On some cold mornings, less than -5C, I am having problems getting my door open using the interior door handle.

The problem presents itself when the door is locked and I pull the interior door handle once. The door lock pin goes up as expected but then the second pull does not open the door. The interior door handle does not have any tension as if some part of the mechanism(s) is sticking. Approximately two minutes with the left side HVAC vent pointing at the interior door handle seems to free it up and the door opens/operates as expected.

This most often happens on very short trips when the doors are locked automatically at speed and then I have to get out of the vehicle for some reason, e.g., I forgot something in the house. The outside door handle does not work either during this time but it feels "normal." Now, if the door is not locked, it will open on the first pull but it will not "reset" the latch so the door cannot be closed (latched shut) until the handle mechanism(s) free up.

Searching here and on the internet I have seen mention of similar issues being linked to the exterior door handle carrier, Bowden cable for the interior door handle and the door lock actuator mechanism. Some mornings it's been -15C and I have tried to replicate the issue and it's worked fine and then tonight, around -7C currently, it did it. It has been cold here for a few weeks and you would expect it to be an issue every morning but I have tried to replicate it and can't. Maybe it is not as related to temperature as I think?

This to me is a real safety concern and I am wondering if there is a TSB or other bulletin that I can go off of and maybe even talk to a service advisor about. I have had pretty good luck with a service advisor at a local BMW dealer and my 2001 M5 even though I do most of the work myself and use an independent for other work so maybe I can work something out. In any case, a TSB or similar will be a good place to start troubleshooting.

Any advice?

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8/2011 X5 xDrive35d Sport, Black Sapphire Metallic, Black Nevada Leather, Fine Burr Walnut Trim
2/2001 M5, Jet Black, Exclusive Complete Black Walk Nappa Point Heritage Leather, Black Cubic Trim