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