Do not use silicone lubricant on door latch; latch faults have been traced to silicone contamination. Remove door trim panel. Carefully peel off vapor barrier covering inner door cavity. Caution - Use care when peeling back vapor barrier; a damaged vapor barrier should be replaced to prevent possible water leaks. Working inside door: disconnect Bowden cable from latch by pulling up. Note - When working on driver's door, make sure locking pin is correctly seated in mounting of door latch. On Gran Coupe models, pry out rubber sealing plug from lower edge of door and loosen nut behind plug to allow movement of the door window guide to aid in latch removal. Release locking rod from latch by prying rod off latch to remove; unlock and disconnect harness connector; remove Torx T30 latch fasteners holding latch. Disengage latch from lock pin and remove latch assembly from inside door by turning lock and maneuvering out from below door reinforcement bar. Note - When installing driver's door latch, be sure the locking pin is correctly seated in its mount. Prior to installing door latch, be sure door lock pin is in the installation position on
Door Handle support. Door handle support shown removed from door for clarity. Installation is reverse of removal, keeping in mind the following: BMW calls for special tool 51 2 190 to align door lock; inspect seal on latch for damage; make sure inner door cavity vapor barrier is installed intact and leak-proof; hand tighten latch mounting screws to properly seat door latch seal before tightening; tighten screws in order: lower, upper, then inner; do not bend door lock button metal rod when inserting through door skin opening; route Bowden cable exactly as original or door may not open from outside; Gran Coupe models: tighten window guide nut and replace sealing plug.