BMW 3 (E46). Manual — part 204

512-3

Window Service, 2-door
Models

2-door models are equipped with the
"close with door shut" feature. In this
mode, the window glass moves down
slightly when the door latch is
activated, then jams up tightly against
the weather-strip when the door is fully
closed.

WARNING!

E46 cars are fitted with
side-impact airbags in the front
doors. When servicing the door
windows on cars with
side-impact airbags, always
disconnect the negative (-)
battery cable. See

721 Airbag

System (SRS)

for cautions and

procedures relating to the airbag
system.

Prior to disconnecting the
battery, read the battery
disconnection cautions given at
the front of this manual on page
viii.

Front door window, adjusting
(2-door models)

The "close with door shut" feature of
2-door cars with frameless windows
makes window adjustment critical.

CAUTION!

There is risk of window glass
breakage if correct adjustment
procedures are not used. If in doubt,
this procedure should be left to a
trained BMW technician.

The following adjustments can be
made to the window:

Longitudinal adjustment

Pretension (or window rake)

Parallelism (or window tilt)

Vertical adjustment (or retraction
depth)

Glass protrusion (when open)

Distance between side window
and door window

Emergency operation

Adjusting the "close with door shut"
feature insures low wind noise and
water leakage past windows. With the
door closed, the window must jam a
predetermined amount up into the seal.
When the door is opened, the window
must lower immediately to clear the
seal.

With door open, close window.

To simulate closed door, use
screwdriver or finger to push door
lock rotary latch in direction of
arrow.

Window must rise to its full closed
position.

Close door as far as possible without
forcing.

Coupe models: Top edge of glass
must rest on door seal (A).

Convertible models: Gap between
door and B-pillar (B) must be 25
mm (1 in.).

Note:

Window must seal with water drain at
mirror triangle in A-pillar.

-

Use door handle to open rotary
latch:

Window should lower a small
amount.

-

Close door:

Window should raise a small
amount.

-

Reopen door:

Window should lower a small
amount and clear rubber seal.

-

If window gets stuck in rubber
seal:

Lower glass.

Adjust retraction depth as
described later.

Longitudinal adjustment

Position window approx. 155 mm (6.1
in.) above dead bottom.

Working carefully with a plastic prying
tool, detach outside trim strip from
door.

Reach through door bores (A) using
Torx driver E7 on extension with ratchet
wrench (BMW special tool 41 6 120 or
equivalent). Loosen but do not remove
longitudinal adjustment screws.

Raise glass to top. Move glass fore or
aft to attain correct adjustment.

Coupe models: When fully closed,
rear edge of window must
protrude by distance A from edge