51 21 170 Removing And Installing/Replacing Outside Handle On Left Or Right Front Door (From 09/00)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW M3, 2005 BMW M3, 2004 BMW M3, 2003 BMW M3, and 2002 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

For Special Tool identification, see MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS .

Special Tools Required:

00 9 322

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.

Driver's side:

Remove lock cylinder completely from front door. Refer to 51 21 140 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COMPLETE LOCK CYLINDER IN LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR .

Passenger side:

Remove cover on outside handle. Refer to 51 21 180 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COVER ON OUTSIDE HANDLE .

Removal:

Moving lock actuator to "installation position":

Pull outside handle (1) outwards/upwards and secure with special tool 00 9 322.

In this position, tighten down screw (2) counterclockwise (left-hand thread).

Lock actuator is now in "installation position".

Fig 1: Securing Outside Handle Using Special Tool

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Installation:

Tightening torque, refer to 51 21 5AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 3-SERIES .

Remove special tool 00 9 322.

NOTE: Turn driver's and passenger sides in same direction.

(3) Screw for lock cylinder.

Pull outside handle (1) outwards.

Fig 2: Identifying Outside Handle

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Pull off outside handle (1) towards rear/outwards from front door.

Installation:

If the outside handle (1) cannot be fitted, the lock actuator is not in the "installation position".

Fig 3: Removing Outside Handle

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Installation:

Bore (1) and guide (2) on outside handle (3) must not be damaged.

Fig 4: Identifying Bore And Guide On Outside Handle

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Replacement Only:

Remove seals (1) and (2) for outside handle.

Fig 5: Locating Seals For Outside Handle

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Installation:

NOTE: For installation of the outside handle, the lock mechanism must be in the "installation position".

"Installation position":

Distance between mounting (1) of lock actuator (2) and outer door plate must not exceed measurement (A).

A < 8 mm.

If measurement (A) is greater, pull mounting (1) outwards with your finger until measurement (A) is obtained.

Fig 6: Identifying Measurement A

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Insert outside handle (1).

Raised seal (2) must not be squashed by outside handle (1).

Fig 7: Inserting Outside Handle

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Coupe/convertible:

Lever out sealing cap (1) for following adjustment.

Fig 8: Removing Sealing Cap

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Installation:

After installing lock cylinder (51 21 140) and/or cover (51 21 180),

Lever out sealing cap (2).

Tighten adjusting screw (1) on door lock.

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

Fig 9: Tightening Adjusting Screw On Door Lock

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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.

CAUTION: Carry out function and overtravel checks only when door is open. If door is closed and the setting at the rotary striker lock is incorrect, door cannot be opened any more and the door trim panel must be destroyed.

Checking Unlocking Of Rotary Striker Lock:

Close rotary striker lock (1) with a screwdriver,
Lock car with car key,
Unlock car with car key,
Open rotary striker lock (1) with outside door handle,
If rotary striker lock (1) opens, then O.K.
If rotary striker lock (1) fails to open,
Slacken adjustment screw (2) again,
Retighten adjusting screw (2),
Carry out check again.
Fit sealing cap.

Fig 10: Checking Unlocking Of Rotary Striker Lock
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Checking Overtravel At Outside Handle:

Close rotary striker lock with a screwdriver,
Open rotary striker lock with outside door handle (1),
Outside door handle (1) must be able to open further by measurement (A),
If measurement (A) is obtained, then O.K.
If measurement (A) is not obtained, readjust rotary striker lock and carry out overtravel check,
If measurement (A) is still not obtained, you must Bowden cable with carrier.
(A) min. 2 mm.

Fig 11: Identifying Measurement A Dimensions
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