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Window Regulators

Mat59

Well-known member
Joined
3 Aug 2014
Messages
157
In an effort not to get ripped off by Porsche for replacement window regulators, I thought I'd ask for your advice/experiences with non OEM regulator replacements. I assume Porsche don't actually make these themselves. I replaced an ABS pump last year using Bosch, the suppliers to porsche, and saved approx. £2k on the part cost.

So, Design 911 list the OEM part here (£176 OEM)- https://www.design911.co.uk/mobile/#part;id=1016

There are loads of old threads each offering advice on OEM vs non-OEM but these are dated and may be comparing different quality products to what is now available. For instance, there's a company in Belfast, claiming to be the leading supplier, doing replacements here - https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/262992228843

There's even someone in Germany (eBay) who does a repair kit here (£22)- https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/263189511577

Can anyone advise?

Thanks!
 
Its a relatively easy job so id even consider going second hand and paying a fraction of the price accepting you may have to do it again in a couple of years.

I had to replace my lock assembly and it took me about 30 mins (first time I'd done it) and cost about £25 second hand as opposed to over £100 for a new replacement. Don't forget most of these parts are the same as on the Boxster so normally millions on ebay.
 
Nothing wrong with aftermarket for some items.

I can confirm I fitted an aftermarket regulator (new) in my 996 turbo last year and all is well.

Fitted perfectly and from memory part cost was around £50.
Many parts aren't made by Porsche themselves anyway, so 'unbranded' versions are sometimes just as good/exactly the same...(sometimes not though!)

Easy enough job to do yourself too, just remember to take your time and be methodical in your approach. There is a DIY online somewhere too (google is your friend).
 
I have done this job on the 987, 996 and 986 this year and last and the year before.
I bought from Euro car parts. They have a variety including oem.
I chose the option that has a lifetime guarantee and when fitting the first one to the 986 I compared the outgoing unit ( genuine Porsche)with the new one very, very closely and couldn't see or feel any variance between them at all.
So in it went and operated perfectly, and still does over 2 years later.
Needless to say when it came time to replace the other vehicles regulators I had no hesitation in going for the same lifetime unit from ECP.
So, in balance, I would be very happy to recommend that unit.
 
I got a new cheap one for the pass side from an eBay seller 4 years ago.

It failed after 3 years.

I then fitted a repair kit like the one linked.

It failed after a few months.

I then fitted a mint used genuine one last year, its been fine ever so far.

-----

Basically I think the problem is the quality of the cable used. The first replacement rusted up.

The repair kit cable was slightly narrower gauge than the OE so didn't sit as well in the pulleys and got tangled up.

The OE originally lasted a long time, hopefully the mint one I replaced will too.

-----

I would probably go with the one peter zoom recommended above next time. In fact my drivers side is "singing" at me so needs looking at.

Don't forget to remove the boxster stop pin from the runner when you fit it!
 
The cheapest one at ECP is perfect and around £120. Don't bother with the repair kit. I tried buying a regulator off eBay and got messed about as the sellers were drop shipping and didn't hold stock.
 
Thanks guys. Will go with the Euro car parts ones.
 
Development - I seem to have fixed it with a well-placed cable tie. This reduced the slack in the cable, which must have stretched. I've seen others use a bicycle cable adjuster. Only needed to take up a bit of slack in the cable to give the window another few mm's of drop to clear the weather strip.

Will see if it holds.
 
While I've not had to do it on my turbo, I changed the drivers side regulator on my old c2. I went down the ecp route and it wasn't that difficult to do.
 

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