How to re-attach window to regulator guide rails on a Z3?

[mccalli]

How do you re-attach the regulator guide rails to the glass on the window?

Context:
1998 Z3. Am trying to fix the driver's side window, which didn't wind at all. Have taken apart the front door panel, seen that both clips had come out of the guide rails on the window, and that one guide rail was lying on the floor at the bottom of the door.

Hmm.

Have replaced with two new clips, slotted those clips into the guide rails. To do so I had to remove the rails from the glass - simply couldn't line them up any other way. Neither appeared to be fixed on - one had already fallen off (the longer one) and the smaller one at the front just slid off with no real effort as well.

The problem is that I can't get them back on the glass. I mean, I can but they don't stay there for very long. A few winds later and it's all come off the window again. Is there a trick I'm missing? Are they supposed to be glued or something?

All help appreciated - car is in bits right now. Thanks.

 

[BMBabe]

@Mnbrennan fixed mine, maybe he can help you

 

[t-tony]

What I would do is thoroughly clean all the areas that are used with brake cleaner/thinners or such and wait till they're absolutely dry. Now get some silicone and bed the clips onto the bottom of the glass and leave it to dry for at least a day before trying the window. Make sure all the guide rails are clean and well lubricated with some grease and the rubber slides with silicone spray.

Tony.

 

[mccalli]

Well, as I was demonstrating to someone the impossibility of lining them all up again - they snapped into place and all worked. I would claim skill, but it's not - it's pure luck. So - driver's side window now working perfectly.

However, unfortunately I didn't check everything before putting the door panel back on. Specifically, the lock button isn't moving when I lock using the key. Moves when I open using the handle, does not do so otherwise. Will have to look at that another day - the important bit works, so that's good.

 

[Mnbrennan]

Yes they're a pain but glad you got sorted