The invention relates to an actuating unit (14) having an actuating element (15), in particular to a closing drive for a motor vehicle lock, comprising a drive unit, a housing (18, 19), a spindle nut (16), and a spindle (15), wherein the spindle nut (16) is accommodated in the housing (18, 19) of the actuating unit (14), and a Bowden cable (20), wherein the Bowden cable (20) is connected to the spindle (15), wherein the spindle (15) has a stop (21), which interacts with the spindle nut (15), such that the travel of the spindle (15) can be limited.