window regulator class-action?

[Tom in NC]

As much as I dislike dealing with attorneys, I want to get an idea of how many X5 owners would be interested in a class-action suit against BMW for the window regulator issue. I'm tired of handing BMW $300-$400 (can't forget the "vapor liner", can we?) every time my windows drop unexpectedly because BMW has no quality control with their suppliers. I can deal with things like control arms going bad because they actually do some work and do wear out. But what can cause window regulators to fail over and over except for poor quality? But, it is a revenue generator for BMW service, so why fix the part? I've paid for two new regulators within the past two months and I've had my 2001 X5 for 3 years and 4 months now. The one that is being replaced today was replaced first in Fall of 2002, which makes this the third just on that door. All have been replaced at least once already and I'm going through the second round of replacements. I know that as of April 2003, BMW started warranting replacement window regs for two years. Unfortunately I really like my X5 and I don't want to believe that a BMW is only as good as the warranty period. Maybe that's their strategy.

I thought about resale and I don't feel this will have any negative effect on our resale value. As it is today, a prospective buyer has to take into consideration the window regulator problem. If BMW fixes the problem, that thorn in our side will be gone.

Apologies if I seem to be rambling on. Obviously, I am fed up with a lack of action on BMWs part and this is not a joke. I am NOT an attorney nor am I soliciting for one. I don't even know how to start a class-action.... yet. I just want to know if others are as unhappy as I am with this issue and think it is wrong for BMW to take advantage of it. Feel free to backchannel me at x5classaction@triad.rr.com.

[X-RATED]

BMW should have improved this part a looooooong time ago.

Mine just gave out last week. This is a significant weakness in the X5. If the window will not go up, you could be screwed if it rains and you are out of town or need to park it at work.

BMWNA, any help here?

I don't remember the windows failing to go up on any other vehicle. I guess all my previous "unreliable American cars" were actually pretty good. In fact, all of my previous vehicles had fewer problems than my 2001 X5.

[CBS5485]

Tom, I have an 01-4.4 with 51k miles. No window regulator problem as of yet.<img src="http://members.roadfly.com/cbs5485/MOMSBMR.jpg" height=200 width=300>

2003 540ia Sport 4.4
Jet Black on Black leather/Burled Walnut wood
M5 Bumpers, Trims, Steering wheel
M-Sport suspension
Style 37 18" M-Parallel Wheels
18 X 8 fronts, 18 X 9 rears
M5 trunk lip Spoiler
Dinan CAI and Stage II Software
Cold Weather Pack
Angel-Xenons & washers

<img src="http://www.roadfly.org/bmw/gallery/photos/photos-07-2004/6-8374709.JPG"height=290 width=390>

2001 X5 4.4
Oxford Green Metallic on Sand leather/Dark Poplar wood
Activity package plus
Comfort Seats with Lumbar
Style 63, Y-Spoke 19 inch Sport Wheels
19 x 9 fronts, 19 x 10 rears- Bridgestone Turanzas
Style 58, 18 inch wheels with Michelins for winter
Xenons-washers
load leveling suspension
Moonroof
Privacy glass
Self dim mirrors-compass
CD player

Retired: 87-325, 91-525ia, 92-325ia, 99-528ia, 02-325ci.

[Burglar]

I've had two replaced already on my x5 and I've only owned it since December. The factory warranty just ran out also so I'm nervous every time I roll my windows down. Does that 2 year warranty you spoke of refer to replacing a regulator that has already been replaced? Does it cover the service costs as well?

[DowJones]

I hate these people who like to sue all the time. Get a life. $400 repair isn't much for a BMW owner. I had to get the regulators repaired twice too, but they were covered by warranty.

[DowJones]

trust me you will need your extended warrany after factory warranty expires.

[TucsonX5]

Two weeks ago I had the rear one break and I had it at the dealer to get fixed and they charged me $380. Luckly my extended warranty paid for it. Then when I started to leave and the front window broke in the parking lot! The BMW dealer fixed the front but charged me extra $80 over the rear window and my extended warranty would only pay the $380 and I had to eat the extra money! The dealer said it calls for a extra charge due to the power window controls. I screamed at the dealer and they wouldn't do a thing about the extra charge, I then called BMWNA (what a JOKE) they could do nothing for me! So the dealer gave me a BMW discounted to get me out of the dealership so I would stop bit$hing..

[fast4d1]

I don't roll down the windows much I use the sun roof more. Now I have a reason to lock the windows out.

[x5connect]

Roll the window up before you close the door, they have far more support when up in the seals. The X doors are heavy and prone to slamming and really jolt the window assembly. I have also replaced regulators (even in the same door,) and I do it myself. In doing this I notice the made in mexico stamp (fine manufacturers of clay pots) and the poorly designed plastic mount that the actual cable attaches to on the end that fails. Interesting that the replacement part sold to me at the parts counter 4 years after the car was made still has the same wimpy plastic cable mount. My extended warranty deductible is $100, the regulator costs $75, $7 for all new pop clips that hold on the panel. It takes an hour to change it, less hassle than the dropping off at the dealer, and I know my door panel and trim won't get thrashed by the rookie mechanics that they assign to these easy projects, or duct tape residue on the window and top door frame from holding the window up during the replacement process (yes, they left a mess).

[GUINNESS]

2000 4.4i, 39k miles, rear passenger side went the other day. Don't know if the previous owners had issues. Sure, the price has been lowered BFD!! I'd rather they not break. Yes, things wear out and eventually go, but not like some of these regulators. Change the plastic pieces to metal, it's not that difficult. I think one of the bigger issues is that you would expect more from a company like BMW to have better quality standards.

[GUINNESS]

I noticed it's held on with black silicone. Just pulled the panel off to push the window up till I get the regulator.

Do you have to clean the remaining silicone off before putting the insulation back? (rear passenger door)

[Denz]

This problem is not limited to the X5. My 3-Series has had 6 regulators replaced already and I had another go out just yesterday.

Denz323i

[Bud]

...to search for postings related to this very topic. My girlfriend's 2001 X5 currently needs a passenger side regulator.

BTW, I've gone through 6 window regulators on my 1999 540i, which leads me to believe this problem is not limited to the X5.

I love BMW, but I hate the 'crap shoot' feeling everytime I roll down a window in my car.

[Jim in LA]

My 2001 x5 (34k miles) has had two window regulators replaced.
Never had this with my SL600, Porsche 928s4, Jeep(s), RX7, Mustang etc. Out of the 12 cars I've owned, this is the only one that has had a dumb problem like this.
Even my Hyundai (needed a slow car due to tickets from fast cars) never had window failures.

Bad/Faulty design.
BWM: Are you listening, Extend window warranties and redesign please!

[Zulu95]

While I have yet to experience this problem I'm sure it's in my future. I have only ever had window problems with one vehicle. None of my British vehicles, Ford, Vauxhall, British Leyland, 1966 E-Type Jag nor my Jap or German (VW) cars ever had a problem.
Neither have any of the American vehicles shown defects in the area. (Buick, Olds or Ford.) The one the broke 2 side windows while driving in one weekend was my 1973 BMW 520.

[X-RATED]

I have never seen this problem in any other car driven by my wife, my parents, my friends, or myself.

BMWNA, your window regulators suck.

I have driven a 1986 Pontiac Sunbird GT Turbo Convertible and a 1997 Chevy Cavalier convertible. Both had power windows that I used several times a day when the temp was over 50 degrees. They never failed.

In fact, the window regulators have never failed on any of my cars until I bought the X5.

PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM. If you are out of town, or simply parking at work in the morning, and the regulator fails with the window open, rain, snow, and thieves have easy access to the X5. This is crazy. This part should have been replaced with a better one from Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Pontiac, Jeep, Buick, Toyota, Honda, or ANYBODY!

BMWNA, this has gone on long enough. I'd like to use my windows without fear.

[JCX5]

My '01 X5 has not had this issue. Neither did my '99 540. Other problems - yes. This problem - not yet! Hope it holds on for another 3 months until lease is up!

[teflon]

Because my friend's 2001 X5 4.4i w/~100,000mi broke its window regulator in the driver's side door about two weeks ago. I now see that he isn't alone. It certainly seems that BMW should redesign some parts.

Greg A

[gresch]

'01 4.4i 31k miles, no problems. Bought 10/1/01 at Long Beach (Ca.) BMW

[GUINNESS]