Checking overtravel at outside handle:

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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 OK.
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.

At least 2 mm

Fig 1: Checking Overtravel At Outside Handle
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 2: Removing Bowden Cable Nipple From Lever