Why does my rear left window stay down ,can hear motor running when i hit the button but window does not come up ?

SOURCE: 1998 BMW 528I rear passenger window won't roll back up

You can try a different switch. If both switches have same effect, then the motor is wearing out and will need to be replaced. The door panel will have to be removed to access the motor

SOURCE: Rear window inoperative

The tabs connecting the windows to control arms have snapped.

steve morris

• 1675 Answers
• Posted on Jun 30, 2010

SOURCE: 2001 bmw x5 Rear window stayed

hi unfortunately no you can not replace just the cable, you will have to replace the whole motor mechanism the cables are crimped specially so unless you have the crimping tools required you will have to get the whole thing replaced..sorry but this is the only way

SOURCE: My left back driver side

Regulator is broken. Very common problem on e46.
The plastic window regulators were apparently designed by the same guy who designed the plastic guides in the moon roof (which also spontaneously disintegrate on a regular basis).
The window regulator costs $150 from on-line vendors, and is not too hard to install.
I fixed the driver door window regulator in my wife's '04 330i with a couple of zip ties and it is still working fine a year later.