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The window regulator on my R53 (February 2005 production vehicle) died and I bought a replacement but I noticed it's different from the window regulator/motor that's currently on the car. I'm guessing it was swapped before I owned it with a later production design which is from 6/2005.
I think considering my motor works, but isn't compatible with the window regulator I received, since it's from the earlier design, I should return the window regulator and get a later design to match the motor I have, rather than the other way around. Purchasing an earlier design motor would be more expensive than purchasing a newer design regulator. I haven't had any issues with the way it is, except for maybe a slight fitment adjustment that could be made with the bottom sliding brackets. Is there any reason that I should revert back to the window regulator/motor combo that fits the production year range?
To be clear, this is the window regulator and motor on my ride, from 6/2005:
There is no specific reason to swap back to the original. Both variants work on any year vehicle. The facelift parts are way over priced, specifically the motor. So in turn i went backwards personally to pre-facelift regulator and motor for my facelift mini.
The adapter plate left me in question before, because the pre and facelift motors have a different size gear coming off the motor. Even if you got the motor mounted it wouldn't turn the regulator properly. I cannot properly answer what this adapter plate is meant to do, i just know it did not work in my scenario no matter which way i tried to use it.
I think your best bet is for the more readily available and cheaper parts which would be pre-facelift parts. Facelift parts are only going to get more expensive!
These pictures show the two motors, the black gear is pre-facelift. The white is facelift, which is larger gear.
Gotcha and good to know that the pre face lift applies up to 05/31/2005. I think however, since I have a working motor for the face lift, I might just grab the regulator for facelift. If I buy the pre regulator and motor, I’m spending more right now. I hear what you’re saying though. If I have to do this again, they money might level out or I’ll pay more in the end
Gotcha and good to know that the pre face lift applies up to 05/31/2005. I think however, since I have a working motor for the face lift, I might just grab the regulator for facelift. If I buy the pre regulator and motor, I’m spending more right now. I hear what you’re saying though. If I have to do this again, they money might level out or I’ll pay more in the end
100% correct. Swap the regulator for now and see how you make out.
The gear on my motor broke so replacing it led me to replacing the entire assembly with pre-facelift for cheaper then just new facelift motor on its own. From what i seen when the two were side by side only the motor varies and the gears on the motor / within the regulator. The pre-facelift motor and regulator also seem to be slightly slower, as my still facelift window moves a litter quicker!
Moral of it all, as long as the years match on the regulator and motor your fine moving forward.
From what I've seen, the adapter plate is mainly for people doing the R50 to R53 conversion, so if you've already got the updated design you might not need it. Best to compare part numbers and check photos from someone who has done the exact swap. In the meantime I relax a bit by playing 21 casino games while I look for the right codes.
Last edited by CallaBrixton; Nov 18, 2025 at 01:58 AM.
