E46 REAR window regulator clip REPAIR

[netercol]

as everyone that owns or ever has owned a E46 bmw 3 series knows, electric window failure is not a question of if, simply a question of when..

there is a well known fix around on the net for the FRONT windows using zipties (cableties) , but due to the design of the REAR window clip it is not possible to use cableties to secure it, nor could i find a writeup anywhere on a possible repair, other than replacement. so i thought i would do a quick writeup of my solution..

having fixed both my E46's FRONT regulators previously using replacement clips bought off ebay, as luck would have it, yesterday my right rear window fell inside the door (luckily not breaking the glass)
i have ordered replacement clips off ebay for the rear windows, but needed a way to repair the regulator till they arrive..

this will work provided the cables have not been bent out of shape on the spool, and can be rewound on the spool.

the plastic has broken and is unable to contain the tensioned spring anymore.. the metal of the clip has been formed in such a way that it does provide some support to the spring , the problem is simply keeping the spring from popping free again.. using a strong thin wire , make two u pieces as shown, push them through the spring and wind them up at the back as shown..

seems to be holding up just fine, should last some time even..

hope this helps someone..

 

[KSINGH]

will remember that. thx

:thumbs:

 

[moranor@axis]

thanks for the writeup

 

[Ozelator]

I used a zip tie on my rear one yesterday.. here is a pic, working pretty good, not really sure on how long it will hold tho., biggest issue was getting that damn cable back over the pulley system after twisting into the motor.

 

[zaleonardz]

I had on the E46 this weekend, note that this is a pirate goldwagen one that I replaced 2 years ago, that the actual cable climbed off of the gear and got stuck in the slot behind the gear.

Managed to rewind it, seems fine now.

But will probably buy that OEM next time.

 

[applehero]

Netercol, this is an old thread. But thank you for the write up! helped me do a MacGyver like repair to get my window closed until the new ebay clips arrive!

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