BMW E46 electric windows issues

[Splash]

Anyone on the forum had the same issue as I have with the electric windows? My front passenger side window suddenly started giving problems yesterday. when the window goes down, the front of the windows dips and the windows comes out of the rail / rubber at the back. When you try and close it, it must be kept straight by hand, and guided, or it will not close. What is the problem, is the cable worn, should I replace the motor? Any help please, I am driving down to Postmasburg from Pretoria Wednesday, and if I can't open the window, my wife is going to give me a klap........

 

[Shiny]

had this problem in my old e46. its clips that attach to the window cables that snap off. All you need to do is use some cable ties to repair. there are a few DIY's avaliable online so just google. its a common problem

 

[tmoney85]

i still do back ones are fine front one are a problem

 

[Splash]

Thanks guys, I am going to strip the door right after the rain stop tonight. Luckily I have a lot of cable ties lying around..... Will update as soon as I find the problem.

 

[marnusn]

Had the same problem on my E46.
used epoxy on the clips, never came off again, tried the cable tie job...did not hold that long..

 

[Splash]

I just finished fixing the broken clips, and yes, it was completely broken. Someone fixed it before using the smallest cable ties they could find.... I used the thickest size I could fit through the holes. In my case it was the rear clip that was broken, and I also put cable ties on the front clip. Rather safe than sorry......... Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[Yuben]

I had a similar problem. As it went down you heard like a breaking sound.
All the components are plastic and get brittle over time.

I just replaced the whole mechanism. It was 10 years old after all.

 

[Splash]

I had a similar problem. As it went down you heard like a breaking sound.
All the components are plastic and get brittle over time.

I just replaced the whole mechanism. It was 10 years old after all.

That will be the next step. For now I am pressed for time and had to do a quick fix. Still a few other issues I need to sort out in the next week or 2, the aircon must be redone (I installed a Lexus engine and the aircon pump is on the other side of the engine), the FSU must be replaced and the heater solenoid is also faulty.

 

[Yuben]

Gizmo did mine for me.
If u can attempt it yourself and get the mechanism, it will take u abt an hr.

 

[Splash]

Gizmo did mine for me.
If u can attempt it yourself and get the mechanism, it will take u abt an hr.

I will probably do it myself, it took me less than an hour to strip the unit, fix it up and reinstall it again. Installing a new unit is the same amount of work.