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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2003 BMW 540i, 2002 BMW 540i, 2001 BMW 540i, 2000 BMW 540i, and 1999 BMW 540i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Close window on front door and open all other windows.
Disconnect battery negative lead.
Remove door trim panel, refer to 51 41 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING DOOR TRIM PANEL, FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT (PROTECTION) .
Remove outside handle, refer to 51 21 170 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING OUTSIDE HANDLE FROM LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR .

Version with side airbag in front door:

CAUTION: Remove and install/replace airbag module on front left or right door, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .

NOTE: To release or partially detach sound insulation, follow procedure in "Removing and installing/replacing sound insulation on front left or right door", refer to 51 48... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SOUND INSULATION IN FRONT DOOR, LEFT OR RIGHT

Partially detach sound insulation at rear and secure with adhesive tape (1).

Fig 1: Detaching Sound Insulation At Rear And Securing With Adhesive Tape

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove connector (drive on door locking unit) by pulling downwards and backwards.

Fig 2: Removing Connector By Pulling Downwards And Backwards

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect Bowden cable nipple (1) and Bowden cable guide (2) from door lock (3).

Fig 3: Disconnecting Bowden Cable Nipple And Bowden Cable Guide From Door Lock

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unplug plug connection (micro-switch).

Fig 4: Unplugging Plug Connection

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten clip (1) (Bowden cable on inside door handle).

Unfasten screws and pull door lock downwards to remove.

Fig 5: Unfastening Screws And Pull Door Lock Downwards To Remove

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Lug on support (for paddle) must be located bottom center.

Fig 6: Installing Lug On Support

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Carefully insert support (1) (for paddle) on door lock carefully upwards into paddle (2) (lock cylinder).

Fig 7: Inserting Support On Door Lock

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Only replace:

Lift out locking unit (1) and pull drive (2) (door locking unit) upwards from door lock.

Fig 8: Lifting Out Locking Unit And Pull Drive Upwards From Door Lock

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Only replace:

Disconnect rods (1) and (2).

Fig 9: Disconnecting Rods

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Only replace:

If necessary, unfasten screws.

If necessary, remove retaining plate (1) and lift out micro-switch (2).

Fig 10: Removing Retaining Plate And Lift Out Micro-Switch

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.