51 22 170 Removing and installing / replacing outside handle on left or right back door

Lift out seal plugs (1) and (2).

Mask the area around the bore with fabric adhesive tape (risk of damage).

Installation:

Fit new seal plugs.

Fig 1: Removing Seal Plugs

Cut off foam tape around area (1) with Stanley knife (razor-sharp).

Fig 2: Identifying Foam Tape

Insert screwdriver (A) and lift retaining tab (1) on locking plate (2) over the retaining lug (3).

Fig 3: Inserting Screwdriver & Lifting Retaining Tab On Locking Plate Over Retaining Lug

Using small screwdriver (B) (0.4 x 2 mm), press locking plate (2) with raised retaining tab (1) forwards.

Remove both screwdrivers.

Fig 4: Pressing Locking Plate With Raised Retaining Tab Forwards

Installation:

Insert screwdriver (B) (0.4 x 2 mm) in locking plate (2) and pull it backwards until the retaining tab (1) engages audibly.

Perform function check with opened rear door.

Fig 5: Engaging Retaining Tabs

Up to 09/98:

Lift out lower edge of outside handle and pull obliquely downwards to remove.

Fig 6: Removing Lower Edge Of Outside Handle

From 09/98:

CAUTION: Optical entry aid! A fiber optics cable is connected to the outside door handle.
Do not kink fiber optics cable.

Lift out outside door handle at bottom and pull out at an angle approx. 5 cm towards bottom.

Installation:

The bending radius of the fiber optics cable must not be less than 20 mm.

From 09/98:

Detach inside plastic cover (1) from outside door handle.

Fig 7: Detaching Inside Plastic Cover From Outside Door Handle

From 09/98:

Release screw (1) and remove light output module (2) from outside door handle.

Fig 8: Removing Light Output Module From Outside Door Handle

From 09/98:

If necessary, detach retainer (1).

Disconnect fiber optics cable (2) from light output module (3).

Fig 9: Disconnecting Fiber Optics Cable From Light Output Module