How to change front window regulator on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) – replacement guide
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Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 323 Ci,
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 328 Ci,
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 318 Ci,
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) M3,
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 320 Ci,
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 325 Ci,
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 316 Ci,
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 318 Ci,
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 330 Cd,
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 320 Cd,
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) M3 CSL,
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 316 Ci,
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 318 Ci,
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 330 Ci
…
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The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle
All the parts you need to replace – Window Regulator for 3 Coupe (E46) and other BMW models
Replacement: window regulator – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:
All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: window regulator – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Use the following procedure:
Step 1
Open the car door.
Step 2
Remove the caps from the door armrest fasteners. Use a plastic trim tool.
AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: window regulator – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Do not use excessive force when removing the part as this may damage it.
Step 3
Disconnect the wing mirror control module. Use a plastic trim tool.
AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: window regulator – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). To avoid damaging the part when removing it, do not use excessive force.
Step 4
Disconnect the wing mirror control connectors.
Step 5
Unscrew the door handle fastener. Use Torx T25.
Step 6
Remove the door card trim panel. Use a plastic trim tool.
Replacement: window regulator – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Do not apply excessive force when removing the part. Otherwise you may damage it.
Step 7
Unscrew the door card fasteners. Use Torx T25.
Step 8
Detach the door card. Use a plastic trim tool.
Step 9
Detach the door lock actuator cable.
Step 10
Disconnect the audio system speaker connectors. Disconnect the wing mirror control connectors from the door card.
Step 11
Detach the door panel sound insulation.
AUTODOC recommends:
Do not apply excessive force when removing the part. Otherwise you may damage it.
Step 12
Unscrew the SRS control module fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 13
Remove the SRS module.
AUTODOC recommends:
Do not apply excessive force when removing the part. Otherwise you may damage it.
Step 14
Detach the door panel sound insulation.
Step 15
Install the SRS module.
AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: window regulator – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). To avoid damaging the part during installation, do not use excessive force.
Step 16
Screw in the SRS module fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 17
Disconnect the power window module connector.
Step 18
Unscrew the fasteners of the power window module. Use Torx T30. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 19
Remove the power window switch module.
Step 20
Unscrew the window glass fasteners. Use a drive socket #8. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 21
Raise the glass a little and remove it.
Replacement: window regulator – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Professionals recommend:
To avoid injury, hold the glass when raising it.Do not apply excessive force when removing the part. Otherwise you may damage it.
Step 22
Unscrew the fasteners of the window regulator assembly. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 23
Squeeze the retainer of the window regulator actuator to release and disconnect it. Use round-nose pliers.
Step 24
Remove the window regulator actuator.
Step 25
Install the power window switch module.
Step 26
Tighten the fasteners of the power window module. Use Torx T30. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 11 Nm torque.
Step 27
Attach the window regulator drive gear.
Step 28
Tighten the fasteners of the window regulator assembly. Use a drive socket #10. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 11 Nm torque.
Step 29
Attach the retainer of the window regulator actuator.
Step 30
Treat the power window module connector. Use dielectric grease.
Step 31
Connect the power window module connector.
Step 32
Lower the window glass and install it to its mounting seat in the window raiser mechanism.
AUTODOC recommends:
To avoid injury, hold the glass when lowering it.Replacement: window regulator – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Do not use excessive force during installation. This may damage the part.
Step 33
Install the retainers of the window glass fasteners.
Step 34
Unscrew the SRS control module fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 35
Remove the SRS module.
Replacement: window regulator – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Do not apply excessive force when removing the part. Otherwise you may damage it.
Step 36
Attach the door panel sound insulation.
Replacement: window regulator – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:
Check that the sound insulation fits snugly on the mounting seats.
Step 37
Install the SRS module.
AUTODOC recommends:
When installing, do not use excessive force to avoid damage to the part.
Step 38
Tighten the SRS module fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 8 Nm torque.
Step 39
Connect the audio system speaker connectors. Connect the wing mirror control connectors to the door card.
Step 40
Attach the door lock actuator cable.
Step 41
Reinstall the door card. Make sure you hear a click indicating that it is locked in place.
Replacement: window regulator – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
When installing, do not use excessive force to avoid damage to the part.
Step 42
Screw in the door card fasteners. Use Torx T25.
Step 43
Install the door card trim panel.
Step 44
Screw in the door handle fastener. Use Torx T25.
Step 45
Install the caps on the door armrest fasteners.
Step 46
Treat the wing mirror control connectors. Use dielectric grease.
Step 47
Connect the wing mirror control connectors.
Step 48
Connect the wing mirror control module.
Step 49
Switch on the ignition. This is necessary in order to make sure that the component operates properly.
Step 50
Switch off the ignition.
Step 51
Close the car door.
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