Driver's door won't open (from inside or outside)

[clubba]

Trying to figure out if I should replace the driver's door handle carrier outlined here http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...andle-fix.html or if just a good lube of the interior workings of the latch mechanism seen here http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-fix-pics.html would suffice.

The door handle pulls smoothly from the inside and outside, and it returns to its original starting position on the outside (doesn't stick out at all - sits where it should). But the door doesn't budge (most of the time). I am forced to pull the outside or inside handle beyond where I am comfortable pulling them to get the door to respond and open. What do you guys think, carrier or lube? Also kind of sounds like the cable controlling the locking mechanism may be stretched, although I'm not sure that's possible or how to adjust the tension.