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How to fix a rattling window, E46 M3

What you need

Video Overview

  1. How to fix a rattling window, E46 M3, Identify the screws: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • The door card is held securely in place with 5 screws.

    • Keep in mind the door card has up to 3 wire bundles attached to it. Be careful when removing it! Be prepared to support it while dealing with the wires.

  2. How to fix a rattling window, E46 M3, Remove screw covers: step 2, image 1 of 2 How to fix a rattling window, E46 M3, Remove screw covers: step 2, image 2 of 2
    • Using a spudger, work off the cap of the first screw. The cap is tight; you may need a jimmy or metal spudger.

    • Using the flat end of a spudger, remove the airbag emblem. The emblem has clips on the top and bottom -- work carefully.

  3. How to fix a rattling window, E46 M3, Remove bolts: step 3, image 1 of 1
    • Using a T20 Torx driver with extension, remove all 5 bolts.

  4. How to fix a rattling window, E46 M3, Remove mirror control: step 4, image 1 of 1
    • If you're working on the driver side door, remove the mirror control module. Disconnect it from its wiring plug.

  5. How to fix a rattling window, E46 M3, Pop door card clips: step 5, image 1 of 2 How to fix a rattling window, E46 M3, Pop door card clips: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • Using a trim tool or similar, begin at the bottom of the door card and pop the card away from the door frame.

    • After you've released the bottom clips, work your way around.

    • You will need to lift the door card from the door frame in order to fully release it. Be careful!

    • Disconnect the following from the door panel:

    • Unlocking cable

    • Speaker cable(s)

    • Set the door panel aside.

  6. How to fix a rattling window, E46 M3, Door panel removed!: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • The door panel is now removed.

    • You will see the airbag module, vapor barrier, and other components.

  7. How to fix a rattling window, E46 M3, Inspect the post: step 8, image 1 of 2 How to fix a rattling window, E46 M3, Inspect the post: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Very gently, peel back the vapor barrier to expose the retaining bolt.

    • Roll the window up.

    • The tar-like substance used to seal the vapor barrier to the door frame WILL release itself to a gentle pull, but it is EXTREMELY sticky, and too much pulling will tear your barrier. Slow and steady is the name of the game!

    • Inspect the bolt. It is probably missing a nut!

  8. How to fix a rattling window, E46 M3, Inspect the other bolt: step 9, image 1 of 1
    • While you're in here, inspect and tighten the bottom bolt.

  9. How to fix a rattling window, E46 M3, Find and replace!: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • Look in the bottom of your door and locate the nut that fell off that top bolt.

    • Replace the nut onto the upper bolt and tighten.

    • In a pinch, you can use a little bit of that tarry substance to temporarily paste the nut to your fingertip in order to screw it on to the bolt.

    • Ta da! Now closing the door sounds great!

Conclusion

To reassemble your door, follow these instructions in reverse order.

One other person completed this guide.

Dom Santangelo

Member since: 09/19/16

592 Reputation

3 Guides authored

One Comment

What is this bullshit? Ever think people may have both bolts there and tightened down still? Ever think other ifixit $@$* may still need to occur? And this is all you have to offer? Awesome thoroughness…

spamaccount420 - Reply

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