E30 Rear Door-Lower Hinge Retainer Replacement

Because the hinge mounting is within the door frame cavity a different technique must be used. This requires fabrication of a special tool to hold the remaining stud.

Weld M8 nut into a piece of tubing of the appropriate diameter and approximately 200 mm (8") long, as shown below.



Remove the hinge half from the door, and use the special tool on the remaining stud to hold up the retainer plate. Use a minihacksaw or jab saw to cut off the studs as short as possible.
Use a screwdriver to pry the retaining tab loose as shown on page 2 and remove the plate.



Cut off the tab with a die grinder or small cut-off wheel, and touch-up with zinc paint.



Slide the new retaining plate into place with the chamfered side facing out. Install new studs and complete repair as shown in repair procedure.