Drivers door removal and alignment

[m3f_aeronaut]

I need some PDR work on my drivers door, and because the car's going to be down for a week or two, I'd consider just removing the door and dropping it off at the shop. (I need to remove the door cards anyway also.)



How hard is it to realign the door on a reinstall to get perfect fit and seams ?

[m3f_enderw88]

I need some PDR work on my drivers door, and because the car's going to be down for a week or two, I'd consider just removing the door and dropping it off at the shop. (I need to remove the door cards anyway also.)



How hard is it to realign the door on a reinstall to get perfect fit and seams ?

You like to clean loaded guns don't you?

[m3f_aeronaut]

Cleaning loaded guns isn't difficult.

[m3f_scoobiedoo2029]

im away from my car but i think the hinges in my sedan appear to have removable pins, so if you just pulled the pin out the door would come off but the alignment of the door would stay as was. dunno haven't taken a door off a e36 but id be trying that first.



panel alignment basically consists of put the part on, see how crooked it is, then move it again and again and again and again ect... sooner or later youll get it perfect

[m3f_aeronaut]

ahhh...pins...I'll check tomorrow. Duh!!! Thanks!!!

[m3f_EricSMG]

I've aligned every door on every BMW I've owned. The never sit right after this many years. I will say that it's tricky to support the door as you loosen the hignes. Actually removing a big heavy door is asking for trouble - you better have it supported in both planes or you'll likely tear a hinge, jack up the door, the fender, or all three. There's very little wiggle room between the door and the front fender.



Be. Careful.

[m3f_enderw88]

I've aligned every door on every BMW I've owned. The never sit right after this many years. I will say that it's tricky to support the door as you loosen the hignes. Actually removing a big heavy door is asking for trouble - you better have it supported in both planes or you'll likely tear a hinge, jack up the door, the fender, or all three. There's very little wiggle room between the door and the front fender.



Be. Careful.

Let me summarize: this is not a good idea. Don't pull doors unless you have a very good reason. You don't.

[m3f_badgtho]

This is an absolutely horrible idea and you need your head examined. Seriously. I mean wtf.


Let me explain. This door is very very heavy. It will get damaged. You'll scratCh the car.


These doors are hard to align as it is. Starting from scratch is a difficult job that can take hours. If the alignment is wrong you'll damage the door, the fender, and have air leaks.


The hinges are not made to just pop on and off. It's not a jeep wrangler. It's a f ucking M3. You can't simply pop the pins out. They're pressed in.


The door has many many electrical connectors that will need to be unplugged and threaded through the grommet. Then you'll need to do the same again.


The vapor barrier will need to be fully removed and you'll ruin it. Price that out.


So now you're thinking "I'll just leave the window down, that will make it easier to transport." Window down? No PDR access.


Probably an important note would be that most PDR guys will not want to do any work on a loose panel. "But badgtho, you're a big meanie, stop being so honest." The PDR process requires that varying amounts of pressure be applied against the panel. No leverage can be bad against your loose door, window rolled up, sitting in the back seat of your buddy's corolla. The door needs to be on the car to ensure a good PDR result.


Lastly ask any body shop the lengths that they will go to in avoidance of changing a door. Seriously.


Stop. Think. Don't rush and wait on the PDR.

[m3f_badgtho]

ahhh...pins...I'll check tomorrow. Duh!!! Thanks!!!

Stop and read above post.

[m3f_aeronaut]

I mean WTF, it was a simple question from inexperience. Got it. I won't remove the f'ing door from my f'ing M3 which I seriously thought was my backup F'ing Jeep but I'm glad I learned it's not (will cancel the order on the 34" mudders).


PS....seriously, thanks for the insight from all.