Broken door handle...
 

I recently purchased an 03 3.3i X5. I fell in love with it after the first test drive. After a week of ownership, I pulled on the rear door handle and it broke. The handle still opens the door but the handle (once pulled) does not snap back into place. The cable that pulls the handle back snapped or fell into the door. I am wondering do I need a new handle or do I need a part that is in the door?

it sounds like you need to take the door panel off and fit the latch back into the handle. It isn't too hard, there are instructions on doing this I believe under the window regulator DIY on the home page.

be sure to post some pics of that 3.3 I'm sure we're all anxious to see ;)

Thanks for the info. I will get some pics up soon.

Unfortunately the only way to know which piece broke is to take the door panel off and remove the vapor barrier to see in there... You can use this DIY window regulator link (pdf file) for the r&i instructions of the door panel, and be extra careful with the vapor barrier removal and resealing, as if it tears it could let rain water into the cabin. And have the window up to allow access to the latch.

Of course only do this if you are comfortable with it mechanically, otherwise its to a repair shop...

http://www.xoutpost.com/attachments/x...rocedure_2.pdf.

Thanks for input. I am going to tackle this next weekend. I was just hoping to avoid taking the door apart. Door pannels never seem to go back together 100%...at least on the GM's I have worked on.

You shouldn't have a problem with the X's door panels. The only door panels to not act right on BMW's is the E36's. I never have a problem with door panels on X5's.

unless you have the rear sun shades, that can be a major hassle.

Ain't that the truth! E36 door panels were a PITA.

Just from the fact you had to epoxy them back together half the time... then the leather would peel in some places. As good as a car as the E36 was, it was the least "German" and most "Jap" of all the BMW's fit and finish wise.