Sloppy door handle
 

So I've searched and read a lot about the carriers, but don't think mine is broken. My exterior handle works, but it's like it releases at the peak of the motion or even right on the decline. Can I adjust the cable or something for this somehow?

be prepared for the handle to go south - it seems as it is already packing the suitcases!!! start sourcing the carrier, and don't pull the trigger until it actually breaks... there is not much of adjustment inside, things are rather tight, the cable is tight... the metal in the handle probably fatigued and ready to give.. just be ready - the whole replace procedure is relatively fast and easy, assuming that you have some DIY abilities... before ripping the inner panel off the door, get some plastic fasteners from a dealer, they are like $0.25-0.50 each, will save you some headache on reassembly... the ones that look like mushrooms - look them up on the RealOEM.com...

Thank you sir! I picked up this thing as a project/flip but really like it. I drive an e39, but am torn between econo fixes for sale and repairing this to keep as a second vehicle. In this case I'll just bide my time.

Yeah, +1 for door handle carrier. Matter of time.

Oh! And I notice you're from Charlotte, too! I'm in Rock Hill. There's a couple of other board members from the area. I keep saying that we all need to get together one weekend and swap stories. Let me know by PM or e-mail if there's anything I can help you with since you're so close.

I concur with Term. There is a hinge essentially holding the carrier together. The motion of pulling the handle, overtime creates excessive play in the spring mechanism. You are getting that delayed feeling because where the pin and spring make the hinge, there is a piece of metal that wrap around that rod. There is very little material there and with stress and time, it cracks. So the door is opening the way it is now because that piece of metal has lodged itself between the pin and spring. I had the EXACT same problem last year. Takes about 45 mins to an hr to R&R.

I've got the drivers side new aftermarket door carrier. willing to let it go dirt cheap as it just takes up space. PM me if interested.

^PM sent. Thanks for all the input guys, sounds like I'd be well served to proactively replace the carrier. e30, how are you with auto trans repair? :nanana:

Great, I think all 4 of my carriers feel sloppy! With my luck, both drivers and passengers will die on the same day.

On front and rear! :bustingup

Tailgate entry is a standard option in the E53 lineup!:rofl:

Speaking of the tailgate, this thing rattles like an SOB. Just as a test, I put two little cloths over the posts on either side to create more stress/tension on it and it is much improved. Anyone dealt with this? Is the latch adjustable to tighten it down? The posts on either side did not appear to be adjustable.

Oh yeah, and the inner taillights are cloudy :dunno: but now I've digressed from my own digressing.

There are a bunch of threads about the tailgate rattle. Try adjusting the rubber stoppers on either side, I think they take a torx bit.

Ill have to check the book on how to adjust the tailgate to prevent it from rattling.

As for the inner tails, it is a common problem. Nothing can be done to fix it. The problem is internal.

Cool thanks guys. Will search a bit on it and try adjusting.

Haaaaaaaa! Yeah I'm not going to touch that one. I'm not at all familiar with anyone successfully repairing one. Most ppl's only options are getting a rebuilt one or finding a low mileage junker. I keep a credit card with a $0 balance whose sole purpose is to be there if/when my tranny goes out.

Just a heads up with the carrier....when the time comes to replace it (there is no "if" in this case. lol), do yourself a favor and buy the genuine bmw carrier!

Thanks for the tip. Just reliability and quality issue, like all other parts? I've been working on bimmers long enough to know it's usually not worth the minimal savings on aftermarket. Matter of fact, I'm replacing the less than year old CCB on my e39 tomorrow. Squeals like a stuck pig.

Reporting back on the tailgate, I was able to adjust the circular bumpers a little bit and this helped a little bit. As I read in other threads, a bit of adhesive-backed rubber on top of the pads really took care of it.

I've had enough things break on my X to not automatically assume the dealer or OEM are much better than aftermarket world. I'm not ready to replace a turbo with third party gear yet (thank god still under warranty) but a door carrier? Come on... Don't drink the koolaid on EVERYTHING. My $50 eBay door carrier is going strong +18 months and was very high quality out of the box...

Don't believe every internet rumor out there...

I'm not assuming anything, I'm operating based on my own personal experience. There are comparable aftermarket parts in some cases, and in a few instances there are better aftermarket options. But my experience is that probably 7/10 times the aftermarket part's performance and/or life have failed to meet or fallen considerably short of the OE version. I've now owned five BMW's and that includes suspension/steering joints and bushings, cooling system parts, window regulators, sensors, and engine mechanicals.