Door, adjusting

Loosen bolts on top and bottom hinges.

If alignment problem is with front edge of door being too far in or out compared to fender, place or remove shims behind hinges to achieve a parallel gap down the front of the door, of equal distance to the gap at the rear of the door.

To adjust the height of the door, simply lift or lower the door and tighten the hinges. Use the doors top edge to judge correct height

The door can also be moved in or out at the front edge by loosening the hinges and pushing in. The forward edge of the door should be flush or up too 1mm further in than the front fender. If the door is outside the fender, wind noise will result.

The rear of the door can be adjusted in or out by loosening the striker and moving in or out. The rear edge of the door should be flush with, or up to 1mm outside of, the rear door to prevent wind noise. Ensure the striker's vertical position is such that the door latch closes perfectly on it.

Part numbers

Primary shims with bolt holes
0.5mm shim : 41 51 1 945 150
1.0mm shim : 41 51 1 888 319

Slotted shims for final adjustment
0.5mm shim : 41 51 1 916 686
1.0mm shim : 41 51 1 916 719

E30 M3 Repair Manual V2.7.  Copyright ©1999-2001 Koala Motorsport & Brett Anderson