Driver door will not open

[thuffman]

I have had this problem since the cold spell here in Florida. Today I decided to investigate the cause. My drivers door will not open from the outside. Orginially, it required a shifted tug to get it to actuate. Now, nothing. Has anyone else experienced this failure? If so, what was the resolution? If I need to aquire a new handle, is there anyone selling used 8 parts?

TIA

Tom H.Tom H
'95 840 CI

[adciocca]

I get the same problem here in FL. When the problem happens, do the dome lights come on for a second then off? It does this until it heats up inside, correct? Do you hear the trunk relay trying to open the trunk? I suspect a specific general lock module for the car. I am trying to find a used one to test the problem.

[Mark in SBA]

Broken external door handle mechanism. No fix possible, so time to pony up the $300 with Gault.

[explodingbudgie]

e36 door handles look similar to the e31 i wonder if the may fit or be able to supply donor parts???

[arclite]

e36 door handles look similar to the e31 i wonder if the may fit or be able to supply donor parts???

Nope. Nothing else fits. Do a search, I had posted the new/ correct part# for a door handle assy. I had to go to BMW with proof of ownership, since mine was to have a keyed tumbler already in it. I got it in 3 days..pretty quick, but bloody expensive.