Goodbye L200 hello X5

[tenpole]

I had a L200 that the wife could use after passing her test last year. She could not get on with this pick up though as it is not suitable for town shopping parking. The terrible turning circle of the 05 L200 old style limits where you can park and what with the length, it was no fun. She also could not get used to the low gearing of a commercial vehicle. Its been fun and you can do things in a L200 that you cannot with an X5 like off roading.
The wife picked the X5 as she likes the shape, in particular she prefers the older shape of the e53 model. So do I.
I picked up a 3.0l diesel Sport model. At first I wanted the petrol version but now I have driven this diesel version I was impressed and am happy with the performance. It still takes off when you put your foot down.
The model we got also came with a tow bar which was a selling point for me as we have a caravan so would have needed to get one fitted but here it was already present.
There are a few niggles that need sorting out. The passenger door handle does not work and the o/s mirror is a bit loose. A penny is stuffed in between the join to keep it from floppy about. Also the cartridge for the cd multichanger in the boot will no longer eject.
I am hoping this is a good forum to get advice and look forward to hearing from you all.

[Google44]

For door handle - is it loose from outside? It so the you would need new mechanism. Does it open from inside? As for the mirror check small Allan key bolts from under the mirror.

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[andrewwynn]

The door handle carrier is the usual suspect for a floppy non functional door handle. A design defect that Bmw fixed on newer models is the cause.

You can repair for free with some 16ga or similar steel wire. I posted pics and video of my repair. You can also spend between $35 and $85 for a replacement part that has the same defect.

Rather than disengage the handle, the design blocks the handle from unlatching, unfortunately when cold the locking pin will stay engaged after you unlock the car ( the lock knob inside will be up). You assume the door seal is frozen so you pull really hard and it breaks the hinge which is made of pot metal.

Search my username. You should find the post I made on how to repair for free.


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[tenpole]

I have purchased a door carrier from ebay. I will fit next weekend as need all day for such a fiddly job. Once this is sorted I will look at the mirror. Thanks for your replies.

[tenpole]

The door handle is now fitted. Very fiddly. I did have a illumination bulb without a slot left over by the electric window block. I did not know where to fit this on the block.

[14thbmw]

Light goes into the inside door handle/latch to illuminate it, I think.

[tenpole]

Thank you 14thbmw.