Bmw Door Handles Suck!

[sp0rky]

I have to say there is absolutely no reason to defend BMW door handles in anyway. ESPECIALLY the inside ones on the e39 which are known to break often.

Seriously... Okay, so you pull a door a little harder than normal - pop goes the door handle. "Shit it's my fault" <--- no.. its not. If these cars are meant to be performance cars and stand up to tougher-than-average driving, the door handles should be able to last a whole lot of good hard tugs. If the car is over $30,000, the door handles should last a whole lot of good hard tugs.

I can't count how many times I've YANKED the door of our Toyota and Mustang open and slammed them shut. I mean.. nearly everytime I get in or out. Do that once or twice on the BMW and your almost garaunteed a broken handle. It's really sad. They do break often and it's simple.... The handles are cheap.

We all love our BMWs , but we can't defend them all the time about everything. They have just as many faults (if not more) as almost every other car manufacturer around. Although I know how it is to defend them simply because that is our preference for cars.

[BeelZibub]

Originally posted by sp0rky@Jan 16 2005, 06:12 PM
I have to say there is absolutely no reason to defend BMW door handles in anyway. ESPECIALLY the inside ones on the e39 which are known to break often.

Seriously... Okay, so you pull a door a little harder than normal - pop goes the door handle. "Shit it's my fault" <--- no.. its not. If these cars are meant to be performance cars and stand up to tougher-than-average driving, the door handles should be able to last a whole lot of good hard tugs. If the car is over $30,000, the door handles should last a whole lot of good hard tugs.

I can't count how many times I've YANKED the door of our Toyota and Mustang open and slammed them shut. I mean.. nearly everytime I get in or out. Do that once or twice on the BMW and your almost garaunteed a broken handle. It's really sad. They do break often and it's simple.... The handles are cheap.

We all love our BMWs , but we can't defend them all the time about everything. They have just as many faults (if not more) as almost every other car manufacturer around. Although I know how it is to defend them simply because that is our preference for cars.

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SSSHHHHH Spork you will be labeled as a BMW hater.


But yeah the door handles are cheap rubbish - As I said, 4 since 98!!! Speaks for itself really doesn't it - Unless of course the previous owner was a gorilla.

[sp0rky]

Originally posted by BeelZibub@Jan 16 2005, 01:28 PM
SSSHHHHH Spork you will be labeled as a BMW hater.


But yeah the door handles are cheap rubbish - As I said, 4 since 98!!! Speaks for itself really doesn't it - Unless of course the previous owner was a gorilla.

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awww shit. I better leave these forums fast. lol

[Eric S.]

Originally posted by WindowPro+Jan 15 2005, 01:42 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(WindowPro @ Jan 15 2005, 01:42 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-billB@Jan 15 2005, 01:02 AM
so much for door handles* *

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Eric-

With all due respect my friend ...
College - roommates - measuring tape - engineers ... somethings not adding up - in fact, it just plain stinks.

I think you forgot something very important to your case ...BEER.

Now, I would never call you a liar - I know you're a good guy.

But sometimes, especially in college, the "goggles" can skew our vision, especially when we're seeing those 2:00 A.M. beauty contestants at the bar, that we must take back to our dorm - only to wake up the next morning wondering - WHAT THE $*%#) did I do last night.

For goodness sakes, we're talking about a tape measure here and possibly drunk college guys performing the task. (measuring - OK - that one's going to get blasted (performing the task)). This also assumes you have your back to them while they are measuring. (Don't even go there guys)

Again, I'm not saying that you are not telling the truth here. But maybe the boys gave you some misinformation. Is it not possible for an engineer, especially one in training, could have made a mistake? Maybe? Skewed numbers have been known to crop up every once in a while. HEHEHHEHEHEHEHE

Please forgive me, it's late and I've worked my backside off all week and I just needed to laugh a little. I know I can always count on you guys to crack me up ... especially after a long week.

Have a great weekend everyone. I have missed being here the past couple of weeks.

"goodness sakes" -- Gotta love that TN "hillbilly" grammer.

Oh Bill - Thanks for the nice compliments on the sticky post (iPod Write-Up). I have the word doc. I could forward if you feel it needs to be cleaned up. I've just not had the time lately.

Oh and to keep it on topic - doorhandles.

Jim

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[/b][/quote]
Guys - First, I agree with Sporky's note above - if you can yank the door handles with alacrity and impunity on lesser cars, there's no reason the handles on a $50K car should be made with pot metal or plastic.

More importantly, I measured my arm span tonight, and you'll just either have to accept that it's 77 inches or else just not believe me - I'll get over it. Anyway, my measurement technique consisted of laying on stomach on floor, touching fireplace hearth with tip of right hand middle finger. Fully extending my left arm out to the other side (arms 90 degrees to vertical axis of body), I pushed a marker as far over as I could get it without pulling my right finger off that hearth. I stopped while both fingers were touching the hearth and marker concurrently, so there was no slippage or drift of the marker. Afterwards I measured the distance from the hearth to the marker. Guess what: it was 77 inches. :nana

Only thing is now the span/height ratio is even worse since after disk removal surgery and extra years, I am shorter than I was in college. Nearly 6'-1" then, I am barely 6'-0" now.

Oh well, as mentioned, I take these scientific discussions and measurements seriously. Sorry if I took it too far (I know I did, but I hope it's OK)... :P

[WindowPro]

Eric,

Wasn't trying to offend...please read my post again.

I believe I started the post with "my friend" as we both have helped each other in the past. While writing the post I purposely tried to be very lighthearted. As stated, I just came off a very long week (74 hours) and looked forward to being back on the forum.

"I finished my post with "I can count on you guys to crack me up". Heck, I even made fun of myself with my "goodness sakes" remark and reference to "hillbilly and TN".

So as to your 77" ... I really do not care. I'm glad you figured it out but I have not thought once about it until your reply. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, after seeing your reply ... I do not have the luxury or the free time to worry about such insignificant matters nor do I want to. As stated again, my post was in good humor.

I honestly thought we were all having a good time off topic...it was a Friday night I do believe? With the SEVEN I posted I thought it was apparent we were having a good time. GEEZ?

From now on I will be more aware of your posts and try to restrain from interjecting any humor... as I know now -- it may offend you.

And to all BMWFORUM 5 Series Members - What's your thoughts on starting a new poll? *** Should Humor Be Allowed In Posts / Replys or Life? SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY PLEASE!

Jim

[sp0rky]

Now I think your missing the easy-going-ness ( I know thats not a word or term lol) of Eric's post!

Whole buncha misunderstanding. lol :P

[PJV 528]

My uncles door handle broke on his 98 523i-inner handle passenger side. Its not that the handle fell off-when u pull the handle the door doesn't open. So u gotta roll down the window and open from the outside!

[Eric S.]

Jim -

What's the deal, man? I KNEW you were lighthearted in your jabs and I took it as such. I actually had a great time with this whole string. I am sorry I came across as too huffy or whatever in my last post, but I certainly didn't mean anything by it! And please don't scub your messages to remove humor on MY account - as I've mentioned, I feel humor's about the only value I have left to add compared to the accomplished group (guys like BillB) that actually help people out on this MB.

So, I apologize right here and now for coming across as either too serious or too sensitive, or too forceful or all of the above.

Now, let's have some fun!!

[WindowPro]

Originally posted by Eric S.@Jan 18 2005, 08:14 PM
Jim -

What's the deal, man? I KNEW you were lighthearted in your jabs and I took it as such. I actually had a great time with this whole string. I am sorry I came across as too huffy or whatever in my last post, but I certainly didn't mean anything by it! And please don't scub your messages to remove humor on MY account - as I've mentioned, I feel humor's about the only value I have left to add compared to the accomplished group (guys like BillB) that actually help people out on this MB.

So, I apologize right here and now for coming across as either too serious or too sensitive, or too forceful or all of the above.

Now, let's have some fun!!

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Eric,

I too apologize for my rant last night. I did take it the wrong way.

When I started my reply, it was very late and I basically had come off an all-nighter working on a huge project for my business. Instead of checking email and the forum, I should have been in the bed. Insomnia sucks sometimes!

I agree with you wholeheartedly, I too can only add some humor here and there compared to the "brains" of this forum. Ok Billb, you're two for two in this thread.

So here's to you Eric hoping you can understand my lack of sleep.

Peace

Jim

[dberger]

ok, back to door handles....... I had them fixed yesterday, the strange part was the new outside handle is made of plastic not metal. Does that make sense? Part was from BMW dealership.

Dan

[Eric S.]

Originally posted by dberger@Jan 19 2005, 10:28 AM
ok, back to door handles....... I had them fixed yesterday, the strange part was the new outside handle is made of plastic not metal. Does that make sense? Part was from BMW dealership.

Dan

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I'm kind of like, "Who cares" about the material as long as it doesn't break, but it's interesting that the maker of a car that is so thoroughly engineered in every detail somehow forgot to perform a FMEA on the handles. I hope your new handles work out OK!

[billB]

I wish to clarify this issue from a marketing point view: As you may know car manufacturer’s primary concerns have been “selling cars” then “selling their service and parts”. For the sake of this hypothetical argument imagine yourself walking into Bmw dealership’s parts department with a list of every single part to put together a complete 540 at home. What will be the total cost of this home made 540 will be? Whatever numbers you come up with; these numbers tell you one thing- all manufacturers whether making cars or stoves do make money-lots of it- in parts. Then it does make a lot of sense, again from a marketing point view, to make these parts with a limited life span after which you, as an end user, will be compelled to spend $$ on these parts. Remember any mechanical part does wear and tear by its very nature=New vs. used!
In sum:
A. I don’t believe that these door handles, and many other BMW parts for that matter, were made to last forever.
B. When looking at any other car, if the door handles had lasted longer than BMW’s, another part will not. So whoever made this non-BMW car/parts knew how to make money too.
C. Using a plastic material in door handles does not constitute, by any means, short sighted BMW engineering and/or lack in knowledge/technology. If it proofs any, it shows that these people are in the business of making money period.
regards
billb

[sp0rky]

A. I don’t believe that these door handles, and many other BMW parts for that matter, were made to last forever.
B. When looking at any other car, if the door handles had lasted longer than BMW’s, another part will not. So whoever made this non-BMW car/parts knew how to make money too.
C. Using a plastic material in door handles does not constitute, by any means, short sighted BMW engineering and/or lack in knowledge/technology. If it proofs any, it shows that these people are in the business of making money period.
regards
billb

Not to sound like a jerk, but Point A sounds like you are defending BMW - saying that they WANT it to break.

I would like to argue that that is NOT a good thing from a marketing point of view. Sure, it may have the owner of the vehicle coming back for parts - but the people who see BMW owners rolling down windows to reach the outside handle just to get out of their cars will remember this and NOT buy a BMW. It is safe to not always defend and just say that it is a weak point of the car. Not that thats bad, all companies have weak points - right?

No comments on Point B and I totally agree with Point C.

Crappy door handles :nana

Goodnight guys,
Don

[billB]

Originally posted by sp0rky@Jan 20 2005, 06:34 AM

Not to sound like a jerk, but Point A sounds like you are defending BMW - saying that they WANT it to break.

I would like to argue that that is NOT a good thing from a marketing point of view. Sure, it may have the owner of the vehicle coming back for parts - but the people who see BMW owners rolling down windows to reach the outside handle just to get out of their cars will remember this and NOT buy a BMW. It is safe to not always defend and just say that it is a weak point of the car. Not that thats bad, all companies have weak points - right?

No comments on Point B and I totally agree with Point C.

Crappy door handles :nana

Goodnight guys,
Don

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Dear Don

A. Expressing one's opinion and thought will NEVER get translated (at least in my mind) into a perception of a jerk. As usual, you are entitled 122% to your opinion even when in disagreement. So much for that.
B. I am NOT so sure if point A above meant to be understood as a legal defense to BMW engineering practices. In sum and probably I did not make it clear by saying "every mechanical part in ANY system (being BMW and/or anything including humans) does have a life span "beyond which it has to reach its ultimate conclusion of breakdown, destruction and thus replacement.
C. You do totally agree with C but note that C follows as the LOGICAL conclusion to "A" since door handles never meant to last forever on any car, car manufacturers do make money on them. Crappy or not we decide.
D. If the description of door handles as "crappy" suites some, I don't have an argument against it; I simply tend to avoid ANY judgments. In fact, I do stick with my NON-judgmental approach to my partners in life, never mind a bimmer/a car!
regards
billb

[Eric S.]

Guys -

This whole duscission reminds me of what a happened to a friend in 1990 with his 2-door 1988 Grand Prix (the 1st year of production of that completely new model, you may recall): One day when returning from grocery shopping, his wife opened the door, and it promptly fell down to the driveway! Basically, the upper hinge broke, and so the rear bottom edge of the door hit the pavement.

The car was officially out of warranty at "2" years old and 24,000 garage-kept miles, but my pal thought GM should cover it. GM first tried to get defensive and accuse my pal of abusing the car (his wife weighed 110 pounds, tops). Long painful story short, GM finally (and retroactively) capitulated and covered the repair, minus a $100 deductible or something like that.

The point of my friend's argument with GM (and, I think the same point Sporky and others are trying to make here) is that "some" parts should NEVER BREAK. Ever. A door hinge may be out of warranty at 25k miles, but it's reasonable to expect it to last hundreds of thousands of miles, if not indefinitely, except for maybe bushings/inserts.

To me, a door handle, external or internal, fits this same argument. Some parts may come and go, but a door handle should NEVER break under normal use. I love Sporky's example of how it looks to a potential BMW buyer seeing someone not able to get into their BMW normally.

So, struts, alternators, tie rod ends, headlights OK, but I don't think anyone should ever have to replace a door handle. There's just no excuse on a 50K car. An accomplished engineer bud of mine specializing in state-of-the-art stress analysis and design (and has worked on Ford truck turn signal mechanisms, for instance) says you'd be amazed how little analytical engineering typically goes into such pieces - they try to stick with proven older designs, and if something breaks in the field, they usually modify by making the breaking piece thicker or whatever and trying that out. No FEA, no FEM, nothing. So my pal's company has virtually unlimited opportunity to improve such things as a consultant (DAA Solutions, in Connecticut).

OK, sorry for the rant. I was going to let it go, but Sporky made such a good point that I had to jump back in!