LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> BMW >> 2004 >> X5 48i >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Accessories & Equipment >> Gauges & Instrument Panels >> Body Equipment - Repair >> Front Door Locks, Handles, Fittings >> 51 21 170 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Outside Handle From Left Or Right Front Door

51 21 170 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Outside Handle From Left Or Right Front Door

  1. Driver's side:
  2. Remove lock cylinder completely from front door. Refer to 51 21 140 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COMPLETE LOCK CYLINDER .
  3. Passenger side:
  4. Remove cover on outside handle. Refer to 51 21 180 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COVER ON OUTSIDE HANDLE .

Removal: 

Slacken nut (1) on outside handle (2) (do not release fully).

Fig 1: Locating Nut
G03268209Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Contact surface (3) of outside handle (2) must rest without play against lock actuator (4).

Tightening torque, 51 21 5AZ. Refer to BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

NOTE: Fit the older outer frame (1) of screw cover (damage to paint).

Pull outside handle (2) as far outwards/upwards as possible and secure in this position with a screwdriver (3).

Fig 2: Securing Handle Position
G03268210Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
NOTE: For removal, the outside handle (1) must remain secured with a screwdriver (3).
  1. Pull off outside handle (1) from rear lock actuator (2).
  2. Pull off outside handle (1) in lowest setting (as shown in illustration) from front lock actuator (4).
    Fig 3: Pulling Off Outside Handle
    G03268211Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Old outer frame (1) of screw cover must be fitted (damage to paint).

Press lock actuator (1) with a screwdriver (2) fully into "Open" setting.

Fig 4: Pressing Lock Actuator With A Screwdriver
G03268212Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mount outside handle in this position.

Installation: 

Supports (1) and (2) on outside handle (3) must not be damaged.

Fig 5: Identifying Supports On Outside Handle
G03268213Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

If necessary, replace faulty seals (1) and (2) for outside handle.

Fig 6: Replacing Faulty Seals
G03268214Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Carry out function check only with door open.