Will front left door from 1982 e28 fit 1987 e28?

E28 technical advice asked and given! Troubleshooting, modifications and more.
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Lachssilberbeemer
Posts: 2
Joined: Nov 06, 2020 8:55 AM
Location: Dublin

Will front left door from 1982 e28 fit 1987 e28?

Post by Lachssilberbeemer »

The front LH door of my 87 e28 is rusted at the base and likely needs replacing. I'm wondering if the door shape changed between say 1982 and 1987. My reason for asking is that I previously tried to swap the B pillar internal (vertical) trim piece from an 1982 car into my 1987 car but it was a different shape. This caused me to wonder if the actual front door shape had also changed in the interim. I'm reluctant to purchase a replacement door from an older car on the internet in case it won't fit. The 1982 car has long been scrapped so is no longer available for direct comparison purposes. Also, BMW state that they can no longer supply this item.
Mike W.
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Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: California Whine Country

Re: Will front left door from 1982 e28 fit 1987 e28?

Post by Mike W. »

Realoem says they're all the same, as I would have guessed. Now there are several things that are different on 82's only, but I doubt the door is one of them. I'm talking about the sheet metal. Now all the pieces inside might not be the same, like the power lock. I swapped a rear door on my '85 one time, the power lock was different and I had to swap the door wiring harness. Not a big deal, but not quite plug and play. But the door bolted up just fine.
south26
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Joined: Jul 13, 2008 2:16 PM
Location: Kettering, OH

Re: Will front left door from 1982 e28 fit 1987 e28?

Post by south26 »

Hi the doors are the same, but as noted the locks changed in 85. So you will need to change the wiring for the actuator. The b-pillar never changed shape, but the passenger side is different from the drivers side.
Andy
Lachssilberbeemer
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Joined: Nov 06, 2020 8:55 AM
Location: Dublin

Re: Will front left door from 1982 e28 fit 1987 e28?

Post by Lachssilberbeemer »

Thanks guys. I'll stick with an 86 et seq. replacement to avoid the auto lock wiring complication. That's something I wouldn't have seen coming till it was too late!

Gene
south26
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Joined: Jul 13, 2008 2:16 PM
Location: Kettering, OH

Re: Will front left door from 1982 e28 fit 1987 e28?

Post by south26 »

It is not difficult to take or replace.


Andy
Mike W.
Posts: 26872
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: California Whine Country

Re: Will front left door from 1982 e28 fit 1987 e28?

Post by Mike W. »

south26 wrote: Nov 16, 2020 7:33 PM It is not difficult to take or replace.


Andy
Agreed. It's not a deal killer at all, especially as rare as parts are getting. Just something to be aware of if the harness plugs don't match.
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