question about door handle replacement

chknlytle · 04-23-2018, 03:34 AM

I came across this ad on Ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/162884483075?ul_noapp=true

and was surprised to find there's such a part thats separate from buying a whole for panel. My driver's side inside door pull is melted and sticky and my research has found that that specific part is not replaceable. There's also no part number on Realoem for just that part.

I contacted the seller for instructions on how to replace it and the response I was given was that instructions are given after I make the order.

Has anyone ever replaced just that part, or found a way to resolve a melted and sticky door pull?

Cheers

doru · 04-26-2018, 10:24 AM

Looking at the pics from the e-bay link you provided, it doesn't look like it's a too bad of a job. The door handle seems to fit through the integrated clips on the door handle.
There might be an air bag in the door, so before proceeding, it would be wise to take off the negative connector of the battery.
What I believe you will have to do is pull out the door card - shouldn't be too bad, but you need to be careful - you need the plastic dash prying tools, and start prying out the door card. You will have to start at one of the lower corners of the door and work your way up. The door card has plastic pins that will come off and are re-usable if careful enough. You can get a few replacement from ECS Tuning or other places, just to be sure. Also, you will need to pull out wires that go to the speakers, door handle, puddle light etc - I am not sure which ones, I did remove door cards on my ex e39, ex e53, on my e92 and e83. The f25 I didn't have to touch it yet, but so far all the BMW models are very similar with minor differences.
Once the door card is out, you will have inside visual - and there you have to pry off those tabs from the old/sticky door handle. Probably, again, care has to be taken into account so as not to damage the locking spots of the tabs. You can use one or 2 old credit cards or similar, to slide underneath the tabs and once all tabs are unlocked, it seems an easy pull out. Once out, throw a little silicon grease dab on the locking tabs of the new door handle and slide it in the place of the old one.

WagonR · 04-26-2018, 09:40 PM

This part is very easy to take in and out. You just pull it up and it comes out of the door card. You may have to pull the back part away from the door a little bit so that the clips will clear, but the whole thing is rubber, so you have a fair amount of flexibility. You don't have to take the door card out to replace it; in fact, you have to take this part out to access a screw to remove the door card. Super easy to replace.

Opie55 · 04-27-2018, 07:38 AM

^ I'm not sure that is correct. The part you have to remove to remove the door card is the flat back side of the door pull, not the part you grab to pull. Nor is the whole part flexible rubber. It is typical interior plastic that just has a rubberized coating on it. OP, if you need me to walk you through removing the door card, I can do that. But there are Youtube videos and other online DIYs as well. Unlike many cars, BMW door cards to not lift up. They pull straight out, even at the top. Also know there is a screw behind the tweeter cover, and one or two at the bottom center. Getting the door card off the door is really quite simple - the hardest part by far is disconnecting all the wires while you awkwardly hold the door card.

chknlytle · 04-28-2018, 02:37 AM

I agree. From what I've found online looks like only the flat back side can be removed. I'm wondering if the only way to install the one from eBay is to remove the door card, cut out the handle pull, and drill/screw in the new one.

My problem is that the inside of my handle is sticky. I've tried goo gone, rubbing alcohol, wd40 lol, and none of it has worked. Has any of you experienced this too and what did you guys do to fix it? Aside from getting this new non gem handle, I'm thinking of spreading JB plastic weld (because I have a lot left over) evenly in the door handle to become its new surface or just putting packing tape inside to become its new surface.

Opie55 · 04-28-2018, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chknlytle

I agree. From what I've found online looks like only the flat back side can be removed. I'm wondering if the only way to install the one from eBay is to remove the door card, cut out the handle pull, and drill/screw in the new one.

My problem is that the inside of my handle is sticky. I've tried goo gone, rubbing alcohol, wd40 lol, and none of it has worked. Has any of you experienced this too and what did you guys do to fix it? Aside from getting this new non gem handle, I'm thinking of spreading JB plastic weld (because I have a lot left over) evenly in the door handle to become its new surface or just putting packing tape inside to become its new surface.

Both of those ideas sound pretty bad. I just had my rear door card off the other day and wish I had looked how the armrest is attached. If it screws on, then this job would be easy. If it is held on by melted plastic posts, then not so much. Look at any door card for sale on ebay that has photos of the back side.

Opie55 · 04-28-2018, 08:43 AM

I just looked. The armrest is permanently attached. However, there looks to be access from the backside to the clips that hold the pull in. For the 5 minutes it takes to pull a door card, I would pull it for sure and investigate. I think you can release those tabs and push the old one up and out.

WagonR · 04-29-2018, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Opie55

^ I'm not sure that is correct. The part you have to remove to remove the door card is the flat back side of the door pull, not the part you grab to pull. Nor is the whole part flexible rubber. It is typical interior plastic that just has a rubberized coating on it. OP, if you need me to walk you through removing the door card, I can do that. But there are Youtube videos and other online DIYs as well. Unlike many cars, BMW door cards to not lift up. They pull straight out, even at the top. Also know there is a screw behind the tweeter cover, and one or two at the bottom center. Getting the door card off the door is really quite simple - the hardest part by far is disconnecting all the wires while you awkwardly hold the door card.

You're 100% correct. Not sure how I got that back panel confused with the pull itself; I've only pulled that same door panel off the car 3 times. Looking again at the picture in the OP's link, you'd have to get access to the back of the door card to unclip that part.

WagonR · 04-29-2018, 09:42 PM

Also, I looked a little more. I'm confused by the part the OP linked. The picture of what's shown looks a little bit like a complete replacement part for that pocket/handle. However, the part number they list is 51-41-7-250-306, which based on the parts catalog looks like it's the removable rubber back part that I originally discussed:

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...bC1sNi1nYXM%3D

It also lists that part number as Beige. My guess is that you'd have to cut/drill out the old one and then attached the part on eBay, which i'm guessing is some sort of aftermarket solution?

For an OEM solution, they do sell the full armrest:

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...bC1sNi1nYXM%3D

Looking at the pictures online, as Opie55 mentioned, you'd have to cut/drill out the plastic welds on the old armrest and attach the new one. I've actually replaced plastic welded parts before, and while not the easiest thing, it's pretty doable.

If you wanted to try to fix the part you have, I don't think you're going to find a chemical solution to fix it. I think some of the soft-touch coatings just go bad over time. If it's just on the inside where you pull, and not overly visible, then you could try sanding to remove the soft-touch coating and get to the plastic. I'd just tape over the horizontal part that you can see, and then use sandpaper to clean up the vertical part that you grab.

chknlytle · 04-30-2018, 02:42 AM

I just received instructions from the seller on eBay for this part. It's an aftermarket one. To install it, you need to slide and remove the flat back piece up and simply slide in the new one from eBay. The cubby of new one looks significantly slimmer than the original which I guess is ok since it's just your fingers that go in there to close the door, but sometimes I place my phone or coins in there and I just don't think this new one will work for me.

Another solution I came across was to use a utility knife to cut away the old rubber, and use goo gone to remove the residue. I think I'll give this one a try before I buy a whole new door card. Half of the rubber is gone anyway so that just leaves half to remove lol.

Iowa X3 · 07-01-2018, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chknlytle

I just received instructions from the seller on eBay for this part. It's an aftermarket one. To install it, you need to slide and remove the flat back piece up and simply slide in the new one from eBay. The cubby of new one looks significantly slimmer than the original which I guess is ok since it's just your fingers that go in there to close the door, but sometimes I place my phone or coins in there and I just don't think this new one will work for me.

Another solution I came across was to use a utility knife to cut away the old rubber, and use goo gone to remove the residue. I think I'll give this one a try before I buy a whole new door card. Half of the rubber is gone anyway so that just leaves half to remove lol.

Mine started breaking apart this weekend also. Thinking about trying your solution also - cutting the rubber part out and cleaning up the residue.

Anyone else have other good solutions outside of removing the entire interior door panel to get this thing loose?

x3 SUP · 01-19-2019, 04:20 PM

I cut away the peeling rubber with a razor and used Goo Gone to get rid of the tackyness. Pliers were also helpful. Sanded and used Goo Gone a second time and no more peeling or stickyness.

04-23-2018, 03:34 AM	#1
chknlytle Private 17 Rep 64 Posts Drives: X3 35i M Sport Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Oahu iTrader: (0)	question about door handle replacement I came across this ad on Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/162884483075?ul_noapp=true and was surprised to find there's such a part thats separate from buying a whole for panel. My driver's side inside door pull is melted and sticky and my research has found that that specific part is not replaceable. There's also no part number on Realoem for just that part. I contacted the seller for instructions on how to replace it and the response I was given was that instructions are given after I make the order. Has anyone ever replaced just that part, or found a way to resolve a melted and sticky door pull? Cheers
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04-26-2018, 10:24 AM	#2
doru Lieutenant 126 Rep 482 Posts Drives: e92, f25, e46, e83 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	Looking at the pics from the e-bay link you provided, it doesn't look like it's a too bad of a job. The door handle seems to fit through the integrated clips on the door handle. There might be an air bag in the door, so before proceeding, it would be wise to take off the negative connector of the battery. What I believe you will have to do is pull out the door card - shouldn't be too bad, but you need to be careful - you need the plastic dash prying tools, and start prying out the door card. You will have to start at one of the lower corners of the door and work your way up. The door card has plastic pins that will come off and are re-usable if careful enough. You can get a few replacement from ECS Tuning or other places, just to be sure. Also, you will need to pull out wires that go to the speakers, door handle, puddle light etc - I am not sure which ones, I did remove door cards on my ex e39, ex e53, on my e92 and e83. The f25 I didn't have to touch it yet, but so far all the BMW models are very similar with minor differences. Once the door card is out, you will have inside visual - and there you have to pry off those tabs from the old/sticky door handle. Probably, again, care has to be taken into account so as not to damage the locking spots of the tabs. You can use one or 2 old credit cards or similar, to slide underneath the tabs and once all tabs are unlocked, it seems an easy pull out. Once out, throw a little silicon grease dab on the locking tabs of the new door handle and slide it in the place of the old one. __________________ Stable: e92is f25 N52 e83 N52 e46ci M54B25 (e53 N62 - sold, R.I.P. e39 M54B30)
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04-26-2018, 09:40 PM	#3
WagonR First Lieutenant 293 Rep 360 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (9)	This part is very easy to take in and out. You just pull it up and it comes out of the door card. You may have to pull the back part away from the door a little bit so that the clips will clear, but the whole thing is rubber, so you have a fair amount of flexibility. You don't have to take the door card out to replace it; in fact, you have to take this part out to access a screw to remove the door card. Super easy to replace. __________________ Current: 2017 F87 M2 6MT 2013 F25 X3 3.5i 2008 E90 M3 6MT
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04-27-2018, 07:38 AM	#4
Opie55 Colonel 1192 Rep 2,904 Posts Drives: '15 650i Convertible Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: US iTrader: (0)	^ I'm not sure that is correct. The part you have to remove to remove the door card is the flat back side of the door pull, not the part you grab to pull. Nor is the whole part flexible rubber. It is typical interior plastic that just has a rubberized coating on it. OP, if you need me to walk you through removing the door card, I can do that. But there are Youtube videos and other online DIYs as well. Unlike many cars, BMW door cards to not lift up. They pull straight out, even at the top. Also know there is a screw behind the tweeter cover, and one or two at the bottom center. Getting the door card off the door is really quite simple - the hardest part by far is disconnecting all the wires while you awkwardly hold the door card.
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04-28-2018, 02:37 AM	#5
chknlytle Private 17 Rep 64 Posts Drives: X3 35i M Sport Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Oahu iTrader: (0)	I agree. From what I've found online looks like only the flat back side can be removed. I'm wondering if the only way to install the one from eBay is to remove the door card, cut out the handle pull, and drill/screw in the new one. My problem is that the inside of my handle is sticky. I've tried goo gone, rubbing alcohol, wd40 lol, and none of it has worked. Has any of you experienced this too and what did you guys do to fix it? Aside from getting this new non gem handle, I'm thinking of spreading JB plastic weld (because I have a lot left over) evenly in the door handle to become its new surface or just putting packing tape inside to become its new surface.
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04-28-2018, 08:43 AM	#7
Opie55 Colonel 1192 Rep 2,904 Posts Drives: '15 650i Convertible Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: US iTrader: (0)	I just looked. The armrest is permanently attached. However, there looks to be access from the backside to the clips that hold the pull in. For the 5 minutes it takes to pull a door card, I would pull it for sure and investigate. I think you can release those tabs and push the old one up and out.
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04-29-2018, 09:42 PM	#9
WagonR First Lieutenant 293 Rep 360 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (9)	Also, I looked a little more. I'm confused by the part the OP linked. The picture of what's shown looks a little bit like a complete replacement part for that pocket/handle. However, the part number they list is 51-41-7-250-306, which based on the parts catalog looks like it's the removable rubber back part that I originally discussed: https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...bC1sNi1nYXM%3D It also lists that part number as Beige. My guess is that you'd have to cut/drill out the old one and then attached the part on eBay, which i'm guessing is some sort of aftermarket solution? For an OEM solution, they do sell the full armrest: https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...bC1sNi1nYXM%3D Looking at the pictures online, as Opie55 mentioned, you'd have to cut/drill out the plastic welds on the old armrest and attach the new one. I've actually replaced plastic welded parts before, and while not the easiest thing, it's pretty doable. If you wanted to try to fix the part you have, I don't think you're going to find a chemical solution to fix it. I think some of the soft-touch coatings just go bad over time. If it's just on the inside where you pull, and not overly visible, then you could try sanding to remove the soft-touch coating and get to the plastic. I'd just tape over the horizontal part that you can see, and then use sandpaper to clean up the vertical part that you grab. __________________ Current: 2017 F87 M2 6MT 2013 F25 X3 3.5i 2008 E90 M3 6MT
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04-30-2018, 02:42 AM	#10
chknlytle Private 17 Rep 64 Posts Drives: X3 35i M Sport Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Oahu iTrader: (0)	I just received instructions from the seller on eBay for this part. It's an aftermarket one. To install it, you need to slide and remove the flat back piece up and simply slide in the new one from eBay. The cubby of new one looks significantly slimmer than the original which I guess is ok since it's just your fingers that go in there to close the door, but sometimes I place my phone or coins in there and I just don't think this new one will work for me. Another solution I came across was to use a utility knife to cut away the old rubber, and use goo gone to remove the residue. I think I'll give this one a try before I buy a whole new door card. Half of the rubber is gone anyway so that just leaves half to remove lol.
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01-19-2019, 04:20 PM	#12
x3 SUP Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2013 x3 Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: NSB FL iTrader: (0)	Easy Cheap Fix I cut away the peeling rubber with a razor and used Goo Gone to get rid of the tackyness. Pliers were also helpful. Sanded and used Goo Gone a second time and no more peeling or stickyness.
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