[Trextodd]

Just purchased a 2006 330i a couple months ago.
I live in Oregon, so it doesn't get too cold here, just real WET!!
Have noticed lately pretty much all of my door handles on the exterior of the car, sticking in the open position.
Kind of embarassing on a BMW, eh!??

Anybody else experiencing this problem?

[daixloxbmw]

my '01 330i has been doing that for months. wd40 doesnt seem to do much good either. i always have to manually push the handle back in otherwise the door will not close properly... yeah its kinda ghetto in a $45k car.

are the e9x's doing this as well? the door handles seem to use a similar mechanism as the e46's.

[purplewidow]

the guy probably jizzed the handles before he sold it too you!!!

people jerking off everywhere now a days...was that the white bmw the guy got arrested for humping?

lol

[3er BMW]

Originally Posted by daixloxbmw

my '01 330i has been doing that for months. wd40 doesnt seem to do much good either. i always have to manually push the handle back in otherwise the door will not close properly... yeah its kinda ghetto in a $45k car.

are the e9x's doing this as well? the door handles seem to use a similar mechanism as the e46's.

SI B 51 14 06
Body Equipment September 2007
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. 51 14 06 dated August 2006.
designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Outside Door Handles Hanging up in the Pulled Position
MODEL
E90, E91, E92, E93 (3 Series) produced up to 05/07
E70 (X5) produced up to 05/07
SITUATION
After pulling up the outside door handle(s) (1) and then releasing, the handle may remain in the pulled position.


CAUSE
The outside door handle was not manufactured within tolerance specifications.
PROCEDURE
On a customer complaint basis, replace the appropriate door handles as noted below.
For vehicles with Comfort Access (Option 322):
• Replace only the affected door handle[s].
For vehicles without Comfort Access (Option 322):
• Replace all 4 outside door handles
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description Quantity
51 21 7 162 445 Left Door Handle - primed, Front or Rear (without Comfort Access) All Models As Required
51 21 7 162 446 Right Door Handle - primed, Front or Rear (without Comfort Access) All Models As Required
51 21 7 207 542 Front Right door handle with Comfort Access – E70, E90, E91, E92 As Required
51 21 7 207 543 Front Left door handle with Comfort Access – E70, E90, E91, E92 As Required
51 21 7 207 548 Left door handle with Comfort Access – E93 As Required
51 21 7 207 549 Right door handle with Comfort Access – E93 As Required
NOTE: For cost reasons, door handles without Comfort Access are only available primed and require painting. However, door handles with Comfort Access are only available as coded, pre-painted parts, to ensure correct Comfort Access function.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Warranty claims must be submitted under the unique defect code shown below.
Defect Code 51 21 90 40 00

Labor Operation:
51 21 170 Main Work: Replace 1 front door handle

Labor Allowance:
5 FRUs

Labor Operation:
+51 21 770 Associated Work: Replace 1 front door handle

Labor Allowance:
4 FRUs

Labor Operation:
51 22 170 Main Work: Replace 1 rear door handle

Labor Allowance:
5 FRUs

Labor Operation:
+51 22 670 Associated Work: Replace 1 rear door handle

Labor Allowance:
3 FRUs

Labor Operation: 00 56 142 Main Work: Replace all 4 door handles

Labor Allowance: 14 FRUs

Labor Operation: +00 56 808 Associated Work: Replace all 4 door handles

Labor Allowance: 12 FRUs
Note:
Painting of parts mentioned above may be claimed under the same defect code and charged to Sublet Code: 3.
When performing the above noted paint work under this bulletin only, market team approval in not required.
[ Copyright © 2007 BMW of North America, LLC ]

[fizzle]

hmm i might have to show my SA that....but its been fine ever since he sprayed some heavy duty silicone in the cracks. i suggest doing the same. its not BMWs fault, more of the design fault of the door handle.

[LEDZEP]

Pretty common issue. Mine cleared up on its own, but the dealer can fix it for you.

[epiphone3]

Just buy a bit of white lithium grease and pull the handle back a lubricate the mechanism with the grease. Pull the handle back and forth a couple times to spread the grease and presto! No more sticky handles.

I did this a while ago and the problem went away and never came back. No need to go to the dealer for this!

[FreestyleJippin]

What's going on BMW? The left rear door handle on my brand new E90 (interior) got stuck in the open position and wouldn't even open the door. They fixed it free of charge, but it's not a good sign when something is already messed up so early on!

[ex-poster]

Originally Posted by fizzle

its not BMWs fault, more of the design fault of the door handle.

Exactly how is the design of the door handle NOT BMW's fault?

You didn't buy a bunch of OEM parts driving in formation, you bought a BMW and BMW is definitely on the hook for both the design, fitment and reliability of all the pieces that make up the car.

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

OMG I Had the worst problem with this! Fortunately for me, my lease was up about a month after it started.

[Jaws]

Originally Posted by xPaulBaiLeyx

OMG I Had the worst problem with this! Fortunately for me, my lease was up about a month after it started.

Why didn't you take it to the dealer? It's a known issue and BMW fixes it.

[itsbrokeagain]

Originally Posted by 3er BMW

SI B 51 14 06
Body Equipment September 2007
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. 51 14 06 dated August 2006.
designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Outside Door Handles Hanging up in the Pulled Position
MODEL
E90, E91, E92, E93 (3 Series) produced up to 05/07
E70 (X5) produced up to 05/07
SITUATION
After pulling up the outside door handle(s) (1) and then releasing, the handle may remain in the pulled position.


CAUSE
The outside door handle was not manufactured within tolerance specifications.
PROCEDURE
On a customer complaint basis, replace the appropriate door handles as noted below.
For vehicles with Comfort Access (Option 322):
• Replace only the affected door handle[s].
For vehicles without Comfort Access (Option 322):
• Replace all 4 outside door handles
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description Quantity
51 21 7 162 445 Left Door Handle - primed, Front or Rear (without Comfort Access) All Models As Required
51 21 7 162 446 Right Door Handle - primed, Front or Rear (without Comfort Access) All Models As Required
51 21 7 207 542 Front Right door handle with Comfort Access – E70, E90, E91, E92 As Required
51 21 7 207 543 Front Left door handle with Comfort Access – E70, E90, E91, E92 As Required
51 21 7 207 548 Left door handle with Comfort Access – E93 As Required
51 21 7 207 549 Right door handle with Comfort Access – E93 As Required
NOTE: For cost reasons, door handles without Comfort Access are only available primed and require painting. However, door handles with Comfort Access are only available as coded, pre-painted parts, to ensure correct Comfort Access function.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Warranty claims must be submitted under the unique defect code shown below.
Defect Code 51 21 90 40 00

Labor Operation:
51 21 170 Main Work: Replace 1 front door handle

Labor Allowance:
5 FRUs

Labor Operation:
+51 21 770 Associated Work: Replace 1 front door handle

Labor Allowance:
4 FRUs

Labor Operation:
51 22 170 Main Work: Replace 1 rear door handle

Labor Allowance:
5 FRUs

Labor Operation:
+51 22 670 Associated Work: Replace 1 rear door handle

Labor Allowance:
3 FRUs

Labor Operation: 00 56 142 Main Work: Replace all 4 door handles

Labor Allowance: 14 FRUs

Labor Operation: +00 56 808 Associated Work: Replace all 4 door handles

Labor Allowance: 12 FRUs
Note:
Painting of parts mentioned above may be claimed under the same defect code and charged to Sublet Code: 3.
When performing the above noted paint work under this bulletin only, market team approval in not required.
[ Copyright © 2007 BMW of North America, LLC ]

Correct. I used to work at a dealership so I can confirm this one. I have replaced many a door handle on an E90...its actually slightly different than an E46, and the handle just pops out in no time flat. The replacement piece has the tab remolded slightly different over the stock handle, as there was some plastic molding remains that were getting the door handles stuck. Do allow for sometime for the dealership to get them in stock for you and painted.


Doing CA door handles was a REAL PITA. We had one that even the Field Engineer was having a real problem getting the door handle to complete the circuit field for the CA to work properly.

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

I always wanted to but didn't have any idea it was a common problem. . . I guess i figured i would wait it out knowning my lease was almost up. Plus would've felt kind of like a complainer going to a SA saying, "My door handle doesn't always close right away."
i dunno. But if it ever happens again i definitely will. I hated closing my door and having it pop back open!

[BK]

My left rear door handle is a little sticky. I notice it more in the cold -- today was one of those days. I plan to get it looked at/replaced when I do my first maintenance service in a couple hundred miles. That one seems to be the only one that sticks. Thankfully, it's not one of the CA (front) handles.

[AlB]

Originally Posted by fizzle

hmm i might have to show my SA that....but its been fine ever since he sprayed some heavy duty silicone in the cracks. i suggest doing the same. its not BMWs fault, more of the design fault of the door handle.

And who designed the handle? BMW, so yes it is their fault

[Ty Vil]

Originally Posted by Trextodd

Just purchased a 2006 330i a couple months ago.
I live in Oregon, so it doesn't get too cold here, just real WET!!
Have noticed lately pretty much all of my door handles on the exterior of the car, sticking in the open position.
Kind of embarassing on a BMW, eh!??

Anybody else experiencing this problem?

Are you in PDX? If so we'll be happy to get this taken care of for you!

[yeung330xi]

this is happening on my 2006 330xi as well. I took my car in on dec. 19th to fix the airbag light and passenger seat senor and the door handles, however as of jan 3rd they still haven't installed my door handles. They said its taking longer because it has to be painted and what not but i doubt I will get a call to make an appointment for friday. This is too bad because I am going back to university on saturday.

[spacedogg]

I don't have Comfort Access on my 2006 325i. Had all door handles replaced by the dealer about 6 months ago. Driver's side door is sticking out again. So going to take it back to the dealer to see what they say.

After warranty, I suppose I'll just use the lithium grease as suggested above.

[nusevad]

Originally Posted by purplewidow

the guy probably jizzed the handles before he sold it too you!!!

people jerking off everywhere now a days...was that the white bmw the guy got arrested for humping?

lol

[IDreamofBimmers]

i live in the seattle area, and i'm getting the same issue...

[Chromander]

Had my car for less than a day. Noticed that I would have to close the drivers door multiple times before it would properly close. After several closing attempts, I noticed the outside handle was in the open position. Brought it to the dealer, dealer order parts and took about a week for a 3rd party to paint the new handles. Took close to 2hrs for the install and haven't experienced the issue since.

[hj058]

i have the same problem...and the dealer told me they have ordered new handles for me...i think this problem is kind of common since i have few friends with same problem already
however...i havnt hear back from them for a while now....