51 22 170 Removing and installing/replacing outside handle on left or right rear 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 4-door models up to 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:

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

Fig 1: Pulling Outside Handle

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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 Outside Handle Guide And Support

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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).

Fig 5: Identifying Outside Handle Lock Mechanism

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Installation of outside handle possible.

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

Fig 6: Identifying Lock Mechanism

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

If necessary, move lock mechanism (2) outwards/towards rear to installation position with an offset screwdriver (1).

Fig 7: Moving Lock Mechanism Outwards/Towards Rear To Installation Position

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

Fig 8: Inserting Outside Handle

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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 9: Tightening Down Adjusting Screw On Door Lock

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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,
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: Checking Unlocking Of Rotary Striker Lock
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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 11: Checking Overtravel At Outside Handle (A)
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A min. 2 mm