Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

2005 R52 Rear Side Window Grinding - DYI Job to Fix?

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Old Oct 5, 2015 | 06:47 PM
  #1  
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2005 R52 Rear Side Window Grinding - DYI Job to Fix?

Hello everyone:
I was lowering my side rear windows today when I hear some grinding noises coming from the right side. I stopped before the window was able to go completely down and was only able to raise it manually. Of course it started going down slowly, ending up with a 1/2" gap with the door window by the time I got home.

I saw some old posts referencing the "Mounting Part Set For Convertible Rear Glass" Part #51377201455. I think this is what I would need to fix this. Now, I've tinkered with my MINI over the last 10 years: Installing the iPod adapter, AUX Cable, center armrest, and a few other things but I had a video or step-by-step guide.

My question is whether there is such a video or step-by-step guide on how to get access to this area. I live an Miami and have access to a great MINI mechanic, but I think I can do this myself, I just need the guide.

Thanks for the help!
 
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Old Oct 16, 2015 | 09:25 AM
  #2  
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Here is a DIY on how to gain access to that area for your R52 so you can check things out. If needed, mounting kit 51377201455 here.
 
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Old Oct 21, 2015 | 05:39 AM
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We talked about it here: 51377201455

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tor-parts.html





Thanks
 
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Old Oct 21, 2015 | 06:35 AM
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Thanks for the replys. Well, to make a long story short, I F*&%ed things up. I managed to wrap the cable around the gear/motor which in turn broke ANOTHER piece. I ended up taking it to my local MINI mechanic (Luis @ Precision Auto Werks). And to make things even more interesting, now my DRIVER side door won't open from the inside.

Oh the joys of owning a 10-year-old car.

2005 R52 Rear Side Window Grinding - DYI Job to Fix?-window.jpg
 
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Old Oct 21, 2015 | 06:43 AM
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Sorry to hear that. Now you will have to get the other side. I have not seen many of these fail. I have over 250K on my R52 and they work fine. I grease the slides every year. 51377111017 & 51377111018 The new ones come with the cables and everything pre greased.


https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51377111017/




And

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51377111018/







If you need any help with the R52 , I have owned one since 2005 .
 
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Old Nov 28, 2017 | 07:08 AM
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Originally Posted by ECSTuning
Sorry to hear that. Now you will have to get the other side. I have not seen many of these fail. I have over 250K on my R52 and they work fine. I grease the slides every year. 51377111017 & 51377111018 The new ones come with the cables and everything pre greased.


https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51377111017/




And

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51377111018/







If you need any help with the R52 , I have owned one since 2005 .
Hi Sir, Can you advise if it is possible for me to replace only the cable if it is broken or must i buy the whole rear window regulator? Many thanks.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2017 | 07:13 AM
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Hello, no part # from MINI for just the cable. You would have to take it out and then have a machine shop or someone make one then bind it to the system. Also, the nylon sliders might be worn or something else. If you do get a new one it drops in and pre-greased and ready to go with no play in the system. A shop that does wind regulators or cables systems could fab something I guess. Don't know if it would hold up.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2017 | 07:20 AM
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Thank you for your prompt reply. I know that the cable is broken cos i can see it when i peer down into the gap. I may just take a chance and attempt to have it changed with a bicycle brake cable or a motorcycle one. Hope i'm not being an idiot.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2017 | 07:35 AM
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Welcome, yea I have seen people fix the seat cables that way. Hope the bike cable is strong enough for that motor. Good luck on the fix.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2017 | 07:39 AM
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Originally Posted by ECSTuning
Welcome, yea I have seen people fix the seat cables that way. Hope the bike cable is strong enough for that motor. Good luck on the fix.
Thanks! Will keep you posted!
 
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Old Dec 18, 2017 | 02:15 PM
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Any update?
 
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Old Dec 18, 2017 | 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by ECSTuning
Any update?
Been busy clearing the storeroom of ten years of junk and putting up new shelves. Haven't had the time to attempt to fix it

Looks like it will be done next year! LOL. Will keep you posted.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2017 | 09:16 AM
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Ok, thanks
 
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Old Dec 20, 2017 | 11:26 AM
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Moving this to the Stock Problems/Issues area
 
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 02:49 AM
  #15  
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Passenger-side broke down on mine, turns out it was a bad job replacing the window motor done years ago....
Anyway, is it is a DYI job that requires a very very big amount of patience and some fine manual skills. It is not complicate per-se like fixing a `box but is rather tricky to get all the wires and pulleys lined up right. Better done in 2 ppl.
 
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Old May 29, 2018 | 02:47 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by ECSTuning
Ok, thanks
Finally got round to opening up the panels to get to the right rear window regulator. I emailed you at sales@ecstuning.com to ask if you have the two plastic parts. The one for the motor is missing and the one for the slider is broken. See picture. Motor works fine and the cable is not broken but is detached due to the missing plastic wheel at the motor

I guess there are no repair kits for these two parts?
 
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Old May 29, 2018 | 11:34 PM
  #17  
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How do you lube this? Do you take the inner panel off?
 
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Old May 30, 2018 | 07:48 AM
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No hardware other then this: 51377201455

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-...ow/Regulator/2




Just spray lube it with some of the white lithium grease at all pivots and wear spots.


Update: We now carry a fix kit. One per regulator.


https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bremmen-...377111017~brp/

 
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Last edited by ECSTuning; Sep 4, 2025 at 10:36 AM.
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