attn Blackspider

[Vixpy1]

My E46 M3 has developed a fault whereby the passenger side door will only open from the inside, and if you close it and operate the window switch, the door opens

Any ideas gratefully recieved

[blackspider]

Normally if the door will only open for the inside the fault is the cable that runs from the outside handle to the door lock mechanism has come out of the cradle at the outside handle end....The reason why it opens when you drop the window is because the window pushes down on the cable which is now in its way.

The door panel needs to come off,the side airbag and then the door membrane(sound proofing).
Close the window,refit the cable and the modification to these is to fit a cable tie to the cradle to stop the cable dropping off....Worst case,you may need to replace the handle cradle with the cable(they come together).

This fault is extremly common with cabs and coupe e46

[Vixpy1]

Is it just a spanners job chap, or any special tools needed, anything i should be particulary carefull about while doing it?

Thanks

[blackspider]

Its a spanners job-Your going to need a torx 20 and 25 screw drivers for the screws under the grab handle,behind the plastic airbag sign.A 10mm socket,extension and ratchet for the airbag(in an ideal world you should disconnect the battery for this bit),Disconnect the airbag(lift the bridge up in the center of the connector).
You need a stanely blade to cut around the butyl tape that sticks the membrane down-dont just cut a hole into the membrane as you will end up with water ingress.Just a bit of patients needed.

[Vixpy1]

Genius chap, Many thanks

[Broccers]

Same happened on my coupe - apparently spraying the mech with wd40 works a treat. Mine was fixed foc when I took it to the dealer however so can't confirm.