I ponder these things...

[evandael]

And another thing, if we are picking nits:
Why are the window controls not on the door, by the window, like every other fucking car on the planet?!

because that's the right way to do things. your hand is already by the gear selector.


on a related note, the e46 was the last 3-series to have the center console mounted window switches. the end of an era...

[kway]

I remember reading somewhere that the engineers' intention was that you'd open it with your right hand, which puts you in a position to check over your shoulder to make sure you're not opening the door into an approaching car, bicyclist, etc.

I still tend to open it with my left most of the time, only ever seemed mildly awkward to me.

[Xat1cZ]

And another thing, if we are picking nits:
Why are the window controls not on the door, by the window, like every other fucking car on the planet?!

Because it's much cooler to have them in the middle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 :hitler:

[325ix]

I'm 5'9" and sit pretty similar to the guy pictured, my left hand is placed almost perfectly for the door handle. Maybe I have short arms...

[herbivor]

because that's the right way to do things. your hand is already by the gear selector.


on a related note, the e46 was the last 3-series to have the center console mounted window switches. the end of an era...

That was my favorite thing ergononically about BMWs, window switches in the center console, but now I have window cranks, so back to operating the window from the door.
BTW, I open with my left arm too, tho when friends ride and they struggle to find the door latch, they use the opposite hand almost every time.

[Pl3wA]

the farther the door handle is to the front of the car. the more wire is needed to activate the door lock. they clearly did it to save weight

[E30SPDFRK]

This is the reason why:

I remember reading somewhere that the engineers' intention was that you'd open it with your right hand, which puts you in a position to check over your shoulder to make sure you're not opening the door into an approaching car, bicyclist, etc.

And this is where they're supposed to be

And another thing, if we are picking nits:
Why are the window controls not on the door, by the window, like every other fucking car on the planet?!

Quit bitching

[lambo]

I open mine with my left hand...



It puts my elbow in a good position to open the door, leverage-wise.

[decay]

^ yup, that.

[ethrtyiS]

it's far back like that so people in the back seats of a coupe can open the door and get out with relative easy.

[Pl3wA]

lol. i love leaving people in the back seat. there is no way for them to get out. especially with broken recaro's and unlockable doors

[lambo]

I forgot the 2-door doors are longer than the doors on a 4-door... Idk how I open a 2-door door.

Edit: door door door door door. Now the word door looks weird to me...

[decay]

you're saying it out loud too, aren't you.

[giantkeeper]

Dick in the left, door handle in the right......e30 lifestyle!

[EndreM]

And another thing, if we are picking nits:
Why are the window controls not on the door, by the window, like every other fucking car on the planet?!

Because race car.

Obviously they put the window controls in the middle of the car because of weight distribution. Lower center of gravity, and it's just better.