63 31 170 Removing and installing/replacing door handle light on left or right front door

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

Remove SOUND INSULATION FROM FRONT DOOR
Remove cover on front outside handle See 5121180 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COVER ON OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE or 5121181 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/RENEWING COVER ON OUTSIDE HANDLE WITH LOCK CYLINDER
Remove DOOR LOCK ON FRONT DOOR

NOTE: Inner door panel partially shown transparent.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Unclip wiring harness (2) from carrier for outside door handle (3).

Raise outside door handle (4) slightly and remove.

Fig 1: Removing Outside Door Handle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Make sure door handle light (1) is correctly positioned in area (2).

Guides (3) of door handle light (1) must be seated in carrier for outside door handle (4).

Fig 2: Identifying Door Handle Light, Outside Door Handle And Guides

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Make sure wiring harness (1) is laid correctly.

Wiring harness holders (2) must not be damaged.

Replacement

Undo loop (3) to obtain the required cable length.

Fig 3: Identifying Loop, Wiring Harness And Wiring Harness Holders

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.