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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

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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: see 11AZ in 51 21 FRONT DOOR LOCKS

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 Fig 7 and Fig 8.

Fig 4: Identifying Door Lock

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Driver's door only:

Installation:

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

Fig 5: Identifying Door Lock, Paddle And 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: Identifying 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: see 1AZ in 51 21 FRONT DOOR LOCKS

Fig 8: Pretension door lock (1) with knurled screw (2)
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Replacement with Soft Close Automatic:

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

Tightening torque: see 12AZ in 51 21 FRONT DOOR LOCKS

Fig 9: Identifying Bracket Nuts

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