Driver's Side Door Won't Open

M

Minihen_LDN

Member
 Enfield
Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone had a good xams and a happy new year. My new year was greeted with my driver side door handle not working anymore. It's had been stiff for a couple of weeks but finally gave up and won't open. It opens from the inside but there's nothing worse than having to go through your passenger side to open the driver's side door.

Has anyone had this problem before and is it a quick easy fix. I'm asking you good people on here before i take it down to BMW where i'm sure i'll probably get royally screwed.

Help would be very much appreciated :D
 
Hi mate,

Mine can be a bit sticky, it depends on how you pull the handle. I've found that if I "pull" the hand softly sometimes it just raises up. If I "jerk" it, then the door opens normally. It's only occasionally though.
 
dan425 said:
Hi mate,

Mine can be a bit sticky, it depends on how you pull the handle. I've found that if I "pull" the hand softly sometimes it just raises up. If I "jerk" it, then the door opens normally. It's only occasionally though.
Click to expand...


Yeah i know what you mean, i used to be able to do but i think it's completely gone now. Really annoying as i'd rather it was the passenger side as opposed to the driver's side
 
Yeah, I can imagine it'd be rather annoying. Post in here if you find a solution, in case mine goes!
 
Found this on an old post if you need to take the door apart to find the fault...

[youtube]Djgcv-VpCW8[/youtube]
 
My handles are stiff, my local Indy said it was common and needed new "catches and carriers" that would be £300 fitted per door!

Needless to say I'm ok with stiff door handles at that price but worried they will pack in at some point :|

Apparently BMW changed the design so if they are replaced they won't break again
 
I had the same, used brute force and managed to snap the plastic :x inner catches requiring replacement by an indi. You need a new handle for the outside when this happens and they come unpainted :headbang: an expensive lesson learnt.
 
Thanks guys, was hoping this would be a cheap fix but looks like it'll be an expensive one.

Will let you know how i get on and what prices i get from indy's and bmw
 
csm180 said:
I had the same, used brute force and managed to snap the plastic :x inner catches requiring replacement by an indi. You need a new handle for the outside when this happens and they come unpainted :headbang: an expensive lesson learnt.
Click to expand...

How expensive?
 
Unfortunately it is an expensive one. There's a special tool to get the lock mech out, and trying by yourself results in many cuts to the arm.

It can be an easy fix if it's just gone all of a sudden, because it can be to do with a specific cable, (I actually have a spare), but it's a real pig to try and sort by yourself (and that's coming from someone who does everything himself)
 
Update:

Got a quote from BMW, look at just under £315 to have it done, the parts cost about £20 each, and i think that's just for the 2 cables. Told em to do one, gonna order the cables and get a friend of mine with a garage to have a go at it for me.
 
Minihen, I think your local indie should be able to sort it and supply cables for approx £150-180. Give someone a call. Alternatively, if you mate does manage it, get a few pics, because I'd love to know how to get the locking mech out the door. I got it all the way undone but then it doesn't budge. The TIS (god I miss that) mentioned a special tool at this point, but I obviously didnt have that.

Also be aware you'll probably need a new membrane as you'll more than likely kill it getting to the locking mech etc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom