51 21 200 Removing and installing/replacing outside handle and lock actuation of 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.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove Sound Insulation .
Remove Outside Handle On Front Door .

Driver's side only:

Remove Lock Cylinder For Front Door

Release screws (1) and slide lock actuator (2) forwards slightly.

Fig 1: Releasing Screws And Slide Lock Actuator

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disengage Bowden cable (5) from mounts (3 and 2).

Lever out lock actuator (6) towards front and remove to inner door plate.

Fig 2: Disengaging Bowden Cable From Mounts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Bowden cable (5) must:

be correctly positioned in guide (4) of lock actuator (6)
be laid without kinks in bend to door lock (1)

Installation:

Following parts of lock actuator (4) must not be damaged or missing:

Bowden cable
Threaded bushings
Retaining screw for lock cylinder

Fig 3: Locating Parts Of Lock Actuator
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Following parts of lock actuator must not be damaged or missing:

5) Anti-rattle tube
6) Locking plate
7) Securing clip
9) Cable strap

Fig 4: Exploded View Of Lock Actuator

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Cable strap (9) serves to guide the Bowden cable (4). If the cable strap (8) is missing, there is the risk that the door can no longer be opened.

Bowden cable (4) must be correctly laid in guides (3 and 8).

Bowden cable nipple (2) must be correctly fitted in mounting (1). See Fig 4.

Replacement:

Remove Bowden cable (4).