51 21 170 Removing and installing/replacing outside handle on front left or right door (Z3 Roadster, M Roadster, Z3 Coupe, M Coupe)

Remove finisher strip for outside handle on front door, refer to 51 21 194 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FINISHER FROM OUTSIDE HANDLE ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR .

Remove front door trim, refer to 51 41 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT DOOR TRIM PANEL (Z3 ROADSTER, M ROADSTER, Z3 COUPE, M COUPE) .

Turn and remove holder on outside handle.

Cut through connector (1) on central locking mechanism and disconnect cable (2) from retaining tab (3).

Remove retaining plate (4) and lift out pin.

Fig 1: Removing Retaining Plate And Lift Out Pin

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew nut using special tool 51 2 070 and take off outside handle.

Installation: 

Tightening Torque, 51 21 2AZ. Refer to 51 21 FRONT DOOR LOCKS .

Check function.

Fig 2: Removing Outside Handle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip retainer (1) and lift out linkage (2). Press outside handle (3) slightly down, disconnect from gate on door lock (4) and remove.

Fig 3: Removing Retainer And Lift Out Linkage

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Only For Replacement Of Lock Cylinder: 

Insert key (1) in lock cylinder (3).

Drive out pin (2) using much and press out lock cylinder (3) using the vehicle key (1) (do not pull on the key (1)).

Fig 4: Removing Outside Handle From Left Or Right Front Door

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

When installed, the tip (4) is at the top.

Fig 5: Identifying Lock Assembly

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove clip (1) and lift out micro-switch (2). Remove cable (3) from the guide (4). Twist contactor socket (5) and remove. Remove actuating rod (6).

Fig 6: Removing Actuating Rod

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.