attempted break in? wtf? nope its just the crappy window clips again

[we350z]

ok so i parked my x5 at a bar tonight, with my drivers side window rolled down since it won't roll back up and i haven't had a chance to fix it yet. So I come back to the car and the driver door handle is all bent out, like someone tried to force it open or something. Also the liftgate open error came up when i started the car. Is it possible I did this to the handle without noticing it when i opened the door or did someone just pull on it real hard. It still works but it ain't right. I can't believe this shit, now i have to fix yet another thing on the car. I don't think it will ever end.

So how can i fix this? I tried bending it back down and it worked a little but it still is not flush. I'll post some pics tomorrow when I'm not so friggin' angry.

I doubt the door handles just do this on their own, though I would not be surprised lol.

[UCrewX5]

Why would they try to force the door open if the window was down?

[we350z]

That's my point exactly. Maybe they set the alarm off by sticking their hand in the window and then tried to enter by pulling on the outside door handle, I have no idea. I wish one time I could just catch the asshole in the act. Here is a crappy phone picture that i took this morning:

[Zulu95]

New door handle costs around $22 then you have to paint it. As you'll have to take out the door panel think about window regulator (At least check it!) and door lock actuator.

[we350z]

yea, at least I already need to get in there. I will never understand why people have to screw with other peoples cars. Painting it should not be that bad, i have an air compressor with a paint can - but I might just have a body shop do it for me so it matches better. Would be nice if they came painted. Does the lock assembly and stuff transfer out to the new handle or would i just be replacing the actual moving handle piece itself? What about the metal pieces that are bent (which actually pull the lever assembly that unlatches the door)? So it sounds like this should swap right out and be flush and even like it used to be. How hard is the actual removal of the assembly? I will def check the regulator (and prob replace since i'm almost positive it is kaput), and check the lock actuator even though it appears to be working just fine.

Appreciate your help on this one!

[Zulu95]

$22 for the actual handle part only. Simple enough from what I was told. Retainer bolt? one end and then turn the handle to pull it out. When you see the new one you'll get the idea.
If the metal around the lock is bent you might want to consider ordering the UK model passenger side cover which qwould cover the key hole and leave you with remote unlock/lock only. Do a search as somebody did a write up with parts number last year if I remember correctly. Once you get inside the door you may be able to restore everything else. For the cost I would go ahead and change out the actuator for all they cost. Pain to have to pull it all out again in 2 weeks. Stupid things can go with no warning! another cheapo part from BMW. Ford and Chevvy can make those things las the life of the car so no excuses from BMW will cut it!

[we350z]

OK I am still a little confused, the actual plastic handle is intact, its just bent upward so it is no longer flush with the piece where the lock is. The metal around the lock (keyhole) itself is fine as well. Should I try taking the handle off and perhaps attempt to bend it back? Will replacing the handle make it flush again or not? Or will i still have bent metal that the new handle itself attaches to?

[Zulu95]

You'll need to tear the door apart to remove the handle. It might be the metal carrier the handle attaches to that bent but it's hard to see until the actual removal has taken place.

[we350z]

so in short i don't need a new handle i need to unbend or replace whatever is bent. This sounds like a bitch. When you say "tear" the door apart, what do you mean like dissasemble the whole friggin thing (i.e. not just remove the panel?) I realize it is hard to tell, I can't beleive people do this kind of shit.

Looking at this post, seems like he had to replace the door handle carrier as well but for a different reaon (just stopped working). How difficult is this to do if I end up having to remove/replace this piece. I also hear what your are saying about the actuator, looks like everyone who has touched the carrier has had to replace the actuator.

This sucks.

[Zulu95]

Have a look at it here.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.d...45&hg=41&fg=40

Once you get the panel off then you'll see what you need. Considering what you'll save it labor it's got to be worth the attempt.