Door Handle

IDWA · #1 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 05:44 PM

Ok, so for the past couple of days I've gone to open my driver side door and pull the handle and it won't open so I have to enter through the passenger side and pull the handle extremely hard to open it. I'm going to assume it's a linkage problem or something. Has anyone been through this? The door panel is loose (long story involving someone slamming the door shut from inside, a couple of clips came out I believe...fuckers), I don't know if that could have caused the problem to eventually arise. Any suggestions or stories of experience with this would be much appreciated.

1993 E36 325is coupe by the way.

powerfreak · #2 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 01:49 AM

Thats a more or less common problem with e36 bmw...

your door handle mechanisam broke...the liver that is connected to your door lock broke, actually cracked forwards from the force of so many openings.

It allways cracks on the drivers door since its the most used one. You need to buy a new door handle mechanisam, it comes with a handle i think(i bought a used one).

M3-Zero · #3 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 09:46 AM

I had the same problem with my 95 M3. When it started, I could push in on the door while pulling the handle up and it would open, but eventually it snapped the linkage inside. I had it replaced and it cost about $1500 (apparently the linkage and the handle come with the electronics for the door lock and such).