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).

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).

Release screws (1).

Remove door lock (2) from inside.

Installation note: 

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

Installation note: 

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

E90/E91 driver's side only: 

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

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

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: Sliding Special Tool (51 2 190) Into Opened Rotary Striker

  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: Identifying Door Lock, Knurled Screw, Special Tool, And Corner Points

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
• Tighten down door lock screws, tightening torque 51 21 1AZ .