HELP! Broken Door Handle and NO POWER

[oldskewel]

I just replaced both front door handle carriers over the weekend, so here are some photos from the driver's side, so you can see what is behind the door.

They are all oriented right side up, and taken from your viewpoint on the outside of the door.

The second photo, with the voltage detector pointing at the hook shows the thing you should grab with pliers (or if the hook is still there, even a piece of rope should do).

The 3rd and 4th photos show the hook thing when it is pulled out as far as it should come. So if you have not pulled it that far, you should be able to. If you pull it that far and the door does not open, then something has broken inside to prevent that.

[oldskewel]

And if that does not work for some reason, here's a slightly more desperate approach ...

Use the long nose pliers to pull the rubber piece surrounding that hook thing out all the way. Remove it to get yourself some clearance.

That black cable sheath clearly shown in the 4th photo is the thing that carries the cable that actually pulls the door latch open. With the rubber piece removed, you may be able to sneak a slotted screwdriver through the hole to hit that cable sheath and press as hard as you can to try to pop the latch.

Or if that does not work, maybe a coat hanger going straight down through the hole made by removing the rubber piece would allow you to grab onto the thing the cable pulls and pull it directly. More finesse required than the previous approaches.

[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!!!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.