51 21 200 Removing and installing/replacing outside handle and lock actuation of left or right front door

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove sound insulation from front door (See 51 48 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SOUND INSULATION IN FRONT DOOR, LEFT OR RIGHT )
Remove outside handle on front door (See 51 21 170 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING OUTSIDE HANDLE FROM LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR )

Driver's side only:

Remove lock cylinder for front door (See 51 21 140 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COMPLETE LOCK CYLINDER IN LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR )

Release screws (1) and slide lock actuator (2) forwards slightly.

Fig 1: Identifying Screws & Slide Lock Actuator

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disengage Bowden cable (5) from mounts (3 and 2).

Lever out lock actuator (6) towards front and remove to inner door plate.

IMPORTANT: Bowden cable (5) must:

be correctly positioned in guide (4) of lock actuator (6)
be laid without kinks in bend to door lock (1)

Fig 2: Disengaging Bowden Cable From Mounts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Following parts of lock actuator (4) must not be damaged or missing:

Bowden cable
Threaded bushings
Retaining screw for lock cylinder

Fig 3: Identifying Threaded Bushings & Bowden Cable

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 4: Identifying Anti-Rattle Tube, Locking Plate, Securing Clip & Cable Strap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Following parts of lock actuator must not be damaged or missing:

5 Anti-rattle tube
6 Locking plate
7 Securing clip
9 Cable strap

IMPORTANT: Cable strap (9) serves to guide the Bowden cable (4). If the cable strap (8) is missing, there is the risk that the door can no longer be opened.

Bowden cable (4) must be correctly laid in guides (3 and 8).

Bowden cable nipple (2) must be correctly fitted in mounting (1).

Replacement:

Remove Bowden cable (4).