51 71 000 Removing and installing/replacing seal on front door, left or right

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:

Remove COVER ON DOOR WINDOW FRAME (INNER)
Release DOOR RETAINER FROM DOOR PILLAR

NOTE: The positioning of the seal must be established in two areas of the front door with positioning aids to be stuck on.
Positioning aids are included with new seals.

Position of seal (3) on front door:

Area (A) at distance (D) to door rabbet.

Area (B) at line (1) to positioning aids (2) to be stuck on.

Area (C) at distance (E) to door inner panel.

Area (D) at distance (F) to door fold.

Clean bonding surfaces on paint with adhesive cleaner.

D= 1.5 mm

E = 52.7 mm

F = 3.5 mm

Fig 1: Identifying Seal Clearance

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Positioning aid "A1" for front door, left ("B1" right)

Detach prestamped positioning aid from backing.

Positioning aid "A1" front door, left (door lock, bottom)
Positioning aid "B1" front door, right (door lock, bottom)

Align positioning aid with printed help markings (X, Y), bores and contact edge (2) to front door and press.

Seal must rest on positioning edge (1) during sticking.

X Start of bend radius

Y Bore for door lock

Fig 2: Positioning Aid "A1" For Front Door, Left ("B1" Right)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Positioning aid "A2" for front door, left ("B2" right)

Detach prestamped positioning aid from backing.

Positioning aid "A2" front door, left (door lock, top)
Positioning aid "B2" front door, right (door lock, top)

Align positioning aid with printed help markings (X, Y), bores and contact edge (2) to front door and press.

Seal must rest on positioning edge (1) during sticking.

X Start of bend radius

Y Bore for door lock

Fig 3: Positioning Aid "A2" For Front Door, Left ("B2" Right)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT:

Do not grip bonding surface.
It is not the length of pressing in time but rather the level of pressing (approx. 10... 15 N/cm² ) which is decisive here.
Separation of seal after pressing destroys the adhesive layer.

NOTE: After being pressed on gently, seal can be pulled off again up to 3 times. Do not dirty adhesive area.

Suspend seal (1) with open lip pointing inwards over door. Pull protection of positioning aid (liner) off seal in sections.

Stick on seal (1) as follows:

Position seal with color coding on door window frame at rear top.
Gently press seal without stretching up to start of positioning aids.
Check positioning of seal, correct if necessary (sag max. 30 mm).
Firmly press down seal vertically to adhesive area up to above-mentioned area.
Gently press seal without stretching up to entrance area.
Check positioning of seal, correct if necessary and firmly press.
Pull remaining protective film (liner) off seal.
Press remaining seal without stretching.
Check positioning of seal, correct if necessary and firmly press.

Remove positioning aids and assemble front door.

Fig 4: Locating Seal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.