BMW 3 (E46). Manual — part 202

512-2

Window Service, 4-door
Models

Sedan and Sport Wagon doors are
similar. Use the following procedures
for window service on these models.

WARNING!

E46 cars are fitted with
side-impact airbags in the front
doors. Some are equipped with
airbags in the rear doors as well.
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.

Window anti-trap strip, testing

-

To test function of anti-trap strip
on any window:

With key ON and window down,
pull up window switch to second
detent, thus activating one-touch
close operation.

Insert wooden block or other soft
object between glass and upper
door frame.

Window should contact block,
then immediately reverse direction
and lower by approx. 25 mm (1
in.).

Note:

Anti-trap strip is integrated into the
molding strip of the door window frame.

Front window anti-trap strip,
removing

-

Remove front door panel and
vapor barrier as described in

411 Doors

.

Detach window frame molding strip
and peel toward inside of vehicle.

Separate anti-trap electrical harness
connector (arrow) at top front of door.

Note:

Wire colors for anti-trap strip are black-
white.

If replacing molding with new one,
transfer mounting clips and foam
insulation as necessary.

1 - Window frame molding

2 - Clip

3 - Door corner speaker cover

4 - Foam insulation

5 - Mounting clip

-

After installation, recheck anti-trap
protection.

Rear window anti-trap strip,
removing

-

Remove rear door panel and vapor
barrier as described in

411

Doors

.

Detach window frame molding strip,
peeling it off fixed window partition
(arrows). Do not tear strip in area A.

-

Detach electrical harness
connector at top front of door, just
below window.

Note:

Wire colors for anti-trap strip are black-
white.

-

After installation, recheck anti-trap
protection.

Front door window, adjusting
(4-door models)

Whenever the front window or window
regulator is removed, window
adjustment should be checked. The
glass should contact the top of the
window squarely and should seat

against the window seal uniformly.

Note:

If the window does not contact the
window seal uniformly, wind noise or
water infiltration may result.

-

Remove front door panel as
described in

411 Doors

.

-

Disconnect negative (-) cable from
battery. Then remove airbag unit
and vapor barrier from door. See

721 Airbag System (SRS)

.

WARNING!

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

-

Partially detach rear of vapor
barrier/sound insulation from door
and fold forward. Hold in place
using adhesive tape.

Loosen window guide rail mounting
nuts (arrows), but do not remove.

-

Reconnect battery. Open window
fully.

-

Tighten guide rail nuts.

Tightening torque

Window regulator
guide rail to door

9 Nm (80 in-lb)

Front door window, removing
and installing (4-door models)