E34 early vs late model door lock question

[84318i]

Hi,

Is the door lock/latch (and door handle where the lock cylinder goes) assembly in the 89 physically different from the ones used in the later model e34 cars ?

I need to get a good working door lock assembly for the front driver side door , PO broke it somehow and I'd like to fix it . Problem is, most e34 parts cars near me are newer like 93-95 vs 89.

I've looked at realoem and it does show different part numbers , but is it due to the power actuator solenoid or is the metal assembly itself different and won't interchange ?

I don't really care about power door locks at this point , just want the physical / manual locking at least to work 100% of the time and the door to latch properly .

Thanks

[Jackson42]

Unfortunately, the later cars use a completely different mechanism that is different mechanically and electrically. Mounting holes in the doors are the same.

[84318i]

I was afraid of that , thank you for confirming !

[moroza]

Yes, they're different and incompatible even with moderate tweaking (I tried).

[84318i]

Yep, pulled one from an early car like mine and it sure is diffrent . The back side of the door handle is much longer too

[south42]

Yep and the part is nla. They tend to crack at the handle. Sorry I am out at this time.


Andy

[84318i]

Was able to get one , but still need to swap it . Any tips ?

[katit2]

Take panel out, take window guide out(one bolt under rubber). Take door lock out and then you can reach door handle

[84318i]

Yeah I've done all that when I removed it and I got it out with the door lock for the latch.

These two assemblies are connected together , is it optimal to install them together as one unit or can one (door handle ) be replaced along without removing the door latch mechanism ?

Just looking for tips on how it should be done without damaging anything or the right order ...

[katit2]

Whole assembly comes out. At least in mine you cannot replace just handle piece

[84318i]

Yeah I wasn't sure if there is supposed to be some right sequence one can follow to replace just the door handle part vs the whole thing attached to the door latch

[demetk]

Maybe yours is different but on mine I was able to remove just the handle without touching the latch mechanism.

[84318i]

I was able to swap the whole thing over, but of course now my key doesn't work on the driver side door as I couldn't get the lock cylinder swapped from my old door lock to the new .

Can locksmiths do the e34 door lock cylinder work while it's installed or am I looking at removing the whole thing again and bringing it to lock smith ?

Thanks

[Flash799]

check DIY section
DIY How do swap a door handle in a million easy steps..htm

[84318i]

Flash799 - I've swapped it already was asking specifically about the cylinder removal itself or if anyone had one keyed to their key while on the car