Left Rear Door Latch

tonypatthou · Post by **tonypatthou** » Thu Sep 10, 2015 11:40 pm

My left rear door latch never opens properly. I can get the rear door to open with lots of effort. But then it also takes a fair amount of effort to get it to close and properly latch again. Not a big deal, since I'm the only one who drives the car, and I'm usually alone. So, about 4 months ago I bought a left door latch on Ebay. Well today, I finally got around to opening the box. According to the original BMW part number (51 21 1 823 601) it is for the left Front door. Not the left Rear door. Egads. So,my question is: will the same latch fit the front or the back door. I'm pretty sure I know the answer....but I figure it's worth a shot, and one of you guys may know how to rig up something. Otherwise, I can just keep driving it the way it is.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Fri Sep 11, 2015 11:50 am

Realoem says no, although I don't know how far off it is or isn't. Question, do you have the door buffer on that latch? You know, the little plastic/rubber boot that goes over the part that rotates to latch the door? If not it's not going to shut right.

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Fri Sep 11, 2015 12:11 pm

+1 on what Mike said!

tonypatthou · Post by **tonypatthou** » Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:29 pm

Ummmm I will take a look as soon as I get home tonight.
Thanks Mike!