HELP!!! Both of the door handles broke on a coupe.........

[Andryuha]

This car has been driving me nuts. First the window motor took a dump, then I figured out that the regulator was bent. Today I tried to get into my car and found that the door handle was not working. Great. So I went around to the passenger side, pulled on the handle and heard some kind of a plastic cracking sound. I guess the pass side broke too. I managed to get the car open by using a hanger. The interior handles seem to work just fine, but when I pull the exterior ones - nothing happens. What gives? And how the heel did it happen on both sides at once?

[MTrace]

Bad luck that it happened to both sides at once. its a pretty straight forward DIY, although they are a PITA. The whole outside handle needs to be replaced.

[328iJunkie]

Unlucky, The arms that are a cast part of the door handle that reach down and pop the latch basically break over the years. You need two new door handle assemblies $$$!.
Godspeed.

[Mr42O]

This might be your chance to introduce the world to the very 1st:
BMW Dukes of Hazard - Generel Lee Series

But seriously I totally feel your pain bro.....well at least half.

Right after I bought my by e36 the passenger side handle breaks.

Why are the handles so weak?

[Andryuha]

Just took a closer look. I can clearly see that the plastic (or metal?) arm that pulls on the rod is broken on both doors. Just placed an order on a new handle for the driver's side. $180.... ouch. I will get a used one for the pass side since I hardly ever have passengers.

[turbosporttsi]

I've got one that I got from Asmod3us.

The only issue with it is the outside of the lock cylinder sleeve has been ground down. Not sure why or how, but I have never used it and it has just been sitting. (My drivers side handle broke last year, so I bought replacements for both handles for when my pass side inevitably goes.)

I can grab you a pic if you're interested.

[Andryuha]

I've got one that I got from Asmod3us.

The only issue with it is the outside of the lock cylinder sleeve has been ground down. Not sure why or how, but I have never used it and it has just been sitting. (My drivers side handle broke last year, so I bought replacements for both handles for when my pass side inevitably goes.)

I can grab you a pic if you're interested.

I actually already sourced one from the local junk yard. I'm going to swap the lock cylinders too.

[Brent 930]

The good news is broken door handles isn't a common issue.

I think the Motorsport door handles are aluminum. If you want something stronger, but they're pricey.