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 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 lock actuator has a Bowden cable from year of manufacture 09/2000. Remove acoustic insulation. See 51 48... Removing and installing/replacing sound insulation in front door, left or right Remove outside handle.

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: Unhooking Bowden Cable Nipple From Lever

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Exposing Bowden cable (1) on saloon/sedan and touring:

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

Fig 3: Feeding Bowden Cable Out Of Guide

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Installation:

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

NOTE: Shown in illustration without window guide rail.

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: Unlocking Catches And Removing 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: Identifying 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: Unlocking Catches And Removing Guide Towards Top

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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: Levering Out Lock Actuator Towards Front And Remove To Inner Door Plate

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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 Grommet Must Be Pushed Onto End Piece

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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: Replacing 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: Fitting In Lock Actuator

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