Dual
03-31-2016, 10:54 AM
I am passing on some knowledge I picked up on another forum today: I haven't found this info here.
My driver-side door was remarkably hard to open: I had gone to a body shop to see if they could find anything but they just pointed out the odd tilting-handle mechanism (handles tilt upward while appearing to pull out), and suggest I try tilting when pulling. The problem persisted.
Another forum (E46 Fanatics) pointed me to this fix, but it's now an 11+ page thread missing the original photos. So here's an abbreviated version:
Roll down the affected window for access, just in case.
At the top end of your door is a black cap covering access to a 4mm adjustment screw:
25312
Using an allen wrench or 4mm driver/socket set, tighten this screw- clockwise for left-side doors, counter-clockwise for right doors.
Use caution not to overtighten, which can strip either the screw in the door, or the setscrew head. But you want it tight.
Check mechanism by opening/closing a few times: it should be much easier to operate.
Here is a helpful short video, made on a RHD car. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hT9E-BQOJk)
My driver-side door was remarkably hard to open: I had gone to a body shop to see if they could find anything but they just pointed out the odd tilting-handle mechanism (handles tilt upward while appearing to pull out), and suggest I try tilting when pulling. The problem persisted.
Another forum (E46 Fanatics) pointed me to this fix, but it's now an 11+ page thread missing the original photos. So here's an abbreviated version:
Roll down the affected window for access, just in case.
At the top end of your door is a black cap covering access to a 4mm adjustment screw:
25312
Using an allen wrench or 4mm driver/socket set, tighten this screw- clockwise for left-side doors, counter-clockwise for right doors.
Use caution not to overtighten, which can strip either the screw in the door, or the setscrew head. But you want it tight.
Check mechanism by opening/closing a few times: it should be much easier to operate.
Here is a helpful short video, made on a RHD car. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hT9E-BQOJk)