Removal and installation the outside door handle and lock cylinder (BMW 3 Series E36)

The outer handle and the front door lock cylinder are installed together from the inside and cannot be removed separately.

Removal

Remove the inner door trim.

Remove the foam trim from the top of the door.

Remove the window glass.



Loosen bolt "1". Disconnect the glass guide rail from below and tilt it forward. Release the electrical wiring, disconnect the connector.



Using screwdriver "2" through the hole in the front side of the door, open the door handle. First remove the plug.



Press the bolt through the freed hole in the door with a screwdriver. This will release the door handle trim, which can be removed. The figure shows the bolt with the door handle removed.

Note: A suitable hook is required for installation and removal.

Use your fingers to disconnect the connecting rod on the door lock from the clamp "3".

Remove the door handle trim.



Disconnect all door lock connectors.

Note: When installing, it is impossible to mix up the connectors, as only the corresponding connectors fit together.

Unscrew the "arrow" nut.



Unscrew the nut (using BMW tool 512070). The nut can also be carefully unscrewed with a screwdriver, as shown in the picture.

Attention: Do not scratch the paint, cover with adhesive tape. If damaged, replace the nut.

Remove the door handle from the door cutout.

Installation

Insert the door handle and lock cylinder and tighten.

Connect all connectors.

Connect the connecting rod to the lock and secure it. Set the rotary latch to the "closed" position and turn the key in the lock cylinder to the "closed" position.

Check all closing functions.

(Figure W 48118) Place the door handle trim on the outside and use a suitable hook through the hole in the door above the lock (e.g. BMW 513140 or HAZET 2184-2) pull out the "arrow" bolt. This will fix the door handle trim. The figure shows the bolt with the door handle removed.

Place the trim and put the mounting frame on from the inside through the door frame.

Connect and tighten the glass guide rail from above with a tightening torque of 10 Nm.

Install window glass.

Install the door seal and trim.