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

Special tools required:

Lever out plugs (1 and 2) with special tool 00 9 318 .

Tape off area around bore and door seal with fabric adhesive tape (risk of damage).

Installation:

If necessary, fit new plugs.

Fig 1: Removing Plugs

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert special tool 51 3 251 edgeways behind lockplate (1) (outside of door) and push forwards as far as it will go.

Fig 2: Inserting Special Tool 51 3 251 Edgeways Behind Lockplate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unlocking outside door handle:

Feed special tool 51 3 252 into hole (1) of lockplate (2).
Slide lockplate (2) (if necessary with a short knock) forwards with special tool 51 3 252 .

Installation:

Insert special tool 51 3 252 into hole (1) of lockplate (2) and pull towards rear as far as it will go.

Perform function check:

Push lockplate (2) forwards again slightly until resistance can be felt.
Outside door handle must be locked.

Fig 3: Inserting Special Tool 51 3 252 Into Hole Of Lockplate
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT:

A fibre optic waveguide is connected to outside door handle.

Comply NOTES AND INSTRUCTIONS on handling fibre optic cables.

NOTE:

No fibre optic waveguide is fitted from build date 09/2004.

Lever out outside door handle at bottom towards top and pull out at an angle towards bottom.

Fig 4: Removing Outside Door Handle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, cover outside of door.

Detach clip (1) and remove fiber optics cable (2) from outside door handle.

If necessary, disconnect further plug connection.

Fig 5: Removing Fiber Optics Cable From Outside Door Handle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT:

For further tasks, protect optical waveguide connection against damage and contamination (masking/fabric/insulating tape).