Thanks for the great write-up! I fixed my driver's side door last month. I ordered the part from Bavarian Autosports... not on the cheap side but I'm comfortable buying from them. I took some pictures...might post them soon. Oh, and I agree, after this fix...you will never take for granted the simple task of opening a door.

FYI...for those of you having problems with the driver's side door and in the "planning to fix-it stage", you can roll down the windows by holding down the unlock button on your key for a couple of seconds. Sure beats crawling in through the back and getting weird stares from people.

Just had my driver handle replaced due to a bit of an aggressive pull on a cold day when door was frozen shut. I guess this is a common problem. Set me back 100 $$.

Just did mine following instructions here (and watching detailed YouTube video on how to remove the door panel). Took 2 hours with a lunch break in between. Hardest part was getting the new handle back in and lining up correctly. I found that once you got it lined up, go ahead and screw the handle back on so that it will stay there while you fool around with getting the ball joint and white collar snapped in. I used a small needle-nosed pliers to assist with the snapping.

I love seeing that this thread is helping so many people. Too bad our door carriers are so crappy. :(

I too just used this write up over the weekend on a friends X5.
you did a great job explaining/documenting everything.
Kudos

Hi all,
This post has been especially useful as I have had to replace the driver side handle, and just did the rear right side on the week-end. The driver side went without a histch and has been going strong for 12 months.
But, I have one major problem with the recent rear upgrade. Prior to putting it all back together, I tested the door and it opened and closed without issue. After putting the trim back on, I closed the door and it does not open now.
Neither from the inside or outside :(

Please help!
Is there a way to open the door?
How do I get the trim off while the door is closed?

OHHH that happened to me!! the problem was that one of the window switch modules was disconnected so the door wasnt locking/unlocking normally. I inadvertently plugged the missing window switch module back in and the door locks then started operating properly again.

I hope the problem YOURE having is the one I had. Easily fixed that is

I have had a similar problem to the point where my central locking was not working properly. The door lock did not go up and the door stayed locked. It was a long time ago but I think I had to simply reconnect the offending window switch.

I had my drivers down carrier handle replaced last Saturday along with the door actuator lock.

I did not even notice until I got home that the carrier handle was not perpendicular with the lock on the right, it was off by a 1/4 inch.

that would drive me crazy!!!