51 21 090 Removing and installing/replacing door lock in left or right front door

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 528xi, 2010 BMW 528i, 2009 BMW 528xi, 2009 BMW 528i, and 2008 BMW 528xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

51 2 190 . See BODY EQUIPMENT - SPECIAL TOOLS .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Close door windows
Detach sound insulation in rear area only

Security version:

Remove complete sound insulation

Disconnect Bowden cable at bottom (1) and top (3) from door lock (2).

IMPORTANT: Bowden cable must be correctly located in mounts on door lock (2).
Seal (4) must be correctly positioned on Bowden cable.

NOTE: The operations for "Removing Bowden cable from door lock" end here.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Bowden Cable At Bottom And Top From Door Lock

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Unlock plug connection (1) at lugs (2) and detach from door lock (3).

Unclip locking rod (4) from door lock (3).

Fig 2: Unlocking Plug Connection At Lugs

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Version with Soft Close Automatic:

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Unfasten cable tie (2).

Release screw (3) and nuts (4).

Tightening torque 51 21 11AZ . See 21 FRONT DOOR LOCKS, HANDLE .

Fig 3: Identifying Plug Connection And Cable Tie

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IMPORTANT: Do not damage door lock seal during removal.

Release screws (1).

Feed out door lock (2) from inside.

IMPORTANT: To avoid leakage and electrical malfunction:
Pull door lock (2) with special tool into corner (3), see Figure and Figure.

Fig 4: Identifying Door Lock And Screws

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Driver's door only:

Installation:

Insert inside door lock (1) correctly into paddle (2) of lock cylinder (3).

Fig 5: Inspecting Inside Door Lock Into Paddle Of Lock Cylinder

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Installation:

Seal (1) on door lock (2) must not be damaged.

Fig 6: Identifying Seal On Door Lock

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Installation:

Install door lock and insert screws (1), do not tighten down.
Slide special tool 51 2 190 into opened rotary latch until latch engages in first stage.

Fig 7: Sliding Special Tool Into Opened Rotary Latch
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Installation:

Pretension door lock (1) with knurled screw (2) until special tool 51 2 190 just contacts corner points (3).

IMPORTANT: To tension door lock (1), it is only permitted to turn knurled screw (2) by a further 1 to 1.5 turns (max.) (risk of damage).
Door lock seal must rest uniformly on inner door plate (water ingress).

Fig 8: Identifying Door Lock With Knurled Screw

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Tighten down door lock screws, tightening torque 51 21 1AZ . See 21 FRONT DOOR LOCKS, HANDLE .

Replacement with Soft Close Automatic:

Release nuts (1) and remove bracket (2).

Tightening torque 51 21 12AZ . See 21 FRONT DOOR LOCKS, HANDLE .

Fig 9: Release Nuts And Remove Bracket

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