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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

51 2 190

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove SOUND INSULATION .
If necessary, for Soft Close Automatic equipment specification, partly remove power window regulator.

Disconnect Bowden cable at bottom (1) and top (3) from door lock (2).

Installation note:

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

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

Seal (4) must be correctly fitted on Bowden cable.

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

Fig 1: Disconnecting Bowden Cable

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Unclip locking rod (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Locking Rod

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Version with Soft Close Automatic:

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Unfasten screws (2).

Tightening torque 51 21 6AZ .

Unscrew nut (3).

Tightening torque 51 21 6AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Plug Connection, Screw And Nut

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IMPORTANT: Do not damage door lock seal when removing.

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 51 21 1AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Door Lock Screws

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Driver's door only:

Disengage door lock (1) at locking pin (2).

Installation note:

Make sure locking pin (2) is correctly seated in locator (3).

Remove door lock (1) if necessary with Soft Close Automatic.

Fig 5: Identifying Door Lock, Locking Pin And Locator

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Installation note:

Seal (1) on door lock (3) must not be damaged.

Fig 6: Identifying Seal And Door Lock

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Installation note:

Version with Soft Close Automatic:

Make sure Soft Close Automatic drive (1) is installed in correct installation position.

Control line (3) must not be twisted around Bowden cable (2).

Make sure control line (3) is correctly routed.

Fig 7: Identifying Soft Close Automatic Drive, Control Line And Bowden Cable

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Installation note:

Install door lock and insert screws (1), do not tighten down.
Slide special tool 51 2 190 into opened rotary striker until striker engages in first stage

Fig 8: Identifying Special Tool (51 2 190) Into Rotary Striker
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Installation note:

Pre-tension 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 tighten knurled screw (2) by a further 1 to 1.5 turns (max.) (risk of damage).
Door lock seal must rest uniformly on inner door panel (water ingress).

Fig 9: Identifying Door Lock, Screws And Special Tool (51 2 190)

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Tighten down door lock screws, tightening torque 51 21 1AZ .