51 21 200 Removing And Installing/Replacing Outside Handle And Lock Actuator 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: The lock actuator has a Bowden cable from year of manufacture 09/2000.

Remove acoustic insulation. Refer to 51 48 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SOUND INSULATION IN LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR (CONVERTIBLE, COUPE) .

Remove outside handle. Refer to 51 21 170 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING OUTSIDE HANDLE ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR (FROM 09/00) .

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

Fig 1: Removing Seals For Outside Handle

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

CAUTION: Do not bend holder (2).

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

Fig 2: View Of Bowden Cable And Holder

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Exposing Bowden Cable (1) On Saloon/Sedan And Touring:

Feed Bowden cable (1) out of guide (2).

Installation:

Foam (3) must be in area of guide (2).

NOTE: Shown in illustration without window guide rail.

Fig 3: Identifying Bowden Cable And Guide

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Exposing Bowden Cable (3) On Coupe And Convertible:

To do so, unlock catches (1) and remove guide (2).

NOTE: Guide (2) is shown on right front door.

Fig 4: View Of Guide

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Installation:

Catches (1) and mounting (2) on guide (3) must not be damaged.

NOTE: Guide on right front door shown.

Fig 5: Locating Catches And Mounting On Guide

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Exposing Bowden Cable (3) On Compact:

To do so, unlock catches (1) and remove guide (2) towards top.

Fig 6: Locating Catches On Guide

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Installation:

Catches (1) and mountings (2) on guide (3) must not be damaged.

Fig 7: Identifying Catches And Mountings On Guide

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Slacken screw (1).

Lever out lock actuator (2) towards front and remove to inner door plate.

Fig 8: View Of Lock Actuator

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NOTE: 2-door and 4-door models have different locking systems.

The locking systems differ in the form of the Bowden cable nipple.

Bowden cable nipple (1) for 4-door model.

Bowden cable nipple (2) for 2-door model.

Installation:

Grommet (3) must be pushed onto end piece (4).

Fig 9: Identifying Types Of Bowden Cable Nipples

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Installation:

If necessary, replace screw (1) on lock actuator (3).

Bowden cable (2) must be correctly engaged with lock actuator (3).

Fig 10: Locating Screw On Lock Actuator

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Installation:

Bowden cable nipple (1) must be correctly fitted in lock actuator (2) and must not be removed.

Fig 11: View Of Bowden Cable Nipple In Lock Actuator

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