E46 Door Handle fails intermitently

[Aggi]

The door handle on my E46 ocasionally fails like the car is still locked. I guess the mechanism that couples the handle to the opening mechanism when the car is unlocked is failing? Locking and unlocking doesn't resolve the problem but giving it a really sharp tug opens as normal! Anyone know how this mechanism works or has seen this problem before? Its not too inconvenient and I dont fancy getting raped by the main stealer.

[Darth Dave]

I've got something that sounds very similar. When unlocked the button on the passenger door doesn't go right up. Just pulling the internal door handle releases it and I think it's just a case of the button sticking but my paranoia tells me it could be central locking pump

[Aggi]

Darth Dave said:

I've got something that sounds very similar. When unlocked the button on the passenger door doesn't go right up. Just pulling the internal door handle releases it and I think it's just a case of the button sticking but my paranoia tells me it could be central locking pump

Dont think its quite the same, the button seems to pop up properly, however I havent tested whether the internal handle works next time it does it I'll try. Thanks for the info!

[john_p]

I think this is a well known problem with the E46. If you can get the door card off - follow www.e46fanatics.com/howto/howtodetail.php?howto_id=25 steps 25 to 31 - it sounds like the cable has come out of the plastic insert on the other side of the handle. I believe it's an easy fix with cable ties.

[Aggi]

john_p said:

I think this is a well known problem with the E46. ....

Thanks for the reply John, do you think this would manifest intermitently

[chilli]

Am I right in thinking that this model was recalled regarding a door handle issue....Kinda remember the dealer telling me this when I complained of a really stiff handles!

[thong]

its the door handle cable strip it down and look at what crap thought went into it,its very common not a hard job but was not a big fan of doing them.

[Aggi]

Thanks for the posts guys, this forum really is the dogs bollox!