I just want to thank the OP (PersonaNonGrata) for this DIY. The description and the pics gave me the confidence to try this out myself on my driver side front door handle carrier. It was a success!!!

Some things I learned:
- Lining up the carrier was critical. I didn't realize I can simply latch the one end of the carrier on to the edge of the right hole.
- While tightening the 8mm nut and bolt that attaches the handle to the carrier, the bolt somehow got lodged behind the door sheet metal

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2006 X5 4.4i LeMans Blue