Power Window Problem

Hi. I have a 1999 325i and this is my third time with the same power window problem. I live in a tropical climate so I use the A/C 99.9% of the time and rarely open my windows. When I did open it, I couldn't put it back up. The motor seems to be turning because there is a sort of grinding, crackling noise coming from inside. It first happened to my right rear passenger window, then my front passenger window. Now it's the rear left passenger window that I can't put back up. And I can tell it's going to happen to my driver's side window because I can hear a rattling noise when I move the window up and down. The first two times, I paid to get it repaired - last time was last year. In fact, all 4 windows were repaired (as a preventive measure). This time, I don't think I should pay to repair it. The dealer should do it because it's definitely not due to wear and tear. My windows are rarely touched! The dealer said it's due to our weather, so they won't cover it. They're quoting me approx. $500 to replace both motors. Has anyone had similar problems? What should I do? I'm fed up with this car, as I've had other problems. I should've bought something else. I'd appreciate any thoughts, comments, advice. Sorry this post is so long.

Its a window regulator. It shouldnt cost 500$ to do one. BMW's are known to have window regulator problems so your not alone. You could take it to a glass shop and see if they can put a new one in for cheaper. I have to do that with my caddy and I got quoted 35$ to put it in.

Thank you for your advice! Can the weather really affect the window regulator? Anyone?

There was a problem with the 99 regulators that they fixed with the replacement parts.

I dont belive weather can effect something mechanical with cables and pulls and such. I belive it just happens when they break. BMW really does need to update the regulators so they dont bust appart so much.

I'm having the same issue. Replaced drivers side recently and passenger side just broke this weekend. Monumentally annoyed that BMW has not considered this a recall issue especially give that this is an expensive fix. I'm not taking mine to a dealer. I found a guy who fixes BWWs and did if for half the price. The questions is this: Is there any preventative maintenance that can be performed to avoid this?

I'm having the same issue. Replaced drivers side recently and passenger side just broke this weekend. Monumentally annoyed that BMW has not considered this a recall issue especially give that this is an expensive fix. I'm not taking mine to a dealer. I found a guy who fixes BWWs and did if for half the price. The questions is this: Is there any preventative maintenance that can be performed to avoid this?
if you dont replace the vapor barriers and make sure they properly seal to the door also you will be sorry, you end up with a major water leak inside the car.

Just dont rip them when you take it off. If you dont rip it to baddly then you can reuse the same barrier. If tis a small rip take some of the black sticky stuff used to seal it and put it over the rip.

So, I"ve replaced both regulators on the rear doors. Do I need to worry about anything or should I rip off the doors to make sure the vapor barrier's are mounted properly? BTW: have a 2001 and both front doors have problems as well. Bar in mechanism bends easily and result is window closing takes long time. Had drivers side replaced but this is occuring again. Any suggestions?

I have read this thread late, but here is my 2 cents. I have had 3 of the 4 window regulators replaced in my car. I live in Phoenix AZ. The dealer claimed the climate for the failures. I thought it was BS. I own other vehicles with power windows a lot longer than I've owned this beamer and I've never had issues with them. The 3rd and last visit I had with the dealer, they said that BMW acknowledges the faulty regulators and they are replacing them with a different designed motor. They told me that the new part is warranted for 2 years or 24,000 miles. I am still under warranty, so it cost $50 per visit. Don't know if it's true or not.