If you're buying from FCP - why not? They provide a LIFETIME warranty for any part they sell.

 

I buy all my parts from fcp for that reason however I believe I can save more money if I chose to buy an aftermarket regulator for $50 instead of $170 hence why I asked about the reputation of aftermarket ones

 

Last few times I repaired regulators, I was able to buy just the plastic parts and cables, on EBay, for about $7 per window. That was probably 10 years ago, and they still worked fine when I sold the car recently.

 

My experience most of the time has been just the clips at bottom of window an not the regulator, best to take door card off remove window an operate it then order parts as needed, lead bullet on cable busts through plastic clip

 

bought a Valeo one years ago. Never had issues with it

 

I've ended up having to replace the aftermarket ones that I've used again with genuine, so that's the direction I go now, but I've traded not FCP prices for the no FCP warranty.

 

Genuine is the way to go.

 

The first one I replaced was an Autozone (Dorman). It's now failing.

I'll be getting a genuine next from FCP.

 

Never had good luck with aftermarket regulators. from holes not aligned properly to breaking after some use. always ended going genuine

 

I have seen it discussed on here before, but what is the verdict on the “Uro Premium” ones?

URO Premium Right Rear Window Regulator - BMW E46 4 Door Sedan/Wagon

Improved Aftermarket Replacement to part number 51358212100 with 24 Month Warranty

www.bimmerworld.com

I also recall (years ago) someone detailing some minor mods that increased their lifespan and reduced failures.
(too lazy to search today)

 

My passenger front just quit. I was looking at getting the Uro Premium from ECS Tuning.

 

I know this may not make sense to everyone but since I do most of my car repair myself I figure I am saving $$$ on dealer/shop labor

So most of the time I will buy a BMW replacement part (unless there is a OE part available). BMW parts tend to fit/work very well.

 

I think that I posted a recent experience with this on here but instead of telling you to do a search, essentially I bought a cheap one, it lasted several years and then broke so I had to replace it. I went aftermarket again but decided to buy a more expensive one assuming it would be better manufactured. It actually was of poorer quality than the previous, cheaper one that I bought.
Now between the two, I have spent about $100. Most importantly is how much of my time that I spent fishing out the broken one, installing the new one, dealing with the airbag, blah, blah, blah. If I ever need to replace one again and I intend to keep the car, I think I will spend the money on an "OEM" one hoping I don't have to spend time with my fingers and arm inside the door again.
FYI it was the passenger side that crapped out twice. Curious as this is my "beater" car and rarely is there a passenger in the car to use the window. I have been told that this actually causes them to fail and that you should roll them up and down occasionally to "exercise" them.

 

I've had the best luck with the Uro premiums, have them on both front doors. This thread went into more details about putting less strain on other brands including OE. Regulators

 

I go with FCP or the BMW dealer for my parts, with a BMW CCA discount lots of times parts can be less expensive. More window regulators are broken due to door slammers. It’s a job you don’t want to do again.

 

I bought this from Amazon because of the good reviews and only $35. It works perfectly looked identical to the factory one, aside from the color of the plastic.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I82Z5M4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Genuine regulator for the coupe/convertible is now over $500

Changes the calculus a bit.

 

I got 2 extra sets per door for the coupe, which I cleaned, lubricated and had them refurbished. Should last another 15 years each

 

...but the local junkyard's anywhere from $10 to $25, depending on who's behind the register...

t
cheep azz

 

Yeah we just don't have any of those where I live. I have to search online. nearest yard is over an hour away and you're hunting for the right part. no online indexes. sigh. Living in northern New Hampshire is tough for anything except gas station coffee and corn.