Anyone a E36 guru?

[cmartin]

I have an intermittent issue with an exterior door handle and appreciate some advice. ~50% of the time the handle wont open the door and seems like it's going to break if I pull any harder. Other times it works fine.

I cleaned and lubed the works which worked for a while, but the problem seems to be getting worse. The documentation I found says I need tool 51 2 070 to remove the handle. I talked to a friend who says he farms this job to the dealer. I'm not interested in a bill from the stealer that's half the cars value.

The electrics seem to work fine, but I cant confirm its 100%. I found some info on the operation of the control unit, but not how to test.

Long shot I know, anyone have experience with this?

Thanks for any leads

[kaefer]

Paging Rick V... Clarke too...

[arob]

...or magnetic1

[Rick V]

Sounds like you either have an issue with the security system or a micro switch in the door.
Is your car a coupe or sedan, it does make a diff

[magnetic1]

You dont need a special tool. It is basically a ring that you hit gently with a hammer to unscrew. Gently because if you miss, you will have a nice chip in your paint ;)

There are little switches and actuators. If you need, lemme know. I think I might still have them in the attic from when I took my car apart. If it ends up being the whole door latch mechanical mechanism, I have those too from my spare doors.

[markwemple]

Gotta love germans, electronics for door handles. And we want to trust them with brake by-wire, etc?

[Rick V]

Gotta love germans, electronics for door handles. And we want to trust them with brake by-wire, etc?

Sure why not?

[Trak Ratt]

Sure why not?X2, newest planes are fly by wire and they never have problems :lol: All systems have issues! Brakes used to be cable operated. Ford didn't change to hydro till the late '40s.

[cmartin]

Thanks

It's a 95 coupe. I'll try dig into it again tonight.

[markwemple]

Planes have redundency built in and the systems are heavily tested. Car systems, not so much, besides ever notice how German electrics seem to go south at about 100k.

[Trak Ratt]

... besides ever notice how German electrics seem to go south at about 100k. ~90K more than Brit Es

[markwemple]

Nah, brits are good for atleast 40k. Heck, the Rover was fine at 60k when we traded it in. But who ever buys an english car for reliability??

[Rick V]

But who ever buys an english car for reliability??
That is why God invented Germans:D

[Clarke]

Sounds like you are having a mechanical problem with the handle or latch assembly.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/s/w/2.png

I have also seen the grommets wear out (part #18)

Sounds like it's a parts car. Rick V will give you $100 for it. :D

[Rick V]

can someone lend me $100?

[Clarke]

Got a side job this weekend. If you can get it for $100, it's yours:)

[cmartin]

Thanks, good info. I dug into it a little more last night and there is a mechanical issue for sure. Alldata helps, but not one of the better write ups. Now the handle stays open/out after opened.

My biggest issue now is ordering parts vs. downtime. Of course, it's my DD and I need it everyday.

[magnetic1]

My offer for free parts is still avail ;)