[GnomeChild]

This is a situation that has plagued many a e9x owner and will continue doing until the heatdeath of the universe. I recently used an OEM handle that I cut out of a busted door panel and had to use the JB Weld method to install a the plundered handle on my passenger door. It held up fine for a time but being a used handle it has already starting to show signs of stickiness again after only a measly 2 years (as well as the driver's rear)

Under NO circumstances should you try to mask the stickiness by wrapping the handle as other members have suggested. The door pull has an anchor screw for the door panel at the top underneath the handle cover that will make it impossible to remove the door unless you cut the cover off, effectively rendering your snazzy solution invalid and useless


So... the only solution is hope that the aftermarket has delivered... and maybe it has?
Has anyone used something like this?

Main selling point seems that the inner handles get rid of the melted plastic/JB Weld mount and go with the tried and true method of using actual fucking hardware (screws). BMW take notes (and stop cutting corners)! This will make replacement and installation a breeze as no more having to use a power drill + drillbit and JB Weld.

Buying OEM handles seems like a bandaid solution as they will just get sticky again over time and you have to melt-fuse rivet/JB Weld them in place. At least if these Chinese handles get sticky or go, they are $40 to replace wholesale instead of $40 per handle and have the convenience of screws/hardware. The only thing that leaves me hesitant is the quality of the inner handles and how well they match up with the OEM rubberized coating or the match/fit of the outer cover but I figured I only need the interior handles and I can just reuse my old covers OEM.

Has anyone used these aftermarket handles? How do they compare to OEM handles? Sellers on eBay seem to all be using the same stock photos which leads me to think maybe they are all coming from the same Chinese factory and it doesn't necessarily matter which seller I get them from. I am prepared for discussion with my flamesuit ready as we all know how eBay parts are but I was just wondering if these are any good?

[Raghza]

When I had an E91 with this problem, I ordered this one and it was perfect, absolutely no difference to the original.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3288...5ab718020lslwv

I got the black one, so I can't tell if other colors are as good, but if needed you can check the reviews there for some pictures of different colors.

[GnomeChild]

Well... I guess that solves it
Just placed my order for 3 handles and the driver's door pull. $50 and pretty non-committal but with big rewards. I have Black interior so I expect it to be a pretty good match then. The handles will be fine/easy enough but I am not as confident for the driver's door pull. I have a month to wait on shipping from China to watch enough YouTube videos to build my confidence till then however

Did you end up reusing your OEM covers or were the supplies outers a good enough fit/match? I am always wary about using aftermarket solutions and seldom break my rule of "OEM or death" but I have come to terms with the fact that in some cases, aftermarket is just better

[Raghza]

I used both new parts of the handle, since my OEM cover was nasty as well.

However I think that getting a brand new OEM will work too, as it will need a fair amount of wear and tear to get sticky and ugly again. For me getting the chinese replicas just came down to the cost.

[GnomeChild]

An OEM handle will work too, but is a hassle to install and assumes that you will be melting the plastic "spike" to create a rivet to secure it in place. (I have had bad luck with plastic and heat in the past so I would rather avoid the situation ) Going aftermarket was mainly for upgrading to superior hardware; the price was only a secondary consideration. My OEM covers are fine, so I will see how gladly the aftermarket handle will accept them; if I have fitment issues, I will go with the aftermarket covers too... reluctantly

[nthnthnthnth]

Originally Posted by Raghza

When I had an E91 with this problem, I ordered this one and it was perfect, absolutely no difference to the original.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3288...5ab718020lslwv

I got the black one, so I can't tell if other colors are as good, but if needed you can check the reviews there for some pictures of different colors.

I also got a black one to replace a very sticky/melted handle, and visibly there is no difference on the front part. The back part does feel cheaper (like harder plastic) than the other OEM handles that didn't melt. But it was worth swapping out. The replacement is a pain for the back part since you have to take off the door trim but very much doable.

[StradaRedlands]

I bought cheap aftermarket from Amazon... I don't remember the install process, but it was no big deal: https://www.amazon.com/Jaronx-Handle.../dp/B08M5GVXVD

Here's the one for the F10 I had to do as well. It was a bit more of a hassle as are all things five series, but it was fine as well: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rch_asin_title

[whyzee125]

I used the ebay one and it worked great. Painted it with SEM color coat to get it a little closer to the factory soft touch finish and it held up great.

[GnomeChild]

Originally Posted by nthnthnthnth

It does feel cheaper (like harder plastic) than the other OEM handles that didn't melt. But it was worth swapping out.

Originally Posted by whyzee125

I used the ebay one and it worked great. Painted it with SEM color coat to get it a little closer to the factory soft touch finish and it held up great.

Hmmm

If the plastic feels "beefier" and I'm replacing all doors + driver's pull I may not bother trying to match the OEM finish exactly if it's slightly off. Having all handles/pull replaced, you'd probably none the wiser and happier grabbing the handle and not getting sticky black gunk all over your hand. Almost perfect would be an acceptable outcome to replace the OEM design granted the color match is on par.

Shipping from AliExpress just updated. Should arrive by April 2nd, but hoping they arrive sooner than that

[Torgus]

Happened in both of my E70s. Bought a kit on amazon and fixed it. Both started on the passenger side front interestingly enough. The rears were not horrible but the kit came with all of them so I put them all on.

I don't think anyone would know unless you told them that they are not OEM.

[GnomeChild]

Originally Posted by Torgus

Happened in both of my E70s. Bought a kit on amazon and fixed it. Both started on the passenger side front interestingly enough.

Mine started in the Passenger front too and as stated before; has already been replaced but is once again showing signs of degrading. My rears are mostly fine but are juuuuust starting to show signs of degrading. It may be just a consequence of them baking in the sun less than the front handle but either way I'm just going to replace them all and be done with it

[lnxguy]

$20 handle off Amazon works fine, 15 min install using the screws provided.