Transferring contents of one door shell into another

limenuke · 08-05-2011, 02:25 PM

I have a 4dr 1997 328i. I have experience in opening the panels up and I have the tools ready to take out the regulator. I was wondering how much time it takes overall to replace a door shell. Is there anything involving the locks/door handles that gets finicky? Can I reuse the window gasket? Are any of the window rails in the door extremely hard to get out?

Thanks,
Mark

E36is · 08-05-2011, 03:04 PM

locks/door handles... PITA!

if the window gasket is supple and not dry rotted then you can re-use.

window rails... kind of easy, but thats only if the glass is out.

limenuke · 08-05-2011, 03:07 PM

What would you say makes the handles/locks difficult? It's going to be the same set.

E36is · 08-05-2011, 03:14 PM

your basically going in there by feel, and if you have small hands/fingers than that will help, but if you got big hands/fingers...PITA

limenuke · 08-05-2011, 03:20 PM

Aw sh*t. I have stubby fingers but small hands. Thanks for the help...

Do you know how much it would cost if I got all the components out and just asked a shop to throw everything in for me?

E36is · 08-05-2011, 03:29 PM

no idea, but post back on what they will charge you.

5style · 08-07-2011, 05:40 PM

about 30 min per door

limenuke · 08-09-2011, 01:37 PM

30 minutes? Want to do mine for me? I'd pay for the fact that it only takes you 30 minutes haha.

I think I've sourced a full door (without a window reg, but I have one) for about 100 bucks. I need to transfer my old handle + lock to the new one. Is transferring the lock wafers / tumbler extremely difficult? I saw a tut online but I can't gauge the difficulty just by reading...

Also, will the electronics port to the door be exactly the same? Can I just remount it into the new door? The replacement door is from a 4dr E36 from 1994. My car is a 1997 328i.

5style · 08-09-2011, 07:14 PM

Guts should be the same and plug and play. The early e36 were slightly different. Start with removing the door panel, then vapour shield, then glass, rails, regulator, seals, and so on. It comes apart quite easy, make sure you keep the power plugged in tho, all the way till you remove the regulator as you ll need to reposition it to disassemble it, and remove it.

limenuke · 08-10-2011, 11:05 AM

What do you mean the early e36's were different?

Also, any hints on knocking the door check pin out? There's not a lot of room to swing a hammer around there...