I just did this and it took me a few tries to get the carrier in the right position to get the lock cylinder in.

What finally worked for me was leaving the screw that goes in near the back loose and pushing the carrier forward as far as possible, then installing the cable & ball & then tightening the screw. Then I inserted the door handle and was able to get the lock cylinder in. I had to push the cylinder assy and was pushing the allen I had the hex taped to (to avoid losing it into the door)

Good luck.

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BMWCCA # 480346

'72 e6Tii rip
'90 e30iC sold