Drivers Door Not Fully Aligned

C

Chicosgroove

Member
Hi All,

newbie here but jumping straight in with a question -

Just bought a 2.5si sport 56 roadster and very happy with it. However, today, after having it 4 days, I have noticed that the drivers door sits slightly proud of the body when closed on the opening end (as opposed to the hinged end). I guess its not that noticable seeing as how its taken me 4 days to pick up on it, but when compared to the passenger door which is perfectly flush with the body, it does seem to be noticeably mis-aligned by comparision.

My first thought was its a not so perfect repair job but the car is hpi clear from a private dealer (classic marques in Harrogate) and they assure me the car has not been involved in an incident to their knowledge. The body of the car is immaculate so surely if the door didnt fit right due to a prang, there would be further evidence of this on the rest of the body work?

Having searched this forum, I saw a post stating that many z4s have badly fitting panels straight from factory so I wonder is this all it is? Seems surprising coming from BMW or is there perhaps something more sinister about the car's history that I don't know that could explain this?

Thanks in advance for any helpful comments
 
My passenger door was also poorly aligned when I bought the car. It now sits perfect. It was simply a case of adjusting the catch plate by slackening off the 2 torx screws and moving the plate closer to the interior of the car. I moved it a little at a time until it was perfectly in line. Took about 5 minutes. Note mine is a pre facelift, but I cannot see yours being any different. Hope this helps.
 
Hey Grayboots, thats really helpful, thanks.

Basically it sits proud slightly as if you've left your seatbelt in the way which is stopping it shutting properly (although it isnt). The door is properly shut however. Does this sound similar to yours?

Its going back to the place I bought it from tomorrow anyway as it has a malfunctioning parking sensor which they are replacing so I will try to get them to address that too. If its as simple as you explain, presumably this should be no big deal for them to do?

C
 
My passenger door is the same sits a little high, its never leaked or caused any noise problems but I did have a problem last year when my hardtop was fitting poorly and one of the many problems was the passenger door window not sitting right to the top! Im off work in two weeks time and have it booked into the Stealer's to sort hopefully under warranty!
 
Yep Chicosgroove, sounds the same. The top of the door was not in line with the rear wing and the bottom of the door was proud. I have to say that I did not not have any leaks, but I could hear a little noise at speed, as though a window was slightly open. It was the noise that prompted me to look closer and I noticed the top of the window didn't sit on the seal properly. It literally took 10 mins max to sort it out and it looks perfect.
 
grayboots said:
Yep Chicosgroove, sounds the same. The top of the door was not in line with the rear wing and the bottom of the door was proud. I have to say that I did not not have any leaks, but I could hear a little noise at speed, as though a window was slightly open. It was the noise that prompted me to look closer and I noticed the top of the window didn't sit on the seal properly. It literally took 10 mins max to sort it out and it looks perfect.
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Did you adjust the catch plate as described above? Ive had my car two years and looked this morning and find the door is slightly out at the bottom on the passenger side. cant believe I didnt notice it before
 
Yes. The catch plates are designed to adjust for exactly this reason. Check the lines around the door for misalignment. As long as the hinge side is straight and there is no accident damage the only means of adjustment is either the catch mechanism in the door or the catch plate. The catch plate is the most likely as it can move over time and is also the easiest to adjust. To adjust is just a matter of slackening the 2 torx screws a little and nudging the plate in a little, locking the screws, and trying the door for fit. Repeat as required until the door fits nicely and then give the screws a final nip up. Simples!
 
grayboots said:
Yes. The catch plates are designed to adjust for exactly this reason. Check the lines around the door for misalignment. As long as the hinge side is straight and there is no accident damage the only means of adjustment is either the catch mechanism in the door or the catch plate. The catch plate is the most likely as it can move over time and is also the easiest to adjust. To adjust is just a matter of slackening the 2 torx screws a little and nudging the plate in a little, locking the screws, and trying the door for fit. Repeat as required until the door fits nicely and then give the screws a final nip up. Simples!
Click to expand...

Great thanks, Ill try it tomorrow if the force 10 gale lessens a bit
 
I have a faint winddnoise behind my right ear, since I had a new window regulator fitted, is this likely to be the case too,I'll give it a try tommorow. :thumbsup:
 
The normal procedure for most cars would be to drop the window fully and then continue to hold down the switch for 5 seconds. Then close the window fully and continue to hold up the switch for 5 seconds. I believe this works for the Z4 too, but I have seen various times quoted from 2 to 15 seconds.

To remove any position information prior to resetting, drop the window fully and then depress the switch 4 times within 5 seconds.
 
If anyone has the time to upload some pics of how to adjust the door's catch plate to help me out since i am quite new with this, I would be most thankful! Painted arrows over a standard clatch photo are also welcome! :lol: no need to strip you car for me :)
 
Note that grayboots said he moved the plate a little at a time. Very important! Move VERY little at a time. It's possible to adjust it such that the door closes so tightly that it's virtually impossible to get the catch to release again. Be careful!
 
Mine is exactly the same! Drivers door very slightly proud of the body! It's obviously an issue.

What is a 'catch plate' ? You dont mean the kick plate at the bottom do you?
 
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Catch plate is No. 14, chrome colour, in the rear door jamb. Fastened with 2 Torx screws. Barely loosen screws. Move plate slightly towards centre of car if rear door edge is proud of rear wing. Best to mark original position so you know exactly how much you've moved it and can restore original position should problems arise.
 
Did it last night - real easy, drivers door is now flush with the body :) Also has reduced cabin noise to boot, so well chuffed! Great tip!
 
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