Door handle won't open the door
- Thread starter rhosj
- Start date
I think you 'll find you have either broken the tab off the inside of the plastic handle or the small bowden cable is stretched or broken. Needs the lock removing, examining and fixing. Challenging job and needs special tools to unlock the door handle and mechanism.
I suspect similar occurence in heat are just that the bowden cable is stretched nad the heat makess the situation worse to the point it won't open.
I suspect similar occurence in heat are just that the bowden cable is stretched nad the heat makess the situation worse to the point it won't open.
Jokin said:
I spent several hours researching a way to change the passenger lock actuator motor (too weak to unlock the door anymore) on my own Z last year, but we need a special ''BMW dealer only'' tool to tension the bowden cable when reinstalling. Can't be done without that tool. In the end, I did find a web tool store that could special order it for me...cost was $400.US!
So the dealer is your only option I'm afraid.I had the same problem and tried to get the drivers side door handle open but it was such a fiddle I gave up and took it to a local garage. The bowden cable had snapped inside the door. £130 later it was all done and opens a treat.
The problem with the sunshine on the door must be related to the cable expanding and having less tension on the lock. Hence why you can open it when it's cooler. I hope that helps a bit!
The problem with the sunshine on the door must be related to the cable expanding and having less tension on the lock. Hence why you can open it when it's cooler. I hope that helps a bit!
i had the outter bowden cables changed on both doors today at my friends workshop. taking the door card off was easy. had a little problem taking off the door handle at first. then changing the cable itself was a fiddly job.
not sure where in the country you are, but if you want to get it done at a garage, i would recommend Storm Developments (http://www.stormdevelopments.co.uk) if you are in the berkshire area.
not sure where in the country you are, but if you want to get it done at a garage, i would recommend Storm Developments (http://www.stormdevelopments.co.uk) if you are in the berkshire area.
ZED_NOT_ZEE
Member
Anyone have a DIY on how to replace the Bowden Cable? This happens on my Z for both driver and passenger side in direct sunlight.
I have exactly the same thing, if it’s really hot and sunny I have to open the car from the inside but as soon as it cools down it repairs itself! It is embarrassing though, I try to get away with it by looking like I'm putting my bag on the passenger seat and leaning over to subtly opening the drivers door…!
ZED_NOT_ZEE
Member
I just use the key to lower the window on the driver's side enough to open it from the inside. Still embarassing though!
I have same sort of problem. Sometimes when I try to open door manually by using key in the doors lock (not remote control) the knob won't fully pop up. The knob pops up only in half and the door won't open by lifting the handle. BUT when I turn the key in the lock and keep it turned and lift handle the door will open although the knob stays in halfway.
This won't solve the problem but helps you to get inside your car without jumping from the passengers side - less emberrassement.
This won't solve the problem but helps you to get inside your car without jumping from the passengers side - less emberrassement.
I have learnt a discreet way of opening the door without looking like an idiot. If its the same problem I have, I can gently put my knee against the door and apply pressure while at the same time lifting the handle. And he door opens first time every time. Hope this also works for you guys.
debzdvine said:
So I have the same problem and decided to dig in to it today.
Based on my experience with the hood/bonnet release the cable very well may be a bit stretched, but the linkage was tight and needed lubing. I worked with a large screwdriver to manually lock the latch while apply lube until it reliably locked/unlocked the normal way. Definitely made a difference.
So on to the door. I followed various posts to get details, but apparently this topic isn't well covered. I removed the door panel (that much is), but subsequently removed the window trim to get a good look inside ( no one seemed to mention this). I closed the door and actuated the handle, and sure enough I can see all the inner-workings of the bowden cable. So while I can see it, I really don't know how it needs to come out. I suspect I have to remove the airbag module and sound insulation on the door. and raise the window to fully access to get to all this. Going to try the cheap way out - sorry. I think a bit of lube in the right place (the linkage of the lock, not the cable) should make a difference.
BTW - I like the trick of leaning on the door. If we think about it all we're doing is reducing the friction from the lock to the latch, and subsequently making is easier for the linkage to release. Again, another supporting point as to how the lack of lube may contribute to the problem.
So I'll check back in later. Actually it's freezing here in the Northeast of the USA ... so the ultimate test won't be until it warms up a lot.... but I digress.
Brian
Is this not just a sticky release mechanism?
The latch design on BMWs hasn't really changed from E36 and so on, and on those cars I have always had difficulty opening doors after some time, especially the passenger door which gets used less. I have always found that a liberal lube/spray and clean from the outside does the job of freeing up the latch piece.
If my technical perception is correct, pulling the handle moves a metal latch which unhooks the door. It's the latch on my previous cars that always seemed to be stuck.
Maybe I'm wrong (not for the first time) but try the simple things first.
The latch design on BMWs hasn't really changed from E36 and so on, and on those cars I have always had difficulty opening doors after some time, especially the passenger door which gets used less. I have always found that a liberal lube/spray and clean from the outside does the job of freeing up the latch piece.
If my technical perception is correct, pulling the handle moves a metal latch which unhooks the door. It's the latch on my previous cars that always seemed to be stuck.
Maybe I'm wrong (not for the first time) but try the simple things first.
I've found that this only happens after i've been driving without a passenger and the doors lock themselves. If a person has got out, they can get back in. If they haven't been in the car then i have to open it from the inside or just flick the lock button.
I have the sticking problem on the drivers side, so I kill 2 birds with one stone. Acting as a perfect gentleman I open the passenger door for my wife, who then opens mine from the inside, so I get in and score brownie points. 2 circumstances where this doesn't look so cool is when she is the designated driver (and has to open the door for drunk me), or the girlfriend won't open it from the inside. 
I will be changing my door handle this summer and will post pics to show how easy " or hard" it is.
I will be changing my door handle this summer and will post pics to show how easy " or hard" it is.
