HELP! Broken Door Handle and NO POWER

[we350z]

This is the status of my hook marked in yellow paint in those photos, still bolted to handle lol.

I think I am going to try the slotted screwdriver / coat hanger approach my only concern those is that the actual locking mechanism is froze

If I could only supply 12V power somehow to the terminal under the hood or the starter than i could use the key fob to pop the other door locks and gain entry that way.

Definitely need a new carrier this one is toast. Already need to replace that window regulator again (surprise surprise) so at least I can kill 2 birds.

[williamx5]

Ummmmmm... Hmmmmmmmmm... Yep... power to the vehicle is looking better and better... Any way to get the trickle charger hooked up to the starter? It is just above the rear of the stiffening plate on the pass side... A flashlight should allow you to see things, but might be a little difficult to access... I think you will be able to gain access to it with a little patience... Then forget about it for a few to see what happens...

I wonder if you can put door locks on the pass side? Or get a lock cyl made and install it in the "co-drivers" door... Hmmmmmmm...

Good luck!!!

[oldskewel]

Originally Posted by we350z

This is the status of my hook marked in yellow paint in those photos, still bolted to handle lol.

I think I am going to try the slotted screwdriver / coat hanger approach my only concern those is that the actual locking mechanism is froze

If I could only supply 12V power somehow to the terminal under the hood or the starter than i could use the key fob to pop the other door locks and gain entry that way.

Definitely need a new carrier this one is toast. Already need to replace that window regulator again (surprise surprise) so at least I can kill 2 birds.

I thought you might have snapped that off. But hopefully you can see the other side of the break and grab that and pull out. Yes, if the actual latch mechanism is frozen or something deep in there is damaged, there may be nothing you can do to open that door without taking it apart from the inside.

Just in case you're able to get the 12V applied ...
Expect the alarm to go off as the battery charges up from zero
In case your key fob / remote system is not working, you should be able to unlock all doors by turning the door key full left (90 degrees from vertical)

[we350z]

What a nightmare. Tried everything. Had booked a seat on Amtrak from Truckee back to Emeryville. Woke up at 5am to catch the bus to the station and got a call that the train was delayed 4 hours at least. Called AAA again they were still saying my area was restricted. Called the local tow company (Alpine Towing) who contracts with AAA and went straight to voicemail. Missed their call back when I was on the other line. Decided to go jack with the handle again looped a coat hanger through the little hole on the broken piece of the carrier. Tugged like a mother in it to no avail. Just when I have up what do I see but a Alpine Towing truck pulling up slowly. I ran out to the driver and told him I was locked out - At first I thought maybe AAA sent him or somehow they figured out my address and send a truck but turns out they only reason he was even out there to begin with was a cash job to pickup a brand new Diesel Chevy Colorado with a snapped axle. He said he would be right back. Once he returned he put a wedge in the door then slipped in a inflatable bladder so he could insert a bendable poker / hook tool and tried to pull the handles Fromm the inside. No go on the driver side. So I dug out the passenger side and e tried there also no luck. Then I had an idea of it really was my battery brain that shut off the battery connection then maybe he could hit the (extremely) tiny button on the remote that happened to be sitting face up in the open ash tray. I got my key fob ready. Took a couple tries through the 20% tinted windows but he finally got it I heard the power turn on iteunlock button and whala all does unlocked! Took him all of 5 minutes took get in the car amazing.

So which brand handle carrier replacement should I get? Doesn't look like OEM is made anymore... The part number is 51218243615 for the front left / drivers side?

[xbimma]

Bavauto.com has OEM and aftermarket parts up to you. Purchased a lot there without issues. You probably will need both:
Outer door handle carrier - part# 51 21 8 243 615 (driver side)
Outer door handle - part # 51 21 8 243 617 (driver side). If they dont have the correct black color for your ride you can purchase unpainted and have it painted at bodyshop. Done it before on my gray 4.4

Hope you can get in. Good luck.

[Joshdub]

You can still get the carriers from BMW. My local dealer had 150 in stock when I called.

Or you can order it from FCP and never need to order another again.

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

[iansanderson]

Hook 12V lead or a 9V battery to one of the license plate lights. Should energize the GM enough to unlock the doors using the key or tumbler on the drivers door.

[we350z]

Hmm interesting. I've heard of people shorting out the electrical system to disable alarms this way when breaking into cars. Sounds risky.

I think the ECU has to run for the security system to enable which would allow the key fob signal to work or double left clicking the tumbler.

Originally Posted by iansanderson

Hook 12V lead or a 9V battery to one of the license plate lights. Should energize the GM enough to unlock the doors using the key or tumbler on the drivers door.

[we350z]

Actually handle looks pretty good and the tumbler cover clips are intact as well. The left side peg on the handle is a tiny bit mutilated I think a little silicone will keep it snug. The right side is intact I just have to remove the bolt to take off the broken piece from the carrier.

Might regret later it but there is a carrier on eBay for $23 they've sold 700 of them I guess going to give it a try.

For 00-06 BMW X5 Left Front Outside Outer Exterior Door Handle Carrier ( E53 ) | eBay

Originally Posted by xbimma

Bavauto.com has OEM and aftermarket parts up to you. Purchased a lot there without issues. You probably will need both:
Outer door handle carrier - part# 51 21 8 243 615 (driver side)
Outer door handle - part # 51 21 8 243 617 (driver side). If they dont have the correct black color for your ride you can purchase unpainted and have it painted at bodyshop. Done it before on my gray 4.4

Hope you can get in. Good luck.

[StephenVA]

The carrier question on whether to use OE or aftermarket has been beaten to death here on the forum. Bottom Line: OE works and aligns correctly every time. The after market parts are hit or miss, as aligning the screws and getting the handle to align with the stationary door lock piece is always less than the OE part.

One is quick and simple while the alternative part is less expensive it comes with risks that can be overcome or cause more pain.

Good luck and glad to hear you are out of the cold.