Door binding when open

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RambleOn

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#1
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#1
Hey All,

New member and we've only had the 1994 540i for a few months. We found a gem (we think) with a Bavarian Engine Exchange replacement, limited slip RR, rebuilt trans, new susp, radiator, water pumps, and just about everything else. The car is great and very fast, a little bit on the stiff side but handles well.

Ok, enough about that, here is my question. Just last week the driver side door started sticking when opened. The bar that keeps it open seems to be sticking and it takes some force to close it...it also makes a poping noise when it gets hung up. I can't see in the door jamb far enought to see what's wrong.

What can I do? Has anyone else seen or had this problem? I see the rubber boot that suounds the opening. Should I start digging in?

Thanks for any advice...

J
 
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epj3

Senior Member
#2
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Lancaster, PA
#2
RambleOn said:
Hey All,

New member and we've only had the 1994 540i for a few months. We found a gem (we think) with a Bavarian Engine Exchange replacement, limited slip RR, rebuilt trans, new susp, radiator, water pumps, and just about everything else. The car is great and very fast, a little bit on the stiff side but handles well.

Ok, enough about that, here is my question. Just last week the driver side door started sticking when opened. The bar that keeps it open seems to be sticking and it takes some force to close it...it also makes a poping noise when it gets hung up. I can't see in the door jamb far enought to see what's wrong.

What can I do? Has anyone else seen or had this problem? I see the rubber boot that suounds the opening. Should I start digging in?

Thanks for any advice...

J
Click to expand...
Fix it right away!!

http://www.koalamotorsport.com/parts-home.asp

It's cheap and VERY easy to install. Otherwise sounds like you have a great car!
 
R

RambleOn

2
#3
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#3
epj3 said:
Fix it right away!!

http://www.koalamotorsport.com/parts-home.asp

It's cheap and VERY easy to install. Otherwise sounds like you have a great car!
Click to expand...
Hi epj3,

Thanks for the info. So at the risk of sounding well, stupid; are you suggesting that the plate will fix the problem or that I buy a new brake all together? Have you ever installed one, and is it easy? Does the part come with instructions?

I know this may sound bad but looking at the mechanism, it occurs to me that whatever provides the friction on the inside of the door would be tough to get at...or is it a remove the door panel job?

Thanks for the link, very helpful!
 
E

epj3

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#4
RambleOn said:
Hi epj3,

Thanks for the info. So at the risk of sounding well, stupid; are you suggesting that the plate will fix the problem or that I buy a new brake all together? Have you ever installed one, and is it easy? Does the part come with instructions?

I know this may sound bad but looking at the mechanism, it occurs to me that whatever provides the friction on the inside of the door would be tough to get at...or is it a remove the door panel job?

Thanks for the link, very helpful!
Click to expand...
All you have to do is read the link I sent you. What happens is the door brake is attached to a VERY flimsy piece of metal. The metal warps when you open the door, causing a 'grinding' noise and not allowing it to shut properly. These plates WILL fix it, they are very easy to install with basic tools. Maybe 15 minutes/side or less. Buy them before you destroy the sheet metal in your door and end up having to get an expensive weld job or new door.
 
R

RambleOn

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#5
Just to follow up...

I got the parts and looked at the door closely. When I started to loosen the screws on the brake I noticed the door metal was badly bent and even cracked in one spot. Also the brake itself was broken so when I started loosening the bottom screw it was just spinning freely. I had to jam a punch in the hole to stop it from spinning. So at this point all I could do was install the plate I got from Koala with one of the two screws. I'm going to have to install the entire brake after all.

I talked to my local bmw guy and he said it was a 2 hr job and would cost me $250, parts NOT included. I'm tempted to do it myself so I'm wondering how hard is it to get the door panel off and back on?

If anyone has done this please reply and let me know your experience. Should I pony up the dough or go for it?

Thanks,
J
 
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epj3

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#6
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#6
All it needs is reinforcements or fitted plates welded in, I would say $250 isn't too bad... door is pretty hard to get out because of all the wires.
 
R

RambleOn

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#7
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#7
epj3 said:
All it needs is reinforcements or fitted plates welded in, I would say $250 isn't too bad... door is pretty hard to get out because of all the wires.
Click to expand...
The door doesn't have to come off and there's no welding involved...just taking off the door panel and installing the new door brake...that is what the quote is for.

Anyway, it seems like you are the only one replying...have you ever taken off a door panel? Is it difficult? Do you need any special tools?

Thanks,
J
 
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