sticking outer door handle?- solution

[uscharalph]

FYI - don't get the malaysian door handle seals unless you have a 91+ car, because they don't fit on the older ones, like my 89.

Those seals work fine, the trick is to let the sit in the sun for a little to soften them up befiore you install them.

[CharlesAFerg]

Those seals work fine, the trick is to let the sit in the sun for a little to soften them up befiore you install them.

Tried that, they were literally too wide, maybe he shipped me the wrong ones or something, I'll show you guys.

[Rus]

not necesarily..my door handle stick up,because it interferes with the trim around the handle itself..its an ongoing project.At the moment the trim is off..it doesnt notice on my car because its black!

I have the exact same problem with one of my rear handles. I even tried filing the interfering spots down slightly, but it still sticks. I think I'll eventually just replace the offending trim piece and hope that the new one has better clearance.

[RobPatt]

I need some.

Here's the ones from Malay....good or not?

If not, where's good source?

Thanks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E...spagenameZWDVW

[Paul in NZ]

good = dealer if indeed the others are bad

[myles]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E...spagenameZWDVW

Thats where I got mine and they have all been good.

[CharlesAFerg]

Oh, and just to add, I believe when I talked to the dealer, they had 2 part numbers for later and early model cars.

EDIT FORM REALOEM - Reference the "FROM" & "UP TO" Dates

This is from my car, 01/89 525i M20 Automatic
No. Description Supplement Qty From Up To Part Number Price Notes
01 COVERING FRONT LEFT 1 09/1991 51211938285 $20.76
01 COVERING FRONT RIGHT 1 09/1991 51211938286 $20.76

From a 04/95 525i m50 Automatic
No. Description Supplement Qty From Up To Part Number Price Notes
01 COVERING FRONT LEFT 1 09/1991 51218122441 $17.52
01 COVERING FRONT RIGHT 1 09/1991 51218122442 $17.52

[Paul in NZ]

you do not have buy complete door handle,only outer trim and gasket

[CharlesAFerg]

Well, maybe someone has these older original door handle gaskets and the Malaysian gaskets and can make a check on dimensions. Pics would be best.

I have, and they did not fit.

you do not have buy complete door handle,only outer trim and gasket

I took the gasket off of the dealer part, and the Malaysian gasket didn't fit on there either.

Bottom line:
There is a difference in the dimensions between the two. If you don't believe me, find out for yourself, because I already have... lol. I'm no idiot.

[genphreak]

Hey Charles,

Erich is not defending KW, just letting you know what he knows is the case.

He and everyone else on this board would like to know where your problem lies. I know I do, even though my 10/88 535 had no trouble accepting KW's seals.

I don't know how a moulded seal can be smaller than another that comes from the same mould. Is there any chance you can post photos of both?

What I do know;
E36 coupe seals are different (the handles are a tad longer) but probably a bigger difference than you described.

The different part numbers you found for e34 and posted are a big concern, as these things are such low value parts if we don't work it out no one ever will. I know BMW changed the handle electronics around a bit, but after comparing the handle on late 91 to my 88 and swapping locks and things, I can see no real difference other than the later handle having painted inner frame.

How pricey were the dealer gaskets btw? I had a look and ran when I bought mine but can't remember (and that is in Oz) where the prices can be double that of the US stealers.

Cheers, Nick