Interior door handles melting
 

Ok tried searching and no luck , my passenger side door handle is melting , not the black soft paint peeling , is actually getting all gooey like . Anyone else had this happen?


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I've seen someone else post something similar, don't remember if it was on one of the other two bmw boards though.

you are not parking your next to a nuclear reactor, are you?????

Is almost embarrassing that this is happening to a BMW . Never seen anything like it 😢


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You mean the black surrounding plate NOT the actual metal handle right?
cant help you with any experience.
but here are the part numbers for replacements, they are very cheap
12 Trim cover, door handle, front left SCHWARZ 1 51416969377 $7.10
12 Trim cover, door handle, front right SCHWARZ 1 51416969378 $7.10
For vehicles with
Light package
S563A=Yes
12 Trim cover, door handle, front left SCHWARZ 1 51416973735 $7.10
12 Trim cover, door handle, front right SCHWARZ 1 51416973736 $7.1
12 Cover, door opener, rear right SCHWARZ 1 51426969496 $7.10
For vehicles with
Light package
S563A=Yes
12 Cover, door opener, rear left SCHWARZ 1 51426973739 $7.10
12 Cover, door opener, rear right SCHWARZ 1 51426973740 $7.10

No am referring to the "oh shit handle " if you will . Here's a couple of pics http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/20/uravy7yq.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/20/dema2yne.jpg


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girl and nail polish?

huh??


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You said its melting. is it possible someone with dirty hands destroyed it for you.
You know, a female companion that was applying nail polish in your car?

Sorry, this doesn't look melted by sun to me. But, I could be wrong.


UPDATE: about 6 months later my melted too. :bustingup How funny.

You maybe be talking about the 2nd pic , that's just glare from flash . There is no color or residue to it ..the plastic has just turned to goo almost playdo consistency ...


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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.

I've seen this happen when idiot car detailers use brake clean solvent to remove built up grime on interiors.

This happened on my 2008 3.0 with tobacco colored
Interior. I got mine from Carmax and they fixed it for
Me. Very crappy indeed

Had a few "discussions" on E46fanatics years ago, members letting everyone know that brake cleaner is the best stuff for cleaning interiors/headliners. :yikes:

You can't fix stupid!

Swap it out. Mine is exactly the same.

Actually I've been messing with it and under all that goo is a solid plastic piece.
Just going to peel it completely . A new part will eventually get the same way

Sorry that happened & for this praphhrase:

It puts the lotion on the handle.

I feel your pain, I just got a "discounted" driver door handle for my e53 for 63.xx/75.xx shipped.

HAND LOTION
 

Sold a YUKON to a family member, she uses hand lotion all the time. Within a few weeks, the finish was coming off the leather wrapped wheel and the plastic on the door trim was melting. I think it was Aveno that does it, not sure, But it will do it for sure. There is something in the lotion that will distort plastic. literally dissolve it.

...well, I've just joined this club as well.
There goes $80. BMW did not even want to discount this part that should have not failed. Next car: Audi.

Have fun with that POS Audi boredom galore.

Same on steering wheel buttons and it looks fine IMHO or replace it. Mine went 90k mi.

what are you talking about? that pos audi breaks too, just shit don't fall apart like it does on the bmw. lol

I loved my A3 but it was just as prone to failure and "falling apart" as any other car.

Could be worse.

My mother-in-laws 6 month old 2014 Q50 has a dash/console that has started melting in the TX sun. The black materal comes off when touched and it appears SUPER shiny.

TV news has reported the issue with new Nissan, Toyota, Lexus, Infiniti and Mazda vehicles.

Hello Fellas!

I wanted to know if anyone has a detailed DIY for replacing the handle. Mine melted and well it looks like crap. I just bought one at the dealer for $41.51...

Now just need a DIY and I am all set. Would really appreciate a DIY.

New part #51-41-6-969-402 Black

Thanks,

On my e53 it was remove door panel, remove 2 nuts holding on handle, reverse.

Ok, so how do I remove the door panel?

Actually, no need to touch the door panel... Found this youtube video and I think it shows how to remove the handle. Check the video out, at 3.20

Part 1/2: X5/X6 (E70/E71) 2007+ - BAVSOUND "Stage I" Speaker Upgrade Install - YouTube

Hello Everyone,

Just replaced the passenger door handle soft touch, literally took 10 min, 3 screws and the new part. Now I will play the waiting game until it melts again.

My bet, 4 years.

I have the same problem, just purchased an X5 4.8i Alpine white, 2008

At least we know its an easy fix and a $40 part! When it comes to my car I'm meticulous about things like this.

Just my $0.02. I have the same problem on my passenger side door handle. I am going to go with the brake fluid/cleaner theory. Evidence; while looking at a different vehicle on another lot, I got some "oil" on my hands which I thought was armour all or something. After a while, for some unknown reason my sunglass ear pieces literaly started melting (2 years old at the time). Didn,t pay much attention at the time, I just wrote them off. Fast forward to last week, I had my X5 detailed, and my wife noticed the passanger side door handle was "gooey". I have not been able to find anything to deactivate the melt process, so it looks like a new door handle will be on order. BTW great site. :)

A little late chiming in here but I have the same problem on ALL my passenger grab handles. The odd thing is that on all vehicles on the market that use this soft touch plastic to elevate the aesthetics (that's every single premium brand I'm aware of) not one has been able to come up with a chemical formula that can withstand years of sweat and/or hand lotion etc. Perhaps I'm being a little hard on the R&D guys the world over but c'mon it's a handle for Pete sakes! People are bound to touch it from time to time. Granted it's amazing stuff but the hell with it...epic fail! Enough already, just cover the bloody things in dark leather or leave them bare. I've cleaned mine off and that's how they shall remain forevermore. They still look the same - black, and now they don't leave unsuspecting passengers wiping permanent black treacle like goo all over their clothing and my car seats.
Okay, rant over...

Decided to peel the handle , this is easier than swapping the part . And looks almost the same http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...fb047fd8f4.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...938f5378dc.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...76cdea2c96.jpg

Will post more pics when done


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Did you just say: "back in the day, when things worked...". :bustingup

Hi. I like to know how you replaced the handle? My E70 (2008 MY) is doing it on the front passenger door and the goo is very annoying.

Looking at the YouTube video and REALOEM, it seems like if you remove the trim cover using a trim removal tool, then you have access to the 2 screws that help hold the interior door panel to the door. I presume you take these 2 screws off and the handle comes off?

I've read that people were quoted $1000+ to replace the entire door panel by the dealer. It didn't quite make sense since there are BMW P/N's for the handle (and the trim), so why would BMW assign a P/N to it if it can't be replaced.

Here you go, right around 2:30 mark: http://youtu.be/Sq6kzfzrsEE. I did that last summer on my 2009. Seems like the norm here around Houston.

Hi, I remember when I posted this problem a year ago about my passenger door handle and rear driver's side handle. Took them both off, quite easy, then scrapped of the gooey cheap plastic coating, cleaned & polished them and hey presto, no one would know the difference, in fact I will do the rear passenger door handle then no more worries. Don't know why BMW put the stuff on in the first place.

I agree with Huza. Sure the soft touch adds to the premium feel but it seems the stuff doesn't last much beyond the term of a standard motor plan. One of those things I guess.
I too, simply removed the coating with a little care and time. Even promised myself I'd experiment with Plasti-dip but never got that far.

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I realize this was a 2014 post, but does the handle come off when those two screws are removed, or does the door panel need to come off too? I'm much more inclined to swap a couple of these if the door panel can stay. I know it's not hard but the panels and clips are somewhat delicate.

Removal of Door Handles
 

:thumbup:Hi, the door handles come without the door panel, 10 to 15 minute job. If you decide to scrape the gooey plastic off and polish, just take a little care. I wish I had my Gopro when I did mine then I could have posted the video. Good luck.

watch this youtube video starting at 2:35



you don't need to remove door panel.

Yeah I see people keep saying that (and I've watched it) but it doesn't show the part in question being removed. He pried the leather part off, takes the screws out, and moves on. The melty piece is still on the door, might come right off though. I'll just give it a try.

I had the same problem on all the handles. I peeled one and it took a long time, the part that got more sun was easy but the ends took a while. I would say just replace them. Get a trim removal tool and pry the front leather piece from the inner part (its held in by clips) and then there are two screws that hold that inner handle piece.

Just try it, it'll become obvious. You can do it.

Thanks to all who had responded about the door handle. I just wanted to add some additional notes for people who may need to do this in the future.

The video to get the door panel off is very helpful and you do not need to remove the door panel in order to replace the handle. What you will need is a T20 and a T9 screwdriver to get the handle off.

Door Handle
 

I had the same problem with mine. All I did was remove the handle, used a heat gun and plastic scraper to get rid of the rubber and then cleaned with thinners, problem solved.

I replaced the rubber handle piece to the front passenger door this past Sunday - very easy and you only need to remove 3 torx screws as mentioned above. No need to remove the entire door panel. Looks much better and the part is only $48.49 at ECS Tuning.

man... I just paid $59 on ebay.

ECS has been a good/reliable source for parts and accessories over the years for me. If I can't find something on their website I call them and the customer service rep can usually find it. Prices are good and availability is very good.

(I'm not in any way affiliated with ECS Tuning other than being a satisfied customer)

Check out furiousmethod.com

Agree, very good place to find OEM replacement parts at decent prices.

sounds like shameless self promotion to me (ecs)

Just passing on my good experiences with ECS and hoping others may benefit from their good selection and service.

The way it sounded was funny.

Guess where I get my part (sometimes)? Yop, ecs. Hahaha

My front passenger side handle melting, too.:saad:

Guess I'll be shopping ECS or eBay.

I had an unexpected fix with this problem. I ordered some inexpensive adhesive vinyl that I was going to cover the effected area in. I took off the door handle, and decided to paint the 'melting' area in some glue before covering it, with the hope that I could 'seal' the melting-ness. I used some of this WELDBOND glue that I had sitting around.

I painted the glue on and spread it out evenly with a small paint brush - I'm not sure if it has any special qualities beyond PVA glue. Within an hour it had dried clear and smooth. I decided to give it another coat, and just reinstalled the handle as-is without trying to cover it. Problem fixed. No longer melting & nice and smooth to the touch.

Mine is far gone and messy enough that I am just going to replace. Can anyone tell me where to find the interior color code or name so I can order the replacement?

Answering my own question here: Found colors and other info by entering last 7 digits of VIN at Free Online BMW VIN Decoder, lookup, check - BMWVin.com

interesting. got any before an after pics?

I don't have any before pics - but here's an after - below

It wasn't too bad to begin with (others look to have chunks falling off). This one just looked a bit messy. As mentioned the glue just sealed it and stop it melting any further. It's less glossy than it came up in the photo. Because it's in an inconspicuous spot I wasn't too worried about how it looked. I haven't thought about it since.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/92otvg0m68...le-2.jpg?raw=1

Just received the new part and installed this afternoon. Decided to clean the dirt & grunge from the vinyl/leathery panel located & normally hidden just below the base of the handle part being replaced. When I did, the color surface started coming off the panel, and it seemed to be melting, too. I was only using a damp cloth. The handle hides the area well enough, so I just stopped with the cleaning. Now, I really might like to try something to arrest the process, like possibly PotsyDriver's approach. Just worried that it might be too obvious where the glue is applied, and I don't really want to coat the entire panel. Maybe I will practice on the piece I just replaced, with different compounds. I'm open to ideas on different things to try....

Just purchased a replacement for my 2008 3.0si with the Beige Interior.

For those interested the part number is 51416969404 and appears to be common to the front passenger as well as the two rears.

Also ordered from ECS Tuning for just shy of $50.

Hi, I have repaired my sticky door handles with the leather, I did not wanted to pay a mechanic to replace the handles, instead I wrapped them myself with the cover, here is the link to the video that shows how to do it.



Covers can be found here: https://www.leathersteering.com

https://www.cdnleathersteering.co.uk...-e70-e71-R.png

I got the cheap ones on ebay which are one piece instead of the black base and (in my case) beige layer - these are all beige plastic. Fit perfectly and I don't think they'll have the same issue as there's no outer layer to turn to slop.

I used this product and followed the video on my front passenger handle, works fantastic. It did take a little time and patience, but it looks like factory. I ordered the black thread.
https://www.leathersteering.com



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfKn...ndex=98&t=153s


Ordered something different for the back passengers, which I haven't installed yet, I'll report back after it's complete.

Ok, so what's melting the darn handles? It happened to me too and I gave my wife a lot grief about it. She is not allowed to touch the new handle!

It's not your wife's fault. It's the coating they used when they made it. After a few years it's starting to break down, it's especially bad for people with olive skin who tend to have a higher acid content. Ambient Heat and all the cleaning crap we're putting on our hands isn't helping.
Luckily it's a cheap and easy, but time consuming fix if you DIY.

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What is time consuming about the fix for the melting door handles? I replaced mine in perhaps 15 minutes total with parts from Amazon that won't melt again. I live in Kuwait where the interior of a car in the sun can bake cookies.