whose fingerprints do i see on the melted parts? this looks like a chemical reaction, not a "heatgun" reaction... the suggestion that somebody with chemicals on the hands may have touched the handle is very feasible... I have owned the bmws for a while, never have i seen anything like that - i saw rings scratching steering wheels, leaving marks on the paint behind the door handles, on the gear shifter...

Ok found this on Xbimmers , seems to be common http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...=693078&page=2




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I had mine replaced 20K km ago. I also don't know what exactly going on.
One day it's good and the next day it feels sticky. Maybe because the hot weather where I live? hehehehe will have to see this year again if it's repeated. :)

Strangely enough it's only the front that's affected. The rear still ok till now. Maybe someone with greasy hand? :)

14/15/21 on this diagram
RealOEM.com * BMW E70N X5 35iX Door trim panel, front

RealOEM.com * BMW E70N X5 35iX Door trim, rear

Thank you for the links!


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I really doubt is weather related, temps in south Florida summers inside the car can be over 105 degrees and never had an issue . Here in PA car expends more time in the cold than anything else.


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Does your passenger use lotion on their hands? Some lotions have a chemical in them that destroys these parts. I'm not sure which is the additive that is causing it but my wife experienced this with her hand bag and similar results on the car. It was the lotion.

There is a good possibility lotion played a part on this. I still can't believe is happening and it seems like is not an easy of cheap fix.


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Yeah, I couldn't believe it either but I confirmed it was the lotion in my wife's case. It's only with certain kinds though.

Same on my wife's X5. And the front passenger seat is rarely occupied.