BMW XM Window Failure: Common Regulator Issue?

Hey there! I'm a DIY enthusiast with some experience working on cars. I had a similar issue with my 2020 BMW X6, and my cousin actually owns an X5 with the same problem. The power window switch was indeed the culprit in my case. Initially, I thought it was the regulator too, but my trusted mechanic diagnosed it as a faulty switch unit. The repair took about 2 hours, and I paid around 200 Euro for parts and labor. The switch had completely died due to internal wear, pretty common issue actually. Before I can share more specific advice, could you share: Are there any unusual sounds when pressing the switches? Does this affect all windows or just one? Have you noticed any intermittent functioning before it completely failed? Let me know these details, and I can probably help you narrow down if it's the same issue I dealt with.

Thanks for the detailed reply! My XM's got 166210 KM on the clock and was just serviced last month. In my case, I'm hearing a clicking sound from the driver's side switch when pressed, and it's affecting all windows. They were working fine one day, then started acting up intermittently for about a week before completely failing. The issue seems similar to what you experienced with your X6. Good to know it might just be the switch unit rather than the whole regulator system. That's definitely more budget-friendly than what I was quoted for replacing the regulators. I'll get my mechanic to check the switch unit first.

Hey again! Thanks for those extra details about your XM. Yes, that clicking sound from the driver's side switch is exactly what I experienced with my X6! It's like déjà vu hearing you describe it. When mine started acting up like that, I initially ignored the intermittent issues (big mistake, by the way), and then boom, total failure. The clicking sound is pretty much a dead giveaway for the switch unit problem. I learned that these switches have these small contact points inside that wear out over time, especially in the driver's door since that's the one we use the most. Since your mileage is similar to what mine was when it failed (I was at around 170000 KM), and you're describing the same progression of symptoms, I'm even more convinced it's the switch unit. The fact that it's affecting all windows from the driver's control panel but started gradually really matches my experience. Just a heads up, when my mechanic replaced the switch, they recommended doing a quick check of the wiring harness in the door as well. Turns out that was a good call because they found some slightly worn insulation. They fixed that while they were in there, which probably saved me from future headaches. Let me know how it goes with your mechanic. I'm curious to see if it's the same issue!

Thanks so much for confirming all this! It's such a relief to hear someone went through the exact same thing. The matching symptoms, especially that annoying clicking sound and the similar mileage really makes me feel better about this whole situation. Really appreciate the tip about checking the wiring harness too, I'll definitely mention that to my mechanic when I take it in tomorrow. I was honestly stressing about potentially having to shell out a fortune for multiple regulators, so knowing it might just be the switch unit is a huge weight off my shoulders. I'll have them check everything while they're working on it, just to be safe. Thanks again for all your help, it's been super useful having someone share their real experience with this issue. I'll probably report back once it's fixed in case anyone else runs into the same problem!