pt2lc9zw3v]

Just what I needed - excellent video - Thank you! - especially liked how you got the 2 wheels off using a hammer and punch - exactly what I did right before I found your video. I have to admit I was cringing with every hit of the hammer expecting the glass to crack but it worked to loosen them up and get them off

[@kristianlazarov270]

many thanks pal :) we just changed our regulator watching your video :)

[@Kpt.BirolBaydar]

Thank you so much brother. Best explained video. Very helpful

[@SourceEastAnglia]

I have a e81 oddly the window works ect, but I've noticed it doesn't sit true/square would you say it's the runner or is it adjustable ? But being a 3dr I've noticed the glass often catches the Piller trim

[@eduro1660]

Hi! I am having some problems with the adjustment. It is slower than before and when closing the door doesn’t go up as should be. Any help??

[@Jasoncameltoe]

You need to realign the window using the nasty sprocket nuts. You will notice the hole in the glass is larger so there is room for adjustment. They need to be pretty tight to.

[@BB-if1ng]

Incredibly useful video, thank you

[@SourceEastAnglia]

After watching it looks like i may just need to realign it with the b pillar (using the star) screws

[@KevsShed]

That should do it mate 👌

[@newcybrown6352]

Very informative video ,cheers .

[@eduro1660]

Hello, I just did it on mine. I have noticed that it goes little bit slow and when closing the door goes up just half than the other door. Any advice? Thanks!!

[@davemcw13]

Great video 👍

[@edva135]

Hello,does anyone know where to look at if when i open the door it looks like the window drop is too late? and when closing window fully or when closing door,the window hits its place with sharp click sound somewhere.. Can it be the star nut is a little loose making a window somewhere loose too with all these sounds?

[@MiguelTorres-rs2rd]

hi guys I have a 128i 2010 convertible, I did change my window regulator in my passenger side, I disconnected the battery but now the automatic window drop is not working, before when I opened the door both windows dropped half inch automatically, and when I closed the doors they when up automatically, I looked some videos here in TH-cam in how to fix it but I can't get the doors to work.
anybody had this issue before and how did you guys fix it.
thank you for your help.

[@davidwhitfield6084]

I'm having the same issue with an E82 2010 Coupe. Did you figure anything out? Cheers

[@ThePr019]

Hi, my window doesn't stick to the seals and is tilted to the side so that it is not closed, do you have any tips how to set it in correct position?

[@craigcroly6131]

Alright kev watching your TH-cam video on replacing the glass mines drivers side now my cable ok my regulator has come off any clues how to get it back on?

[@waynepenebaker1800]

Hi, Kev. Do you happen to know the part number for the left rear regulator for the E87?

[@AdeReeves]

I can never understand why the Germans though going to a cable from a slider was a good idea....production costs I guess... Had one go "twang" on my A6, was a nightmare to repair ...