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Thread: Hatch Glass Frame Alignment Issue

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
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    Satellite Beach, FL
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    2000 BMW 540iT Dinan S2

    Hatch Glass Frame Alignment Issue

    I have a weird issue with the hatch glass frame on my wagon. The top of it on the passenger side is slightly raised. The driver side is flush with the roof, but on the passenger it seems to be hanging up. I've replaced the shocks and the hinge appears to rotate freely. It does look like when you first push it down with it connected to the hatch that the passenger hinge stays put for a 1/4", but then goes with the rest of the assembly. I can push down on the outside and make it move down, but it kind of stays or returns to a slightly raised position. Is there an adjustment I can make somewhere?
    - 2000 540iT Dinan S2 -2000 Z3 -

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
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    Gardner MA
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    2003 525iT, 2008 328xiT
    I only see 2 posibilities. Nuts are lose or the window frame is broken. Either way it would be best to remove the inner trim panels and see of the nuts are loose.
    2003 525iT Automatic, Topas Blue Exterior, Gray Leather Interior, Sports Suspension, Sports Seats, M 3 spoke Steering Wheel.
    2008 328xi E91 (wagon) Automatic, Barberatot Metallic Exterior, Terracotta Leather Interior.

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    2000 BMW 540iT Dinan S2
    The nuts were tight and I couldn't find any broken areas on the frame. I'll check again tonight.
    - 2000 540iT Dinan S2 -2000 Z3 -

  4. #4
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    2003 525iT, 2008 328xiT
    Pictures or video of what it does would be helpful. I have replaced three hatches on these cars an never had a "hinge" problem. I guess they could lock up and not move or be very difficult to move but you should feel that in the movement of the hatch/glass, i.e. be very difficult to move.

    All the major adjustment is where the hinges are bolted to the glass and hatch. Very Very little adjustment at the hinge to body connection.

    And if you have not done any adjustments on it then it should not be an issue with alignment.

    The only other thing I can think of is maybe the spoiler (painted part above the glass) is coming loose.
    2003 525iT Automatic, Topas Blue Exterior, Gray Leather Interior, Sports Suspension, Sports Seats, M 3 spoke Steering Wheel.
    2008 328xi E91 (wagon) Automatic, Barberatot Metallic Exterior, Terracotta Leather Interior.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
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    Satellite Beach, FL
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    390
    My Cars
    2000 BMW 540iT Dinan S2
    I looked at it closely last night and I notice that as I close the lid, lid and hinge look to slightly separate/move separately. What is failing between the two? All of the nuts are tight (torqued to spec).
    - 2000 540iT Dinan S2 -2000 Z3 -

  6. #6
    Join Date
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    2003 525iT, 2008 328xiT
    Any way you can get a picture of what you mean?

    Is the metal frame rusted?
    2003 525iT Automatic, Topas Blue Exterior, Gray Leather Interior, Sports Suspension, Sports Seats, M 3 spoke Steering Wheel.
    2008 328xi E91 (wagon) Automatic, Barberatot Metallic Exterior, Terracotta Leather Interior.

  7. #7
    Join Date
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    750IL/540iT/R53/E46Vert
    At least one hinge pin is broken / rusted / seized

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    2000 BMW 540iT Dinan S2
    Here is a video of what it looks like when I close the hatch:



    This picture is of the passenger side with it closed:



    Here is the driver's side:



    Here are a few images of the passenger side hinge fully opened and as I start to close it.





    Last edited by spngr311; 10-17-2017 at 12:43 PM.
    - 2000 540iT Dinan S2 -2000 Z3 -

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    2003 525iT, 2008 328xiT
    Video looks like it is very hard to move the hinge. Is that true?

    If yes then 2 possabilities

    1. Bad hinge pin, rusted, corroded
    2. Bad strut. Normally struts get weak and will not hold the glass up but i have had a strut in another vehicle rust and be very difficult to move.

    To test remove clip holding strut to hinge and pop strut off of pin. Be carefull doing so as the strut on the other side is not enough to keep the glass up by itself so the glass will want to close if the hinge is good. If hinge moves easily the the strut is your issue.
    2003 525iT Automatic, Topas Blue Exterior, Gray Leather Interior, Sports Suspension, Sports Seats, M 3 spoke Steering Wheel.
    2008 328xi E91 (wagon) Automatic, Barberatot Metallic Exterior, Terracotta Leather Interior.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
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    Satellite Beach, FL
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    My Cars
    2000 BMW 540iT Dinan S2
    The hinge does stay put for a very brief moment then moves. The struts for the glass are both new (changed them thinking that would help). I will take the hinge out next time I can work on the car and see what it looks like.
    - 2000 540iT Dinan S2 -2000 Z3 -

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
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    750IL/540iT/R53/E46Vert
    If it’s the struts, the gate / glass will close abruptly. If it is the hinges - you will have alignment issues. Be careful, once you pull the hinge apart, the struts will not let you put the hinge back. I got used hinges from a southern state

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