...can it be done?

No mention of it in my handbook, and the driver's door handle doesn't illuminate at the others all do.

Whaddawereckon guys?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=GH83&mospid=47531&btnr=63_0471&hg=63&fg=30&hl=3

Maybe that can help, it's a small light, probably not much from the dealer...

Oh, this is for the interior handle... not sure if the e38's have a light on the exterior handle...

Thanks mate - the inside ones are fine, it's the exterior one that's out

Well, you can try looking here:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=GH83&mospid=47531&hg=63&fg=30

Those are all the "various" lamps listed...

Also, didn't see you were in England. You may want to go back to the "select another car" and enter the last 7 of your vin as the model I selected is a US 740il 2000

Then again, that may still be it, as it may work for both int. and ext. light... meaning basically one light for both...

Wonder if it's this?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=GG82&mospid=47517&btnr=63_0551&hg=63&fg=30

Can't see a bulb listed though - hmm

Wonder if it's this?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=GG82&mospid=47517&btnr=63_0551&hg=63&fg=30

Can't see a bulb listed though - hmm


Actually, 5 is the light. 8 is a tube running the beam to where ever the light needs to go, so it could be 5, or part 1 all together...

There's a write up about this on e38.org. Don't know the reference I suggest you do a search. From what I remember the bulb is on the inside of the drivers door behind the panel. This single bulb lights the inside door handle and a fibre optic lead takes the light to the outside door handle. My 7 series E38 has the same problem and I suspect that the fibre optic cable is damaged. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Alan from Somerset

See here:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=612179

Stick your head under the handle when it should be lit and you may see a VERY DIM light. That tells you the bulb is ok but the light tube is broken (much more expensive part). That is exactly whats up with my drivers door handle right now. I took the door panel off once to verify the bulb worked, but haven't done the repair yet.

Thanks guys! I'll check it out tonight.

Hi,

I switched the lamp on my 2000 750il, as i was changing the window regulator and its pretty simple once you take off the panel. The dealer quoted me $30 for the lamp, so I just got one from Straus for about $2. You can find the procedure of how to take apart the door panel on e38.org. Honestly, I would not recommend doing this just for the sake of the little lamp. I know its annoying seeing every door handle light up but one. Watch out for the clips on the door panel.

My lights are fine, but is there anyway to get these lights replaced with a xenon-look? I've seen the newer models with it and it looks great. I wonder if it's the same setup, just that the newer ones have a blue-er color?

Checked mine at night, and there's no glow at all, so guess it's the bulb rather than the fibreoptic bit.

Pretty sure the newer models have white leds, that's why they are that colour.