M3wannabe
06-24-2007, 09:10 AM
Some people use non-genuine parts to repair their cars, but I go to the next extreme....
One of my power window mechanisms broke..... it was a cheapo aftermarket accessory that attached to the original manual window regulator, so it was non-genuine to begin with.
Unfortunately, I was unable to find a replacement part without buying a complete set of motors for 4 doors..... so I sat down with some alcohol and eventually found some creativity.
But.... the cure for the problem involved using a very very awful brand name.
"Genuine Ford Parts"
Yep. $22 and 10 minutes at the local wrecking yard, and I was walking out with a complete NA Fairlaine (or EA/EB Falcon) electric window mechanism. Another couple hours of measuring, drilling, and cutting (of the BMW's door), cutting and drilling of a 6mm thick aluminium adaptor plate..... and hey presto..... the window works again :thumbup:
The only change made to the Ford part was removal of one bracket and addition of one hole, so now I can fit a virtually standard ford mechanism in there if it breaks again...... which is much cheaper at $22 than both the other aftermarket one I had and a genuine BMW version.
And it seems like a good unit too. Faster operation, better spring loading, smoother, quieter, and much lighter now that all of the original BMW regulator has been removed. There is just ONE channel, ONE runner, ONE motor and ONE cable in the door - no more scissor thingy.
Have now bought another 3 of the Ford mechanisms, ready to replace the other 3 aftermarket cheapies in the BMW that are sure to start breaking soon.
Bargain :bigpimp:
This is what the complete Ford unit looks like, but it's upside down in these pics... (no pics of it installed yet, sorry.....)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/2165000-2165999/2165842_104_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/2165000-2165999/2165842_105_full.jpg
One of my power window mechanisms broke..... it was a cheapo aftermarket accessory that attached to the original manual window regulator, so it was non-genuine to begin with.
Unfortunately, I was unable to find a replacement part without buying a complete set of motors for 4 doors..... so I sat down with some alcohol and eventually found some creativity.
But.... the cure for the problem involved using a very very awful brand name.
"Genuine Ford Parts"
Yep. $22 and 10 minutes at the local wrecking yard, and I was walking out with a complete NA Fairlaine (or EA/EB Falcon) electric window mechanism. Another couple hours of measuring, drilling, and cutting (of the BMW's door), cutting and drilling of a 6mm thick aluminium adaptor plate..... and hey presto..... the window works again :thumbup:
The only change made to the Ford part was removal of one bracket and addition of one hole, so now I can fit a virtually standard ford mechanism in there if it breaks again...... which is much cheaper at $22 than both the other aftermarket one I had and a genuine BMW version.
And it seems like a good unit too. Faster operation, better spring loading, smoother, quieter, and much lighter now that all of the original BMW regulator has been removed. There is just ONE channel, ONE runner, ONE motor and ONE cable in the door - no more scissor thingy.
Have now bought another 3 of the Ford mechanisms, ready to replace the other 3 aftermarket cheapies in the BMW that are sure to start breaking soon.
Bargain :bigpimp:
This is what the complete Ford unit looks like, but it's upside down in these pics... (no pics of it installed yet, sorry.....)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/2165000-2165999/2165842_104_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/2165000-2165999/2165842_105_full.jpg