Door problem - not lock actuator?

[mddecker]

Funny problem with the front driver side door of my 2001 X5 3.0. I don't think it's the lock actuator as I replaced that part about two years ago and the lock itself works fine. The problem lies in opening the door from the outside. For about the past 6 months, every fifth or so time I opened my door it would stick - meaning it wouldn't open. The handle would come up but the door would not open. After pulling a couple times it would then release.

Fast forward to now and the door will not open at all using the outside door handle. I went ahead and pulled off the door and played around. It seems that the cable pictured below is not functioning. The handle pulls the boden cable 90% of the way, but there is still a little play left. I am able to move it the rest of the way with my finger:




Does anyone have any experience with this? Can I just replace the cable? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!