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

Special tools required:

51 2 190

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Completely close side window if necessary
Partially remove SOUND INSULATION (in area of door lock/rear guide rail, power window regulator)

Disconnect Bowden cable at bottom (1) and then from top (3) at door lock (2).

Installation note:

Bowden cable must be correctly engaged in fixture at bottom (1) and top (3) of door lock (2).

Fig 1: Disconnecting Bowden Cable From Door Lock

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Loosen nuts at rear guide rail (1) of power window, release the lower nut (3).

Tightening torque 51 33 1AZ .

Feed out rear guide rail (1) toward the bottom so that the guide rail can swing toward the door middle.

Fig 2: Removing Rear Guide Rail

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip locking rod (1).

Disconnect plug connection (2) on door lock.

Release screws (3) on door lock.

Feed out the door lock (4) between the inner door panel and rear guide rail.

Fig 3: Identifying Door Lock, Locking Rod, Screws, And Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Only for door with lock barrel:

Feed in paddle (1) of lock barrel correctly back into the door lock.

Fig 4: Identifying Lock Barrel Paddle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Install door lock and insert screws (1), do not tighten down.
Slide special tool 51 2 190 into opened rotary striker until striker engages in first stage

Fig 5: Sliding Special Tool (51 2 190) Into Opened Rotary Striker

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Pre-tension door lock (1) with knurled screw (2) until special tool 51 2 190 just contacts corner points (3)

IMPORTANT: To tension door lock (1), it is only permitted to tighten knurled screw (2) by a further 1 to 1.5 turns (max.) (risk of damage).
Door lock seal must rest uniformly on inner door panel (water ingress).

Fig 6: Installing Door Lock Using Special Tool (51 2 190)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten screws of door lock

Observe tightening sequence: bottom - top - inner.

Tightening torque 51 21 4AZ .