[j'sYellowM3]

Its the time of year to get the car up to par after another tough winter. So I replaced headlights,fog lights,taillights,control arms, head light switch,front lip,and my broken door handle. Everything I have done or bought has been easy except for the door handle?? I was on the phone all day with the stealership trying to order my door handle. only to learn its 180 dollars and 2 weeks shipping.Im trying to avoid them and get my own from a junkyard. Im wondering are all the handles the same on all the 3 series all the way up to the M's.

[Braymond141]

All coupe handles are the same.
All sedan handles are the same.

Just make sure you get the right side as it is specific.

Also, you'll have to swap over your key lock (which is why it's 2 weeks from dealer). Heard it can be done, also heard it can't be done. Make us a DIY if you can do it please.

[j'sYellowM3]

Ill try im not so good with posting pics. But im 90% sure it will get done. Getting around all the security and other bits was difficult though.

[Loki_cmr]

Originally Posted by Braymond141

All coupe handles are the same.
All sedan handles are the same.

Just make sure you get the right side as it is specific.

Also, you'll have to swap over your key lock (which is why it's 2 weeks from dealer). Heard it can be done, also heard it can't be done. Make us a DIY if you can do it please.

By swapping out your keylock, you mean taking out the whole door handle assembly and inserting your current keylock into the new assembly?

I'm looking to do this once I have time because like my moldings, my door handles are painted to match and I want to have them in black again. I'll post up a DIY once I figure things out.

PS: Why won't you pick up my calls brett Anthony picked up

[fitchesbass]

Do not use a 4 door's door handle - they will not work.

I had to replace my passenger side handle because the lever broke. The Dealer wanted to make me a new lock and everything so my current car keys would work on the new passenger side door mechanism ($$$). Instead, now I just have a different key that came with the new mechanism (that sits in my room) to open the passenger side door. Really doesn't matter to me since I always use keyless entry.

Prepare for a nice afternoon of cut handles and cursing. This was one of my least favorite jobs... I don't know if it was the timing (was having a bad week) but I didn't know have a good time replacing that bish. Be patient and set aside sometime - I almost got so mad at the window I was about to throw a hammer at it.

Good luck.

[Braymond141]

I didnt know you called till 20mins ago; phone was on the charger and I was doing that Fog light DIY.

You have to remove the entire assembly to get the keylock out (if you even can).

Door handle replacement on coupes is TERRIBLE

[fitchesbass]

Originally Posted by Braymond141

I didnt know you called till 20mins ago; phone was on the charger and I was doing that Fog light DIY.

You have to remove the entire assembly to get the keylock out (if you even can).

Door handle replacement on coupes is TERRIBLE

I honestly don't remember seeing a way to replace the locking mechanism. Once I spent $100 on a handle I was not about to screw it up by trying to hack it up and break it. The lever imo is crap metal material that is easily broken.

Replacement is a pain as I said above. Getting the mechanism out is such a pain. I believe I ended us taking out the window to save my head from exploding and my hands from bleeding anymore than they already were.

EDIT:

Now that I think about it I think you HAVE to remove the window. The one guide for the window is perfectly in the way of getting the assembly out and the only way to get it to move it by removing this guide... if memory serves me right.

[Braymond141]

You have to detrack the window and have it pulled all the way up and angled. You wont have to take it all the way out, but I can see that making it easier.


Yeah, I dont recall seeing a way to swap locks either. I effing hate doing door handle replacements.

[fitchesbass]

^ I agree - and that says something. Worst project ever on my car seriously. I can't express enough how mad I was getting in the garage with the window and everything cutting my hands.

Personally I found taking the window out is easier - what I ended up eventually doing. Much easier this way - will save you a headache imo.

[Braymond141]

I didn't even think about it when I did mine... next time I will, good suggestion Derek