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51 21 090 Removing And Installing/Replacing Door Lock In Left Or Right Front Door (From 09/00)

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NOTE: The work is identical for all E46 models from year of manufacture 09/2000. The components are simply adapted to the different door geometries.

A 4 mm WAF Allen key is required for adjustment.

Necessary Preliminary Tasks: 

Driver's side only:

Coupe/Convertible Only: 

Disconnect plug connection (1) on door lock (2).

Fig 1: Disconnecting Plug Connection On Door Lock
G03118938Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever out Bowden cable (1) from holder (2) with screwdriver.

IMPORTANT: Do not bend holder (2).

Unhook Bowden cable nipple (3) from lever (4).

Fig 2: Disconnecting Bowden Cable From Holder With Screwdriver
G03118939Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Remove door lock (2) with linkage (3).

Installation: 

Insert linkage for locking knob through opening in inner door plate.

Do not bend linkage (3).

Replace screws (1).

Tightening torque, refer to 51 21 1AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 3-SERIES .

Fig 3: Removing Door Lock With Linkage
G03118940Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
IMPORTANT: Do not close door while installing door lock and lock barrel. It is not possible to open the door when the adjusting screw is released. Secure door against closing.

Installation: 

Left door lock of front door:

Slacken adjusting screw (1) on door lock (2) (turn in counterclockwise direction, as shown in illustration) - this makes the Bowden cable mount (3) movable.

Fig 4: Identifying Door Lock Of Front Door
G03118941Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Coupe/Convertible: 

For the Coupe, the door lock (4) is adapted to the different door geometry.

The illustration shows the left driver's door lock.

The adjusting procedure is identical to that for the Saloon.

Fig 5: Identifying Driver's Door Lock
G03118942Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
IMPORTANT: Spring (3) must be fitted and must not be damaged.
  1. Bowden cable holder for outside door handle.
  2. Adjusting screw (4 mm WAF).
    Fig 6: Adjusting Screw
    G03118943Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Right door lock of front door:

Slacken adjusting screw (1) on door lock (2) (turn in clockwise direction, as shown in illustration) - this makes the Bowden cable mount (3) movable.

NOTE: The Bowden cable mount (3) is still shown in the illustration as lock lever (3), but is similar to that in Figure.
Fig 7: Removing Sealing Cap
G03118944Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Coupe/Convertible: 

Lever out sealing cap (1) for following adjustment.

Installation: 

After installing lock cylinder (51 21 140) and/or cover (51 21 180), lever out sealing cap (2).

Tighten down adjusting screw (2) on door lock and fit sealing cap (1).

Tightening torque, refer to 51 21 4AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 3-SERIES .

Fig 8: Identifying Sealing Cap
G03118945Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Direction Of Rotation Of Adjustment Screw (1): 

DIRECTION OF ROTATION OF ADJUSTMENT SCREW

Front Left Door Front Right Door
Tighten down adjusting screw (1) in clockwise direction, as shown in illustration. Tighten down adjusting screw (1) in counterclockwise direction.
IMPORTANT: Carry out function check only with door open. If door is closed and the setting at the rotary striker lock is incorrect, it may not be possible to open door any more and the door trim panel must be destroyed.
Fig 9: Identifying Close Rotary Striker Lock
G03118946Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking Unlocking Of Rotary Striker Lock: 

Checking Overtravel At Outside Handle: 

IMPORTANT: Door striker (lock wedge) must not be greased. Door lock does not have to be greased until after 100,000 km.

Only replace:

Lift out lock (1) and detach Bowden cable (2) from fixture (3).

Remove Bowden cable nipple (4) from lever (5).

NOTE: The Bowden cable mount for the inside door handle is the same for all construction versions. The construction version up to 09/2000 is shown here.
Fig 11: Removing Bowden Cable Nipple From Lever
G03118948Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Only replace:

Turn linkage for locking knob (1) and detach from lever (2).

Fig 12: Turning Linkage For Locking Knob
G03118949Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Following parts must not be damaged:

  1. Mount for paddle of lock barrel (driver's side only).
  2. Mount for Bowden cable of outside door handle.
  3. Mount for Bowden cable of inside door handle.

    The illustration shows the left driver's door lock on the Saloon.

    Fig 13: View Of Driver's Door Lock Components (Saloon)
    G03118950Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Following parts must not be damaged:

  1. Spring.
  2. Mount for Bowden cable of inside door handle.
  3. Mount for linkage of locking knob.
  4. Mount for paddle of lock barrel (driver's side only).

    The illustration shows the left driver's door lock on the Coupe.

    Fig 14: View Of Driver's Door Lock Components (Coupe)
    G03118951Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.