Broken Outside Door Handle Fix

[jgold47]

Originally Posted by TiminIndy

I bought an `06 E53 a few months ago and this is the first repair needed - driver's door handle won't open from the outside. I'm getting ready to order the carrier and the discussion above is the same thing I am pondering. Prices for aftermarket from Amazon and ebay sellers ranges from $25 to $80, and OEM $85 to $115. My thoughts are that the OEM ones have failed quite often, so might as well get aftermarket. I don't know how to tell what may be better between all of the aftermarket ones, but I'm thinking about just getting one at the bottom of the price spectrum and hope it lasts for a while. The cost of the part is less of a hassle than doing the repair. Unless someone convinces me otherwise, the cheapest on Amazon is from 'KOOLMAN' for $25.90 & free shipping. They have many good reviews.

NOOOO

OEM only for the door carrier. I tried the cheap crap and it lasted a month before it broke again. Did OEM and 2 years later, no problems. Its not a difficult repair, but its a PITA to strip the door down, and requires some maneuvering out of site to sit the carrier.

You'll thank me later

[bobschultz]

Ive done this repair too as well as a few window controls so get ready for those too. What I read about the cheep ones is the fitmet with the part not lining up correctly. I need to search a bit and see which one I actually bought but I believe I went on the recommendation of others. It's not a difficult repair just tedious.

Good luck.

[higreenx5]

Hamman on Amazon is an OEM supplier for hal the price. 1 year ZERO issues.

[jgold47]

I dont think Hamman is OEM anything. on Amazon, it says OEM quality. Not the same thing.

Not my car, not my problem. I went cheap and regretted it. YMMV

[Russianblue]

I've had good luck with both OEM and aftermarket carriers.

In 15 years of customizing BMW's, I would also assert that aftermarket parts need to be evaluated on an individual basis rather than blanket state that x brand or whatever is not of sufficient quality.

[TiAgX5]

"Genuine BMW" is the ONLY thing to buy if "top quality" and "best fit" is what you want, without a search for what copycat/China knockoff does an OK job of producing the part.

The "OEM" and "OEM Quality" labeled parts (most China crap) fit poorly/fail sooner then the parts produced with BMW engineering/material specs/manufacturing/inspection procedures.

[TiminIndy]

Apparently, for this part, OEM quality is pretty poor. Did they improve the design for the E70, or do they have the same issues?

[higreenx5]

Hamman is made in Germany or Austria and the part was identical. You can waste your money at a stealer. Hamman has been and will be a supplier for BMW just like Bosch and Sachs.

[StephenVA]

As has been posted on this Carrier Problem multiple times before, there was a improved design with the cable many years ago with the OE supplier and put into the BMW parts and service channels. That is the only improvement. No, there has not been a brass bushing, bearing, chromed pivot shaft upgrades, nor any metal improvements.

The OE part lines up and installs correctly. Multiple posters have struggled with poor fit and alignment of the "Amazon" versions (see postings on struggles to align the last bolt). I believe the only intent here is to allow DIYs to purchase a part, have it fit it in, and to ensure a long life to the part. This carrier as everyone knows, is a high failure item, therefore everyone builds a part to get a piece of the business. Some of the aftermarket ones do fit and function. Others have to be bent, twisted, and forced into compliance. These are efforts most DIY want to avoid.

Bottom Line: Buy the OE Door Carrier and it will fit 100%.

[TiminIndy]

Does anyone have any experience with parts from Amazon's KOOLMAN (aka Import Parts Depot)?

I think I am going to take a chance on their carrier part, because:

1) It's only $25 delivered. Since I will likely have to replace this on other doors, I would like to see if it will fit & hold up.

2) I see they have a lot of other BMW replacement parts, so I may choose to use them for other parts as well.

I appreciate the advice for OEM and normally that is what I like to buy. Hopefully I won't be saying 'you told me so' later...