exterior door handle coming off. 2004 z4 3.0

[tuco]

The lower part of the exterior door handle came away form the door when i tried to open the door, heard a snap sound then something rattling down into the door. if i push the handle in and open the lever the door still opens ? does anyone know whats likely broken off ?

 

[ARCS]

If you remove the grommet on the side of the door, you'll be able to see into the back of the handle. It might just be the metal retaining tab that's worked itself loose. If so, it needs to be pulled towards you into place.

 

[tuco]

Do i need a particular tool to pull back into place ?

 

[colb]

Parts diagram here https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BT32-EUR-07-2003-E85-BMW-Z4_25i&diagId=41_1477

Might be best to take the door card off and fish out what fell down. Outer handle can be removed by poking a long tool through the oblong hole on the door end with its plug removed, its a case of pushing the metal sliding bracket so it allows the outer handle to pass through the gaps in the mounting frame and out of the door.
Good how to here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ9iWny9iTg

 

[tuco]

Brilliant stuff, thank you

 

[tuco]

God i wish it would stop raining I've removed the door handle (just pulls out) and i can't see the metal tab at all ?(0.33secs in video) just black plastic. I've stuck my phone in the gap with the light on and i can see what looks like the edge of a metal clip lying at the bottom, no idea if it will just clip back in or not ?

 

[colb]

Sounds like the sliding metal clip has broken away from the plastic skeleton part of the door handle item 4 in the parts diagram, get yourself a extending magnetic pick up tool and fish the metal part out and compare it with the handle unit to see if it has broken free. If you need a replacement check out ebay or breakers who are on the forum for a good used spare maybe in your colour.
The skeleton is held on to the door by two screws, undo them and it should come out from the inside with the door card off.
If you have to remove the door lock actuator unit from the door thats held in with three screws,disconnect the cable and work it out of the door having taken off the door card. I wiggled mine out without much trouble.
One on ebay here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-Series-E85-Carrier-Outside-Door-Handle-Right-O-S-Drivers-Side-7197314/224370523367?epid=20044541385&hash=item343d867ce7:ggwAAOSwEcNgNDMb

If you go for that just put your lock barrel in it, easy to do.

 

[tuco]

Thanks for the help, need some dry weather.

 

[tuco]

All fixed, took my time (oil level sensor and abs sensors to change as well) now i just need to clean it.