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 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.

Special Tools Required:

NOTE: For special tools, refer to BODY EQUIPMENT - SPECIAL TOOLS - 3-SERIES (M54/E46) .

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. Passenger side: Remove cover on outside handle.

Fig 1: Pulling Outside Handle Outwards/Upwards

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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".

Installation:

Tightening torque, refer to 51 21 5AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 325I, CI & XI - E46 .

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: Pulling Outside Handle Outwards

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

Fig 3: Pulling Off Outside Handle Towards Rear/Outwards From Front Door

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Installation:

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

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: Removing Seals And 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).

Fig 6: Measuring Distance Between Mounting Of Lock Actuator And Outer Door Plate

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A > 8 mm

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

Insert outside handle (1).

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

Fig 7: Identifying Raised Seal And Outside Handle

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Coupe/convertible:

Lever out sealing cap (1) for following adjustment.

Fig 8: 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.

Fig 9: Tightening Adjusting Screw On Door Lock

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Tightening torque, refer to 51 21 4AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 325I, CI & XI - E46 .

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 10: Closing 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 ro lock and carry out overtravel check,
if measurement (A) is still not obtained, you must cable with carrier.

Fig 11: Checking Overtravel At Outside Handle
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A min. 2 mm