Outer door handle, front remove and install

# Outer door handle, remove and install.

Drivers door: Gently pry out mirror switch and disconnect. |
Passenger door: Pry out plastic cover from armrest. |
Remove screw in opening. |
Remove 2 screws in bottom of armrest. |
Slide armrest forward to disengage clip from storage compartment, remove armrest. Follow green arrows to remove and white arrows to install |
Lower window, dead electric motors can be over ridden (on earlier cars) with the Allen key from the tool kit, remove plug from door panel. |
Remove rubber plug from window motor. |
Insert Allen key crank handle and wind window down. |
Pry inner door handle surround towards rear of car, and lift off door panel |
If door lock button has a knob on top, unscrew it |
Use a trim tool or gently use a flat screwdriver to pop door panel clips from door, start at the lower front corner where damage will be less noticeable if you make a mistake. |
Once clips are disengaged on bottom and sides of panel, lift panel straight up. Window seal may come out with panel.
Pull plastic splash sheet down from top rear corner of door. |
Raise outer handle and remove screws. Lift off handle. |
Cars with heated locks, unplug harness and move out of the way.
Remove two 10mm nuts securing door handle mechanism to inside of door. |
Remove handle mechanism. Take care not to scratch paint. |

### Installation:

If fitted with heated locks, ensure tab on handle actuates lock heater switch. |
Align handle with crease in door by adjusting assembly from rear, tighten nuts and ensure outer handle is resting on rubber bumpers on outside of door.
Align door lock rod with hole in door panel. |
Position window seal on door, not panel, replace any damaged clips. Seal clips go over dimples in sheet metal. |
Replace any damaged door panel clips |

E30 M3 Repair Manual V2.7. Copyright ©1999-2001 Koala Motorsport & Brett Anderson