Yes, another window thread. Driver's side.

Because I'm an experienced home mechanic, I scoffed at the very idea that I'd pound my fist on the inside door panel- this is silly, I think. I must repair this like a real mini, and spend hours deciding between the aftermarket window regulator for $57, motor included, or the not-motored MINI OEM for some obnoxious price. Look at ModMini- he buys the Amazon versions, and I can easily repin the connector!

Then, under the cover of darkness, I sneak out to the garage and thumpthumpthumpthump. Wirrrr? Wirrr.

It works.

So here's my question:

To me, this suggests some burnt wire in the commutator of the motor, and when th ebrushes stop on the bad spot, the motor fails. The pounding bumps the motor just a teeny bit, allowing the motor to do it's job.

Which suggests to me that when the unit ultimately fails, it's the motor, not the regulator?

Or do we assume that because of age, I should just replace the Whole Damn Thing, (and probably the control arm bushings as well)?

Anyone had experience with the Amazon $57 specials?

thanks.

 

I bought mine from Amazon 2 years ago an still going 💪

 

I always thought it was just a dirty commutator and a rub with an eraser or maybe treatment with deoxit would solve the issue.

Possibly the same issue with the small motors that go out in the door lock modules. My drivers side unlock is out, but I haven't had a chance to see if just cleaning the commutator will bring it back to life.

 

Yea, I had the same issue. It is usually a dirty motor commutator causing the problem. I fixed mines a year ago and it hasn't returned since.
Here are 2 youtube videos that I referenced when doing the job

Removing the the regular and motor.

Repairing the the motor.

You can opt to replace the motor but it's kinda expensive.

The whole took me a few hours.

Good luck.....