Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: has anyone else had a sticky door handle?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    7
    My Cars
    01 540i & 09 335d

    has anyone else had a sticky door handle?

    Glad to be on this forum. This is my first post. I just bought my fourth BMW a week ago. A 2009 335d. It’s an awesome car. I like it more then the 2011 M3 I had (I liked the 540i I had more then the M3 that’s why it’s gone and there still a 540i in my garage). The car is in great shape except for one weird thing... the passenger side interior door handle is sticky. The rubber coating around the inner part of the handle is breaking down and sticks to your hand when you shut the door. Is this a common problem with these cars when they get some age or is mine an odd problem? Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Ca
    Posts
    6,981
    My Cars
    2001 525it
    What rubber coating you have the chrome lever and the black plastic piece it attaches to

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    7
    My Cars
    01 540i & 09 335d
    5D775F5C-DB44-432A-82B0-AD715EB4F13E.jpg The handle you grab to shut the door. The rubber on the back side is actually peeling off. I took a wet towel to it and it started peeling from the plastic. Hopefully you can see in the picture how much came off. I don’t want to have to buy a new door panel to replace it but I also don’t want to buy a used one and have it happen again.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    FL
    Posts
    14
    My Cars
    2009 335i
    Yep. 2009 335. FRont Passenger handle is Like silly puddy. IT started about 6 months ago. I went Low tech and wrapped it w/ Paracord. It doesn't look awesome but doesn't feel gro- ss either.
    Last edited by ndindynd; 06-02-2019 at 01:01 PM.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Ca
    Posts
    6,981
    My Cars
    2001 525it
    The grab handle part of the arm rest I've seen them get sticking after trying to clean it with cleaners opposed to using hot water and soap, as suggested by one my techs.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2001
    Location
    STR, MUC, LHR
    Posts
    25,294
    My Cars
    I love turbos!
    You can order a replacement part as it it relatively inexpensive. However, have you tried scrubbing it with Dawn soap and water? That worked on some sticky stereo knobs for me.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    7
    My Cars
    01 540i & 09 335d
    Is the grab handle sold separate from the door panel? I haven’t looked into it yet I just assumed it was sold as one. I’ll give dawn a try just to get some of the stickiness off but it’s going to need to be replaced at some point I think.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    .
    Posts
    7,708
    My Cars
    .
    I believe it's available separately.
    ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Beaverton, Oregon
    Posts
    581
    My Cars
    02/95 BMW 325is
    Quote Originally Posted by White94RX View Post
    I believe it's available separately.
    https://www.ebay.com/i/222894958218?...CABEgJKk_D_BwE



    Looks it!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    .
    Posts
    7,708
    My Cars
    .
    You need part 18. Part 4 is just the outer cover. Part 18 is the actual inner grab handle that is mounted to the door panel.

    Don't quote me on it, but I believe it's "plastic welded". Meaning those 4 posts that stick out, go through the door panel, then are melted and mashed flat against the door panel to hold it in place. You can either re-melt them and pull off the old one, or just use a fat drill bit, or even a scuffing/grinding pad on a die grinder. Then you put on the new one, and melt the posts with a hot iron. I've got a butane torch with what's called a "hot knife tip" that I use. Or they may sell some large sheet metal nuts that will grip the plastic and hold it tight.
    ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician

  11. #11
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    7
    My Cars
    01 540i & 09 335d
    Finally got the time to call BMW this week. The parts guy said they made an updated grab handle. I ordered it. Should be here this week.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Dallas, TX
    Posts
    49
    My Cars
    BMW 328i
    I just replaced my wife's and did a video on it. Total time was 25 min and only cost 22.00 and uses screws instead of melting tabs.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2l87lykjrg

Similar Threads

  1. Sticky Door Handle
    By Olympic Curler in forum 1999 - 2006 (E46)
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 01-18-2008, 06:52 AM
  2. Sticky door handle/locks
    By porscheC4S in forum 1999 - 2006 (E46)
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 12-07-2007, 05:27 PM
  3. Sticky Door Handle
    By Cory in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 08-24-2007, 10:21 PM
  4. Weird Problem...Sticky Door Handles...Both Doors!!
    By plotfi in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 09-26-2006, 11:50 AM
  5. Sticky door handle
    By thedude in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 05-22-2005, 08:30 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •