51 21 090 Removing and installing/replacing door lock in left or right front door

Special tools required:

51 2 190

Necessary preliminary work:

Remove rear section of POWER WINDOW REGULATOR

Driver's side only:

Remove LOCK BARREL

Unclip locking rod (1).

Unlock and disconnect plug connection (2) at tabs (3).

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connection And Rod

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unhook Bowden cable (1) from door lock (2).

If necessary, release cable clip on door lock (2).

Installation note:

Bowden cable (1) must be correctly engaged in locators in door lock (2).

Bowden cable (1) must be laid without kinks in bend to door lock (2).

IMPORTANT: Door cannot be opened if Bowden cable (1) is incorrectly laid.

Fig 2: Identifying Bowden Cable And Door Lock

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not damage door lock seal when removing.

Release screws (1).

Remove door lock (2) from inside.

Installation note:

Pull door lock (2) with special tool into corner (3).

IMPORTANT: Observe the following notes on installation without fail in order to avoid leakage and electrical malfunction.

Fig 3: Identifying Door Lock And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Gasket (1) on door lock (2) must not be damaged.

Fig 4: Locating Gasket On Door Lock

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E90/E91 driver's side only:

NOTE: Cover (1) protects against water ingress.

In event of problems with frozen door locks/lock barrels:

If necessary, retrofit cover (1) on door lock (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Cover On Door Lock

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Install door lock and insert screws (1), do not tighten down.
Slide special tool 51 2 190 into opened rotary striker until striker engages in first stage

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool 51 2 190
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Pre-tension door lock (1) with knurled screw (2) until special tool 51 2 190 just contacts corner points (3)

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
To tension door lock (1), it is only permitted to turn knurled screw (2) by a further 1 to 1.5 turns (max.).
Door lock seal must rest uniformly on inner door panel (water ingress).

Fig 7: Turning Knurled Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten down door lock screws, tightening torque 51 21 1AZ .