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 8 other vehicles, including the 2005 BMW 745i, 2005 BMW 745Li, 2004 BMW 745i, 2004 BMW 745Li, and 2003 BMW 745i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 9 318
51 3 251
51 3 252

Lever out plugs (1 and 2) with special tool 00 9 318.

Fig 1: Removing Plugs With Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tape off area around bore and door seal with fabric adhesive tape (risk of damage).

Installation:

If necessary, fit new plugs.

Insert special tool 51 3 251 edgeways behind lockplate (1) (outside of door) and push forwards as far as it will go.

Fig 2: Inserting Special Tool Behind Lockplate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unlocking outside door handle:

Fig 3: Unlocking Outside Door Handle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Feed special tool 51 3 252 into hole (1) of lockplate (2).
Slide lockplate (2) (if necessary with a short knock) forwards with special tool 51 3 252.

Installation:

Insert special tool 51 3 252 into hole (1) of lockplate (2) and pull towards rear as far as it will go.

Perform function check:

Push lockplate (2) forwards again slightly until resistance can be felt.
Outside door handle must be locked.

IMPORTANT: A fibre optic waveguide is connected to outside door handle.
Comply notes and instructions on handling fibre optic cables. Refer to 61 00... NOTES ON HANDLING OPTICAL FIBERS .

NOTE: No fibre optic waveguide is fitted from build date 09/2004.

Lever out outside door handle at bottom towards top and pull out at an angle towards bottom.

Fig 4: Removing Outside Door Handle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, cover outside of door.

Detach clip (1) and remove fiber optics cable (2) from outside door handle.

Fig 5: Removing Fiber Optics Cable From Outside Door Handle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, disconnect further plug connection.

IMPORTANT: For further tasks, protect optical waveguide connection against damage and contamination (masking/fabric/insulating tape).