51 21 170 Removing and installing or replacing outside handle from left or right front door

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW Z4, 2007 BMW Z4, 2006 BMW Z4, 2005 BMW Z4, and 2004 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 9 318
51 3 252
51 3 260

Lever out plug (1).

NOTE: Outer ring (2) remains fitted until installation of outside handle (risk of damage).

Installation:

Lever out outer ring (2) with special tool 00 9 318 and fit new plug (1 and 2).

Fig 1: Levering Out Plug (1)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert special tool 51 3 260 and lever securing clip (2) of locking plate (1) over locking lug (3).

Fig 2: Inserting Special Tool And Levering Securing Clip (2) Of Locking Plate (1) Over Locking Lug (3)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert special tool 51 3 252 into bore of locking plate (1) and press plate forwards against stop (2).

Guides (3) on outside door handle (4) are free.

Remove both special tools.

Fig 3: Inserting Special Tool Into Bore Of Locking Plate And Pressing Plate Forward Against Stop

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lift out lower edge of outside handle and pull obliquely downwards to remove.

Installation:

Insert outside door handle
Press gently at bottom
Operate outside door handle

Fig 4: Operating Outside Door Handle
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Following parts on outside handle (5) must not be damaged or missing:

Attenuator
Guide
Rubber mount
Rubber mount

Fig 5: Identifying Parts Of Outside Handle
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Insert special tool 51 3 252 into bore of locking plate (1) and press plate towards rear.

Guides (2) on outside door handle (3) are locked.

Carry out function check.

Fig 6: Inserting Special Tool Into Bore Of Locking Plate And Pressing Plate Towards Rear

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.