51 21 170 Removing and installing/replacing outside handle on left or right front door (up to 09/00)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 16 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW 325xi, 2005 BMW 325i, 2005 BMW 325Ci, and 2004 BMW 325xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The work is identical for all E46 models up to 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. See 51 21 140 Removing and installing/replacing complete lock cylinder in left or right front door . Passenger side: Remove cover on outside handle. See 51 21 180 Removing and installing/replacing cover on outside handle

Removal:

Pull outside handle (1) max. outwards and approx. 2 mm towards rear.

Fig 1: Pulling Outside Handle Max. Outwards And Approx. 2 Mm Towards Rear

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NOTE: The lock mechanism is now engaged.

(A):

Press outside handle (1) approx. 4 mm towards inside.

(B):

Remove outside handle (1) towards rear/outside.

Fig 2: Removing Outside Handle Towards Rear/Outside

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Installation:

Guide (1) and support (2) on outside handle (3) must not be damaged.

Fig 3: Identifying Guide And Support On Outside Handle

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Replacement only:

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

Fig 4: Removing Seals For Outside Handle

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Installation:

For installation of the outside handle, the lock mechanism (1) must be engaged on the outside (as shown in illustration).

Installation of outside handle possible.

Fig 5: Identifying Lock Mechanism

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If the lock mechanism (1) is on the inside (as shown in illustration), the outside handle cannot be fitted.

For installation, the lock mechanism (1) must be moved to the installation position.

Fig 6: Installing Lock Mechanism

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If necessary, move lock mechanism (3) outwards/towards rear to installation position through bore (1) with a screwdriver (2).

Fig 7: Moving Lock Mechanism Outwards/Towards

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Insert outside handle (1) and snap towards front into place (audible click).

Fig 8: Inserting Outside Handle And Snap Towards Front Into Place

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Coupe/convertible:

Lever out sealing cap (1) for following adjustment.

Fig 9: Levering Out 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 - 325I, CI & XI - E46 .

Fig 10: Tightening Adjusting Screw On Door Lock

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Direction of rotation of adjustment screw (1):

ADJUSTMENT SCREW ROTATION

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.

Fig 11: Identifying Rotary Striker Lock
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Fit sealing cap.

Checking overtravel at outside handle:

Close rotary striker lock with a screwdriver,
open rotary striker lock with outside door handle
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 replace door lock.

Fig 12: Measuring Distance (A)
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A min. 2 mm