Pulled off door panel, and tried to see how it is attached in there, with no luck.. something let go - and the door handle with come right out completely..

Suggestions? There has to be a pin or something to secure these in place. Need to check the oemparts site I guess.

I've replaced the driver's and passenger's door handles already. One of the rear door handles broke this week.

The problem is that they are made of cheap metal that is way too thin. They break from metal fatigue eventually.

You will need to buy a new assembly and have it painted to match your car. It can be replaced without opening up the door panels. A good indy mechanic or body shop should know how to do it.

Thanks Dave,

Bad luck with this car so far... Where did you get your handles?


******ON EDIT*******

The sliding catch mechanism was "unslid" - don't need to even remove door panel. All fixed no problems.. just came loose.

It is a dealer item.

Mine definitely broke. The metal on either side of the handle is probably less than a 1/16th of an inch thinck and not strong at all.

My 1997 740iL had the left rear handle break off in 2002.

Amazingly it was covered by the aftermarket warranty I bought when I got the car in 1999.

Keeping my fingers crossed on the 2001 740iL Sport I replaced this with in 2003.