51 21 170 Removing and installing/replacing outside handle on front left or right door (Z3 Roadster, M Roadster, Z3 Coupe, M Coupe): Notes

Remove finisher strip for outside handle on front door, refer to 51 21 194 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FINISHER FROM OUTSIDE HANDLE ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR 

Remove front door trim, refer to 51 41 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT DOOR TRIM PANEL (Z3 ROADSTER, M ROADSTER, Z3 COUPE, M COUPE) 

Turn and remove holder on outside handle.

Fig 1: Removing Retaining Plate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cut through connector (1) on central locking mechanism and disconnect cable (2) from retaining tab (3).

Remove retaining plate (4) and lift out pin.

Unscrew nut using special tool 51 2 070 and take off outside handle.

Fig 2: Removing Outside Handle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.