BROKEN DOOR HANDLES
 

I have a 2003 X5. I live in New York and this pass winter my drivers door handle(outside one) got frozen. I kept pulling on it and now when i try to open the door i have to pull on it a few times to open it. It has been like this for a few months now. But just the other day, I went to open the front passenger door and the door handle pulled out of place slightly and can not even open the door now. I pulled the door panel off and looked inside but dont see where the problem is. Is there any fix for it or do I have to get new door handles. Please help, anyone..... Thank you

You will need a new door handle catch. Happened to me last winter with both Passenger and driver side. Tried to fix it myself but no luck. From the inside of the mechanism, there is a thin cable that is attached to the handle, once that breaks then you need a new catch. Cost me £147.00 for 2 doors. I think it is a common problem. Do be carefull if replaceing it yourself as you will have side air bags and you dont want to deploy them in any way. Do let us know how you get on.

Is the door handle catch also called the carrier. I see them listed in GermanAutoParts.com. It is called the door handle carrier. Is this what I need?

Yes. That is what you will need. Do check other posts on this forum as that should confirm it's the Carrier that breaks and needs replaced. It is a common fault on a major X5.

had the same problem in ny last year and changed the door handle carrier. I had to drive one week holding the door shut close from the inside.

door handle carrier cheap place to buy is autolampsplus.com

Looks like this just happened on mine!

Thanks for the info provided. Guess I might as well replace the windows regulator at the same time then!

When replacing the carrier, notice how its attached in the aft part.

Im thinking about the part which is behind the lock... There is a little plastic "catch" which is holding the carrier in place...

I never noticed this when i replaced mine, and could not get it to sit right... I spent almost 3,5hours on a job which can be done in 1 hour from start to finish...

Just a tip..