BMW 3 (E46). Manual - part 207

window.

Distance to front door window
(longitudinal adjustment) (A) must
be set by loosening Torx bolt
through bore in outer shell of car,
after removing exterior side trim
strip.

To set retraction depth
(submersion) into top rubber seal
(B), rear interior side trim panel
must be removed to access
adjustment screws.

To set window centering (C), rear
interior side trim panel must be
removed to access adjustment
screws.

To set side window depth in
relation to door window (D), rear
interior side trim panel must be
removed to access adjustment
screws.

Convertible rear side window
adjustments

23 - 25 mm (0.9 - 1.0 in.)

Window must run into

convertible top seal

when top is closed. With

top open, glass must

rest firmly against

window seal.

With convertible top

open, window must be

centered in channel

up to 1 mm (0.04 in.)

toward inside of car

512-4

Window Regulator
Service

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 regulator motor

Note:

Because window operation is
electronically controlled, a window
motor does not have mechanical end
positions. For this reason it can be
removed and installed with the window
in any position and does not need
reinitialization.

To remove motor:

Remove inner door panel and
vapor barrier

Detach window motor electrical

harness connector (A).

Remove motor mounting bolts (B).

Twist motor slightly (arrows) to
clear window regulator mounting
tabs.

When reinstalling:

Make sure window has not
travelled fully downward.

Manipulate spring-loaded window
control cable (C) to engage motor
teeth to regulator gears.

Window regulators
and motors 4–door
models, assembly

Front window
motor

Front window
regulator

Rear window
motor

Rear window
regulator

Window regulator and motor,
removing and installing (4-door
models)

Sedan and Sport Wagon doors are
similar. There are two window rails in
each front window regulator, only one in
the rear. Otherwise the front and rear
regulators are similar.

Note:

BMW recommends removing the window
regulator and motor as one unit, then
separating the two on the bench.

Remove door panel as described in

411 Doors

Disconnect battery negative cable
and remove side impact air bag, if
applicable. See

721 Airbag

System (SRS)