Xoutpost.com - Door handle carriers .. any brand recommendations?

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Quote:

Originally Posted by wpoll (Post 1249070)

If you always open the door with your thumb on the part that doesn’t move, your remaining four fingers operate the handle in the only way possible - correctly. ;)

Exactly!!!!!!!!!!

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^I've evolved to doing this too after going through many door handle carriers lol!

No matter how hard I try, I can't get my grandkids to operate the door handles in any other way then yanking on them. Consequently, they wind up getting valet service accompanied by instructions...

My wife has learned the technique, but frequently comments negatively about it. She does have a history though... I used to own a 1958 MGA, which she could NEVER get the passenger door open. It really annoyed her when I would just reach over and tap the cable and the door was open...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder (Post 1249014)

Hello -

Well, as I was coming to the end of one repair (replacing a cup holder cover, which - not surprisingly with these cars - is an almost comically complicated process) my driver's side door handle carrier gave out. Was wondering if any of you out there have any brand recommendations for replacements?

I'm probably not going to go OEM BMW on this one. Looks like Febi, Bavarian Autosport, and URO are pretty common, good quality brands, all in a similar price range. I'm also seeing Continentals that claim to be made in Germany at a crazy cheap price ... super tempting, but also suspiciously inexpensive.

I'd welcome any advice on which brands to buy (or avoid) from those who have done this repair before me, which seems to be just about everybody. Thanks in advance. :-)

Chris
Lockhart, Texas
2005 X5 3.0 Schwarz Black
2002 X5 3.0 Titansilber

Go with genuine BMW. I have tried FEBI numerous times and the end of the cable won't stay on the latch mechanism.

If you use any non bmw swap over the cable: also: the cable is the only difference between front and rear, so if you find a good deal on the wrong "aisle" i usually keep the cable anyhow so just get whichever you can find in a decent brand/price. I regularly needed to make minor modifications like grind down the spring that would scratch the glass but haven't ever had a problem fitting a 3rd party dhc.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs (Post 1249208)

Go with genuine BMW. I have tried FEBI numerous times and the end of the cable won't stay on the latch mechanism.

Seconded. New BMW parts are still available. I replaced a busted Chinesium DHC last year with BMW part despite the price because I was tired of leaving that door slightly ajar. Same deal with the door lock actuator because I am OVER ripping the driver's door apart. Done.

Just wanted to report back. I did end up going with the BMW part in spite of the cost. The old one broke in the exact same place it seems like they all do. I fixed it with the steel zip tie per @andrewwynn's excellent DIY writeup and it's on the parts shelf ready to be swapped out if ever needed.

Thanks to all for the good advice! On to the next repair now. :-)

Chris
Lockhart, Texas
2005 X5 3.0 Schwarz Black
2002 X5 3.0 Titansilber