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Repair Summary
This article gives detailed instructions on replacing the rear window regulator in a BMW E64 vehicle. Even though we used a 2005 645ci to perform this repair, this article can be applied to any BMW E64 convertible with minor modifications to the repair steps.
See all vehicles this article applies to
E64 6 Series M6
E64 6 Series 645Ci
E64 6 Series 650i
E64 6 Series 630i
A BMW E64 rear window regulator replacement on a 6 series convertible is surprisingly not as difficult as one may anticipate.
A known mechanical failure in the BMW E64 six series convertibles is the rear passenger window regulator and/or motor. The reason for motor failure is not immediately known, although some online forums suggest it's due to the electrical issues that run rampant through e60 5 series and e63/e64 6 series cars. Failure of the window regulator on these vehicles is unfortunately due to owners trying to forcibly move the window with their hands after motor malfunction; even the slightest outside force will destroy the window regulator's cable system and require replacement.
In order to do a BMW E64 rear window regulator replacement, the rear seat and rear quarter trim panel must be removed. Just remember in order to remove the rear quarter trim panel, the convertible top must be retracted and the convertible top lid put in the "open" position. So if you are planning on doing this repair outdoors, make sure it is not going to rain.
View the detailed parts diagram for this repair.
Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair.
Before starting this repair, you must have the following required parts.
Fits all BMW E64 convertibles
Windows no longer functioning like they once did? It might be due to a damaged window motor. Typically, the power windows will simply stop functioning or will cut out. If the regulator is not bound up and moves freely, the motor is the most likely cause of failure. The door panel must be removed to see which component is damaged.
Fits all BMW E64 convertibles
Windows no longer functioning like they once did? It might be due to a damaged window motor. Typically, the power windows will simply stop functioning or will cut out. If the regulator is not bound up and moves freely, the motor is the most likely cause of failure. The door panel must be removed to see which component is damaged.
Section 1 - Rear Quarter Panel Trim Removal
- Retract the convertible top leaving the convertible top lid in the raised position. Note that you will need to keep the engine running in order to keep the lid open (it slowly closes automatically with engine off).
- Grasp the front of the rear seat and pull out and up to release from floor of vehicle. Remove seat from car.
- Use a 10mm nut driver to remove the two nuts securing bottom of seat back to vehicle.
- Remove the two headrests by grasping with both hands and pulling up until they release from seat back (there are no buttons to push...they just pull out.)
- Use a T50 external torx socket to remove the two lower seat belt bolts.
- Use a T50 torx bit to remove the two upper seat belt bolts.
- Pull the seat back out of the way.
- Remove the T15 screw from rear quarter trim panel as shown in image below.
- Remove the armrest trim moulding with a plastic trim removal tool.
- Remove the T15 screw located behind the armrest trim moulding.
- There are two more screws that must be removed from inside the rear cover located at the top rear of the quarter trim panel (see images below). in order to retract the rear cover and access the two screws, the convertible top lid must be in the raised position. With the lid raised, unhook the cover arm from the convertible top mechanism and pull the cover back (all of this sounds confusing but is very simple...please see images below).
- You can now grasp the rear quarter trim panel and remove it from the body of the vehicle. There are three panel clips that will unsnap from body when you remove. If you break any of the clips (which is completely normal), re-order by clicking this link: BMW door panel clips.
- Disconnect the speaker electrical connector.
Section 2 - Rear Passenger Window Regulator Removal
- Remove the three T30 torx bolts anchoring the window support to the body of the car. Move the window support to the side out of the way.
- Remove the two T30 bolts anchoring the top of the window regulator to the body of the vehicle.
- Remove the 13mm bolt anchoring the bottom of the window regulator to the body.
- Carefully remove the window and the regulator from the body of the car, pulling the wiring harness loose as you go along.
- Unplug the electronic connector from window motor.
- Carefully place window/regulator unit on a flat workbench.
- Use a T30 torx to remove the two upper window mounting bolts (they connect the window to regulator).
- Use a 12mm socket to remove the lower window mounting bolt.
- Carefully separate the window from the regulator.
- Install window into new regulator. Only loosely tighten window mounting bolts...we will need to adjust the window before final tightening.
- Install window and regulator back into vehicle (don’t forget to reinstall window motor electrical connector!) and reinstall all of the regulator mounting bolts. Reinstall the top support. ***Make sure the top support is firmly pushed up against window glass while tightening its mounting bolts. This is very important so as to insure water does not penetrate into the body of the vehicle.
- Next we must align the rear passenger window with the front passenger window. It sounds more complicated than it is...it's actually quite simple and will make sure your installation is water tight and professionally done. Start by raising the front passenger window. Move the rear passenger window (this is why we left the mounting bolts loose in step 10) so it fits snugly against front passenger window and is even in height.
- When you are satisfied the front and rear windows fit correctly, tighten the rear window mounting bolts using the access holes in the body of the car.
- Test window to make sure it travels up and down smoothly BEFORE reinstalling rear quarter trim panel.
- Reassemble vehicle following steps above in reverse.
Section 3 - Final Reassembly
When reinstalling the rear quarter trim panel, separate the top panel from the lower panel first (see image below). The reason you want to separate the trim panels is so you can see the plastic clips on the lower panel and guide them into the their holes.
BMW E64 Rear Window Regulator Repair Finished
