HVAC Control Unit Bracket Ashtray Door question

[bmw m3 s50]

I am replacing the entire HVAC Control Unit Bracket which also houses the heated seats, sport, TPMS button panel and the ashtray/cigarette lighter area.

My question is the door that covers the ashtray/cigarette lighter area, just that door, spring operated or is that door manual tilt up and down. Meaning when the door is closed and you push the small chrome piece on the outside of the door, will spring automatically open the door or do you have to push the top of the door to manually open?

I was under the impression that you push the small chrome piece on the outside and a spring opens the door automatically. The piece that I got was not spring operated rather you have to push the top of the door to manually open it. Does anyone know?

Also the car that this bracket is going into has the OE equipped Smokers Package.

[Lukem3]

It's not spring loaded, just manual open and close.

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[Tbonem3]

I think it is supposed to automatically open. Both the sunglasses door and ash tray.

[bmw m3 s50]

It's not spring loaded, just manual open and close.

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Hey do you happen to know if that is the same across all e46's?

[Lukem3]

Hey do you happen to know if that is the same across all e46's?

My m3 and both of my buddies is the same. 2001 and 2002. Buddies 2004 coupe 330 is the same.

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[bmw m3 s50]

I think it is supposed to automatically open. Both the sunglasses door and ash tray.

I thought that too. I am pretty sure my m3 coupe is like that. My vert the door never opened automatically, I assumed the door was broken when I bought it. I ordered a brand new part and it was manual to without spring. I thought that it was weird.

[bmw m3 s50]

My m3 and both of my buddies is the same. 2001 and 2002. Buddies 2004 coupe 330 is the same.

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Also those e46's do some have NAV and others don't? My coupe does not have NAV but my vert does.

[Lukem3]

Also those e46's do some have NAV and others don't? My coupe does not have NAV but my vert does.

Yes nav was available but not a standard feature

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[bmw m3 s50]

Yes nav was available but not a standard feature

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Yea, I know NAV was an option for the e46, but I did not know if the the door that covers the ashtray/cigarette lighter area was different for NAV and non-NAV cars

[Tbonem3]

I check both my pre face lift 2002 and face lift 2004 cars. Both have the 2 doors (non nav).

[jbfrancis3]

Confused by some of the responses here. The door should be automatically soft open with a downward press on the bottom of the door.

[Tbonem3]

If the doors don't open on their own, how would you even get them open? There's nothing to pull on, and you can barely get your finger under the lid.

[heinzboehmer]

Yeah they open by themselves. If you take the assembly out and remove the door, you'll see the spring and latching mechanism (it'll also fall apart when you remove it, so plan accordingly).

[Lukem3]

Yeah i was confused by something else i guess. Just checked and it automatically opens

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[old///MFanatic]

I was under the impression that you push the small chrome piece on the outside and a spring opens the door automatically.

^This. As others stated it's a "soft" opening feature.
It's the same on my previous two non-Navs and both the new fitted Nav consoles. All these were Smoker Package model parts. If the non-smoker package parts are different in the door actuation that would be interesting to hear.