E46 Coupe Door shutting issue

[VanBas]

Got in the car this morning (icy and cold, -1) and all was fine, went to close the door and it wouldnt shut, it just bounced like the seatbelt was trapped. Of course it wasnt and i tried many times to shut it but the same happened. Wound down the window thinking the ice had jammed the auto window drop or something and it made no difference. Finally got it to shut and seems fine now. Any ideas on what caused this? Never happened before in 6 months of having the car. Is it just a case of freezing temps and the mechanism needing a bit of grease?

Thanks in advance.

[CoolC]

I wonder if the outer handle was stuck out slightly?

[Atlas 12v]

It's the window getting stuck due to ice between the glass and runner. It always happens to the coupes and is best solved with a little warm water on the seal (the horizontal one along the door)

Also worth doing is rubbing a little silicone based spray, WD40 (which I know doesn't have silicone in) but similar into the upper half of the door seal that is in contact with the glass to avoid any adhesion in this area due to freezing temps.

[blondini]

Mine sometimes does the same when it is below freezing, a bit of warmth applied to the area round the door handle does the trick. That'll be my warm defrosting water at home in the mornings, otherwise my hands.

[Frances The Mute]

The catch is sticking open. It's happened to several of my BM's over the years.

Get some lube in the mechanism and all will be well.

[mini1380cc]

Frances The Mute said:

The catch is sticking open. It's happened to several of my BM's over the years.

Get some lube in the mechanism and all will be well.

+1. The latch is not dropping back down one the handle is released.

[VanBas]

mini1380cc said:

+1. The latch is not dropping back down one the handle is released.

Right ok. Will stick some oil/grease in there. Bit of wd40 to remove any crud and then 3in1oil be ok?

Didnt think it would be the window seal as it operated fine with the switch.

Edited by VanBas on Tuesday 31st January 15:44

[KP]

VanBas said:

Right ok. Will stick some oil/grease in there. Bit of wd40 to remove any crud and then 3in1oil be ok?

Didnt think it would be the window seal as it operated fine with the switch.

Edited by VanBas on Tuesday 31st January 15:44

This stuff works a treat!

http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/260875553409?var=lv...

Cheers,

KP

[Bezerk]

CoolC said:

I wonder if the outer handle was stuck out slightly?

It will be this. Just make sure the handle is back in position before you get in the car on extra cold mornings.
A bit of maintenance as suggested can't hurt.

I had the same issue 2 years ago on an A5. Not had it happen on my 335i yet.
It happened a few times and eventually the handle mechanism broke. I went to open the door one morning and couldn't get in!
I had to climb in the passenger side to drive to the dealer where it was replaced under warranty.

So be careful.. if you slam it multiple times you could break it.