Broken Outside Door Handle Fix

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Big "J"

Replaced my driver door carrier today. About 2 hours going slow and careful... The airbag light is on now. I unplugged it an didn't disconnect the battery... Guess I should have? Any solution to the air bag light?

I didnt unplug my airbag nor disconnect the battery, just unbolted and left it hanging. maybe you have other issue?

[TerminatorX5]

ouch... I think carsoft has a feature to erase error code for the airbag... do you have the obd/ibus connector/cable?

[Big "J"]

I don't but, have a reader for OBDll codes. Don't think it's for resetting airbags...although I have seen one at O'Reilly auto that does both. I didn't see the price so, I'll check on it tomorrow.

[alwysfresh]

Guys just want to say thanks for taking the time to post such a detailed DIY guide. I fixed mine today and it was about a 3 beer job instead of a 2 hour shop labor job which saved me some much needed dough. I wouldn't have attempted it without this guide. Great work...it's appreciated.

[gonzjed]

For being lazy, I just paid $700 to have the carrier fixed at the dealership. I forgot all about this wonderful site. Thanks for posting OP.

[fraserp]

. Sorry, -- I just couldN't hell it. There is a world of information and how to , here. These guys will give you detailed info and advice for free and in some cases will even do it for you if you are in the vicinity or willing to come by. Just remember to bring a six pack. I changed two of my door handle carriers myself for a total cost of $160 $700 ??? Ouch.

[Ricky Bobby]

He lives an hour from me and I would have done it for free if he brought me a case of beer, now that I know how to do it after doing my own.

Its really an hour job, 2 at most if you are being slow and taking butt/beer breaks.

[gonzjed]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

He lives an hour from me and I would have done it for free if he brought me a case of beer, now that I know how to do it after doing my own.

Its really an hour job, 2 at most if you are being slow and taking butt/beer breaks.

my wifes gonna kill me when I show her this!

[bgiacomo]

This FIX was perfect.....and only took me about an 1hr

but One thing I would like to warn folks on is related to putting the handle back

Re-attaching the door handle is fairly simple but it will be much easier if you push the carrier from behind. That will cant the handle up so you can insert the black end on the left and have clearance to twist it into place. I used the handle of a screwdriver to push on the carrier. ""

The black end of the handle with the little connector are made of plastic and if you don't push the Carrier back with a screwdriver it can break the little tit connector of the handle(It happend to me..)

But over all perfect instructions

[fatboyoz]

Thanks Persona Non Grata,
And to all the others associated with this job. The part alone, in Oz, from a non BMW dealer was $250. The dealer then charges $180 per hour labour. Goodness knows what the final bill would have been for a dealer repair.
The only things I would add would be:

The outside lock cover does not have to be levered off (possibility of scratching or damage). It will separate, from the door, with the lock mechanism when the hex headed bolt is removed through the small opening on the rear edge of the door.

When peeling the inner door, foamy, panel off to get at the door innards, use a sharp knife to slice through the black, rubbery adhesive as you pull it away. This will save the foamy panel from ripping.
Thanks again,
Colin.