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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 BMW 535xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

51 2 190

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: Removing Bowden Cable And 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: Identifying Plug Connection, Lugs And Door Lock

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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 .

Fig 3: Identifying Plug Connection, Cable Tie, Nut And Screws

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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 Fig 7 and Fig 8.

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: Inserting Door Lock Paddle Of Lock Cylinder

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Installation:

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

Fig 6: Locating Door Lock And Seal

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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: Identifying Door Lock And Special Tool (51 2 190)
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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).

Tighten down door lock screws, tightening torque 51 21 1AZ .

Fig 8: Identifying Door Lock And Screws With Special Tool (51 2 190)
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Replacement with Soft Close Automatic:

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

Tightening torque 51 21 12AZ .

Fig 9: Identifying Bracket And Nuts

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