Door Handle Catch Slipping

[Dathaeus]

Ok, now its one little thing after another, validating some jestering by Mercedes people on BMW's, ugh....

My driver side door handle must be getting worn... now I have to jerk it hard and quick, and works better with my left hand than right (I know, I KNOW, dont go there!)... and I feel like its getting worse... there are times when I pull with my right and the handle just comes up empty, no catch or resistance whatsoever, which means eventually, I will have to go into my freakin car from the passenger side! Imagine how embarrassing that would be on a date, LOL.... and I assume it will only get worse because this doesnt seem like the kind of problem that will get better on its own.

So options? Easy handle replacement? Or whole door? Anyone else have this problem? Thanks as always guys.

[shogun]

Handle replacement is probably mecessary. The handle is made of plastic. When temperatures rise the plastic tends to weaken with every pull.
Its pretty common on e36 chassis. The fix is not too bad, it should take maybe an hour maximum.
Use RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog (http://www.realoem.com) and I suggest you buy a Bentley repair manual for the E36, I also bought one, helps a lot.
Better for the DIYer than a shop manual where too many times is mentioned to use special BMW tool xy etc.

This will help
BMW TIS Online • 3' E36 • 328i (M52) Saloon • Body equipment • front door locks, handles, fittings (http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/e36/328i_(M52)_SAL/Body_equipment/front_door_locks,_handles,_fittings/)