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 M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. 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 (CONVERTIBLE/COUPE) or BODY EQUIPMENT - SPECIAL TOOLS (SEDAN) .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear section of power window unit .
Driver's side only:
Remove lock cylinder lock cylinder .

Unclip lock knob control rod (1).

Unlock and disconnect plug connection (2) at lugs (3).

Fig 1: Identifying Lock Knob Control Rod, Plug Connection And Lugs

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Unhook Bowden cable (1) from door lock (2).

If necessary, release cable holder on door lock (2).

Installation:

Bowden cable (1) must be correctly engaged in locators in door lock (2).

Bowden cable (1) must be laid without kinks in bend to door lock (2).

IMPORTANT: Door cannot be opened if Bowden cable (1) is incorrectly laid.

Fig 2: Identifying Bowden Cable And Door Lock

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IMPORTANT: Do not damage door lock seal when removing.

Release screws (1).

Remove door lock (2) from inside.

Installation:

Pull door lock (2) with special tool into corner (3).

IMPORTANT: Observe the following notes on installation without fail in order to avoid leakage and electrical malfunction.

Fig 3: Identifying Door Lock And Corner

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Installation:

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

Fig 4: Identifying Seal And Door Lock

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E90/E91 driver's side only:

NOTE: Cover (1) protects against water ingress.
In event of problems with frozen door locks/lock cylinders:
If necessary, retrofit cover (1) on door lock (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Cover And 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 6: Identifying Door Lock Screws

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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: Risk of damage!

To tension door lock (1), it is only permitted to turn knurled screw (2) by a further 1 to 1.5 turns (max.).

Door lock seal must rest uniformly on inner door plate (water ingress).

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

Fig 7: Identifying Door Lock And Knurled Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.