51 22 170 Removing and installing/replacing outside handle on left or right rear 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 4-door models from year of manufacture 09/2000.
Remove cover on outside handle. See 51 22 180 Removing and installing/replacing cover on outside handle, left or right

Removal:

Moving lock actuator to "installation position":

Pull outside handle (1) outwards/upwards and secure with special tool 00 9 322.

Fig 1: Pulling Outside Handle Outwards/Upwards

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

In this position, tighten down screw (2) counterclockwise (left-hand thread).

Lock actuator is now in "installation position".

Installation:

Tightening torque, refer to 51 22 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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 Outside Handle Bore And Guide

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement only:

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

Fig 5: Removing Seals For Outside Handle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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).

A < 8 mm

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

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert outside handle (1).

Fig 7: Inserting Outside Handle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Installation:

Lever out sealing cap (1).

Tighten down adjusting screw (2) on door lock and fit sealing cap (1).

Tightening torque, refer to 51 22 4AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 325I, CI & XI - E46 .

Direction of rotation of adjustment screw (2):

ADJUSTMENT SCREW ROTATION

Left rear door	Right rear door
Tighten down adjusting screw (2) in clockwise direction, as shown in illustration.	Tighten down adjusting screw (2) in counterclockwise direction.

Fig 8: Tightening Adjusting Screw On Door Lock

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Carry out function check only with door 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,

Fig 9: Checking Unlocking Of Rotary Striker Lock
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
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.

Fit sealing cap (3).

Checking overtravel at outside handle:

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 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 10: Checking Overtravel At Outside Handle (A)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

A min. 2 mm