May 27, 2006
Owners of BMW 2002 might be interested in an inexpensive alternative repair for a common problem with the window regulator mechanism lurking inside the doors.
The original crank mechanisms tend to weaken at the pivot point, held together with a rivet. After years of use, this eventually lets go and elicits a rather disheartening "clunk followed by an Inability to raise the glass. I had the misfortune of this experience twice in the last month and in both cases was left with a lowered window and threatening rain-showers. A quick trip to my local BMW dealership provided what is becoming a customary experience of helpfulness and concern.
The service manager offered me an alternative to what was formerly a replacement situation costing $30 in parts alone. The suggested repair was to remove the old mechanism and use a Mercedes Benz "window regulator rivet kit, part number 115 586 01 72", (please see comments about part number change) consisting of a pin and an E-clip,. costing all of .43. I removed the door hardware and door panel, unbolted the three 10-mm bolts that secure the window regulator mechanism and pulled the mechanism from the inner door cavity. I replaced the failed rivet with the M-B part and had my window and door back together again before the rains came.
The mechanism is riveted together in three locations so it pays to have at least one spare repair kit on hand at all times. A heartfelt thanks and hats-off to my local BMW dealership is hereby offered for their ingenuity and concern in helping a customer actually save time and money.
Author: Thomas J. Unger
BMW Window Regulators, Doors and Check Stops
Category: Windows and Glass | Related: BMW 2002, Windows
Tech tips, resources, and auto parts to help restore your classic BMW 2002
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4 Responses to “BMW Window Regulator Repair”
1 Andrew 12 June 2008 @ 8:42 am
Hi Thomas,
Does that work for all BMWs, including a 1999 323i? Also, is that little kit model specific to any certain model? I just had my second rear window regulator fail and the first one cost me a couple hundred in parts and labor to get fixed. I would like to attempt this one myself but I am not sure about these Mercedes parts you speak of. Please shoot me an email when you get this. Thanks!
2 Scott Buchanan 16 May 2009 @ 10:49 pm
It may be helpful to note that part number A 115 586 01 72 has been replaced with A 123 725 01 15, which was later replaced with A 115 725 00 15.
3 Carol 15 September 2009 @ 11:07 am
Will this work on a 2001 325i? Please reply to e-mail. Thanks in advance.
4 Marie 13 October 2009 @ 4:50 pm
Hello Thomas,
Could you possibly confirm that this would work on a BMW 740il on the driver left side window?
Thanks
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