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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 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.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Follow REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS for bonded seals.
Remove COVER ON INSIDE DOOR WINDOW FRAME
Release DOOR RETAINER FROM DOOR PILLAR

NOTE: The positioning of the seal must be established in three 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:

Fig 1: Identifying Front Door Sealing Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Area (B) at line (1) of positioning aids (2) to be stuck on (see following work steps).

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 (sourcing reference: BMW Parts Service).

E = 57 mm

F = 4 mm

G = 2.8 mm

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

Fig 2: Positioning Aid For Front Door (1 Of 3)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach pre-stamped positioning aid from backing.

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

If necessary, cut out cutout for bore from positioning aid. 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 Opening for door lock

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

Fig 3: Positioning Aid For Front Door (2 Of 3)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach pre-stamped positioning aid from backing.

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

If necessary, cut out cutout for bore from positioning aid. 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 Opening for door lock

Positioning aid "A3" for front door, left ("B3" right)

Fig 4: Positioning Aid For Front Door (1 Of 3)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach pre-stamped positioning aid from backing.

Positioning aid "A3" front door, left (below door retainer)
Positioning aid "B3" front door, right (below door retainer)

If necessary, cut out cutout for bore from positioning aid. 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 Opening due to folding

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.

Fig 5: Identifying Seal
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
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.