Was changing door lock actuator and stripped the female torx screw, suggestions?

I was unscrewing the female torx screw (BMW ) and I went counter clockwise and stripped it. I tried drilling it out for about 3 hours and finally got most of the screw but there is still a stub in there that wont really drill down anymore nor can I grab the screw and turn it with needle nose pliers or anything (it is very tightly screwed). Here is a pic:



Is there anyway to get this screw out or take the window out without loosening it with the screw? What are my options at this point? Could really use some help here. It seems like there another female torx screw and screw nut on the other side of the window holder, which I tried getting a wrench to turn but it only turns a little bit before tightening up.

how about from the other side? reason i say this, is i think its reverse thread, because thats the one you adjust the window with from the outside which turns the correct way. if its the same as mine (coupe) the bump strip just pulls off on the outside of the door, wind the window down about 3/4 of the way to reveal through nut in one of the holes

Originally Posted by bmw325coupe

how about from the other side? reason i say this, is i think its reverse thread, because thats the one you adjust the window with from the outside which turns the correct way. if its the same as mine (coupe) the bump strip just pulls off on the outside of the door, wind the window down about 3/4 of the way to reveal through nut in one of the holes

Yes the screw is reverse thread, thats why when I turned it counter clockwise I stripped it (not knowing it was reverse thread). It seemed like accessing the bolt from the other wise didn't really help, it would losen a little bit then tighten. Am I not doing something right? And yes I have a coupe. Im not sure what you mean by the bump strip just pulls off?

Damn man, too bad you missed the DIY for this here: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=600213

Part of the DIY includes:

By now you must have done the following things:

1. Removed door card (5 T20 + push/lock clips)
2. Removed insulation behind door card (slow, cut butyl glue with utility knife)
3. Removed female torx screw holding window glass (T30 female, reverse threaded bolt)
4. Removed 2 nuts holding window guide (10mm nuts)
5. Disconnected outer door handle cable (twist & pull)
6. Disconnected inner door handle cable (twist & pull)
7. Disconnected actuator wire plug (push sides & pull)
8. Removed key lock (5mm Allen key)


As for a solution, don't know if they make reverse thread ez-outs, but those have always worked for me with normal thread stripped screws.

+1 for the easy outs. One of the best tool investments you'll make.

Originally Posted by lsteg

+1 for the easy outs. One of the best tool investments you'll make.

I have something similar to easy outs and I can't get the screw to grab properly at this point because I drilled too much of it out and the drill point isn't flat anymore (two simi-deep holes on each side but not in the middle).

What are my options at this point? I'm frustrated and would pay someone $100 to get this damn screw out. I don't care of I have to take the entire door off or something or if I have to break something and replace it. Also what is the deal with the other side of this window holder thing? Like I said it looks like theres another female torx and a screw nut on the other side but it doesnt turn all the way.

Originally Posted by BmwDriver916

I have something similar to easy outs and I can't get the screw to grab properly at this point because I drilled too much of it out and the drill point isn't flat anymore (two simi-deep holes on each side but not in the middle).

What are my options at this point? I'm frustrated and would pay someone $100 to get this damn screw out. I don't care of I have to take the entire door off or something or if I have to break something and replace it. Also what is the deal with the other side of this window holder thing? Like I said it looks like theres another female torx and a screw nut on the other side but it doesnt turn all the way.

Get a punch and a hammer and see if you can turn it using that method. I'm sure some PB blaster wouldn't hurt either.

Originally Posted by lsteg

Get a punch and a hammer and see if you can turn it using that method. I'm sure some PB blaster wouldn't hurt either.

Never used a punch and hammer. Do I just get some kind of chisel and try to hammer it in to get it to turn? If so, I guess i can give that a try, seems like I'd break the glass trying that though unless I hammered very softly, which wouldn't penetrate the screw.