Need door handle carrier source - QUICK!

[David D]

Was out working on the new stereo in the X until almost 10 o'clock last night and my driver's door handle carrier decided it was time to go . I'm trying to source a replacement in time so I can replace it this weekend and the local dealer wants $174. I said "no thanks".

I've looked online at a few places and getting one overnighted isn't possible with anyone I've looked at (ECS, Bavauto, Amazon). I've done the reading here and the general consensus is that the OEM carrier is the preferred part, so I'm looking for the OEM part.

Anybody have a good source, or perhaps a non-OEM recommendation? I'd really like to be able to repair it this weekend.

[Ricky Bobby]

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-51218243615-1

FCP is $121 free shipping or pay for overnighted which I don't know how much but might be less than dealer - your dealer gives terrible parts pricing lol

I think list pricing is $141 on the carrier so they are charging you list pricing PLUS 15-20%?

[David D]

Yeah, terrible is right. Friend who works for Mercedes parts counter said they probably gave me dealer "bump list" pricing. Cost plus 15%. Bad enough that they engineer stuff with built in obsolescence, but to charge over and above list is just wrong.

Thanks for the link. I'll contact them and see if they can do overnight or Saturday delivery. If not, I guess I'll be opening through the rear door for the next week.

[bhennrich]

Originally Posted by David D

Yeah, terrible is right. Friend who works for Mercedes parts counter said they probably gave me dealer "bump list" pricing. Cost plus 15%. Bad enough that they engineer stuff with built in obsolescence, but to charge over and above list is just wrong.

Thanks for the link. I'll contact them and see if they can do overnight or Saturday delivery. If not, I guess I'll be opening through the rear door for the next week.

Is your car not coded so when you hold the key in the tumbler in the unlock position it rolls down the windows? That is how I got in mine when the carrier broke. And I rolled the dice on this one from Amazon. You could have it this weekend. https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0066RNCI8 I just followed some advice from here and used the original BMW screw that holds the lock cylinder and it works perfect. Fact is the aftermarket and OE are all going to just keep breaking. So why pay extra for BMW?

[David D]

^ It actually is coded to do that. Problem is when it's raining cats and dogs like it was this morning...

Fortunately, I'm tall and have long arms, so reaching through the rear door isn't hard for me to do.

I've read about fitment problems with aftermarket pieces here, so I was trying to avoid that. Of course, the money saved would pay for the beer necessary to get the job done.

[bhennrich]

Originally Posted by David D

^ It actually is coded to do that. Problem is when it's raining cats and dogs like it was this morning...

Fortunately, I'm tall and have long arms, so reaching through the rear door isn't hard for me to do.

I've read about fitment problems with aftermarket pieces here, so I was trying to avoid that. Of course, the money saved would pay for the beer necessary to get the job done.

Mine only took me an hour with the aftermarket carrier. I had beer left over to sit in the garage and stare at my AMAZING work!

[David D]

I have a new carrier coming overnight from FCPEuro. Price was decent and overnight shipping was pretty good considering, plus they have the lifetime replacement. Still gonna crack open a beer or two!

[bhennrich]

Originally Posted by David D

I have a new carrier coming overnight from FCPEuro. Price was decent and overnight shipping was pretty good considering, plus they have the lifetime replacement. Still gonna crack open a beer or two!

I will be with you both in spirit!

[upallnight]

Remember, the carrier has to be in the open position (door handle pulled out) when you remove the exterior door handle and to reinstall the exterior door handle, or else you risk scratching the door panel paint with the door handle.

I will be with you in spirit!

[David D]

Thanks for the tip!