Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 323 Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 328Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 318Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) M3, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 325Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 316 Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 318Ci, 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) 318Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 330Ci … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

Alternative products

Window regulator

Replacement: window regulator – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Tools you'll need:

                      Electronic spray
                    
                      Torque wrench
                    
                      Drive socket # 8
                    
                      Drive socket # 10
                    
                      Torx bit T25
                    
                      Torx bit T30
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Plastic trim tool
                    
                      Round-nose pliers

Buy tools

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.

Was this manual helpful?

Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.

Need New Tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the BMW 3 Coupe (E46) model

E46 Coupe tyre size

How to change rear brake pads on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF 1.79 MB
How to change front brake pads on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF 1.62 MB
How to change front brake discs on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF 2.16 MB
How to change rear brake discs on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF 2.14 MB
How to change front wheel bearing on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF 2.08 MB
How to change serpentine belt on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF 1.31 MB

How to change front window regulator on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF 2.74 MB
How to change front window regulator on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF 2.72 MB
How to change front window regulator on BMW E46 Touring – replacement guide

Free download PDF 2.58 MB
How to change front window regulator on BMW 3 Compact (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF 2.72 MB
How to change front window regulator on VW Golf 4 – replacement guide

Free download PDF 2.58 MB
How to change front window regulator on VW Golf 3 – replacement guide

Free download PDF 1.66 MB

Unlock your car maintenance assistant!

Track expenses, manage logs, schedule replacements, and more.

Complete Steering Rack Rebuild

116K views

Published on: 18/06/2026
How to make an injector test bench yourself

20K views

Published on: 30/01/2025
Revive Your Vehicle's Look | How to Restore Wheel Rims Yourself!

7K views

Published on: 13/05/2021
#DIY Wheel Rim Restoration: Revive Scratches and Chips Easily!

7K views

Published on: 18/07/2024