moonstone
Tyre Kicker
This is guide on how to change your door-handles or door handle shells. The procedure here is the same for many modern BMW models from E/F/G model codes but this specific example and part numbers relate to the 2018+ G30 / F90 series.
Why would you want to do this? Many models came from factory with a chrome insert on the handles. Previously with my M6, I removed the handle shells and had them painted but with models such as the M5 Competition coming with these chrome pieces removed, it's possible to order these primed and have them painted or find used parts in your paint colour online.
In my case, the M5 I bought came with the chrome inserts wrapped but I wanted the smoother handles and properly colour matched.
Firstly the part numbers required:
Note that these vary depending on whether you have comfort access or not but the reality is that the outer shells are all the same with or without it. The only bit that you need to pay attention to (unless you want to replace the whole handle) is if your car has ambient lighting in the handle or not.
PART NUMBERS:
All of the above are provided already primed. I paid a body shop £30 per handle to paint them.
TOOLS REQUIRED:
PROCEDURE:
When you open each door you'll find a rubber grommet that pops out. This reveals a hole that gives access to a T15 screw as part of the handle mechanism which is around 11.5cm deep in the hole. When you loosen this (it doesnt come out so don't worry about losing it. It's held in place) it released the outer door handle from the rear which allows you to unhook it from the front. You can then unplug the cables if you want to remove the handle entirely but you can do it insitu. Then there's a rubber seal that you can peel up to remove a small T5 screw. This holds the outer shell in place, which you can then unclip from front to back before installing the new one in reverse.
Before:
1. Open the door and remove the grommet
2. Use a torch (I used the flash on my phone) to see the T15 screw inside and loosen the screw.
3. Pull the door handle out from the back (fattest part of the handle) and unhook from the front of the door.
4. Pull up the rubber seal on the handle to reveal the T5 torx screw. Remove this (don't lose it).#
5. Unclip the outer shell from the same end and work your way back to remove it entirely.
6. Install the new outer shell in reverse taking care to locate the prongs in the relevant holes. You'll need to flex the front end to get it clipped in properly. Then reinstall the T5 screw and seal before hooking the handle back into the door skin and tightening the T15 back up to secure the handle in place and replace the grommet in the door.
Repeat all of the above for each handle, remembering to install the key hole cover in the drivers door handle shell before you fit.
AFTER
Why would you want to do this? Many models came from factory with a chrome insert on the handles. Previously with my M6, I removed the handle shells and had them painted but with models such as the M5 Competition coming with these chrome pieces removed, it's possible to order these primed and have them painted or find used parts in your paint colour online.
In my case, the M5 I bought came with the chrome inserts wrapped but I wanted the smoother handles and properly colour matched.
Firstly the part numbers required:
Note that these vary depending on whether you have comfort access or not but the reality is that the outer shells are all the same with or without it. The only bit that you need to pay attention to (unless you want to replace the whole handle) is if your car has ambient lighting in the handle or not.
PART NUMBERS:
| Part numbers for F90 (check www.realoem.com for your own car) | |
| Drivers Front Door Handle | 51219463548 |
| Drivers Door Key Hole Cover | 51217489341 |
| Drivers Rear Door Handle | 51219491458 |
| Passenger Front and Rear Door Handles (same part numbers for both) | 51219491457 (x2) |
All of the above are provided already primed. I paid a body shop £30 per handle to paint them.
TOOLS REQUIRED:
| T15 Torx Screw Driver with at least 12cm between the handle and the tip |
| T5 Torx Driver |
PROCEDURE:
When you open each door you'll find a rubber grommet that pops out. This reveals a hole that gives access to a T15 screw as part of the handle mechanism which is around 11.5cm deep in the hole. When you loosen this (it doesnt come out so don't worry about losing it. It's held in place) it released the outer door handle from the rear which allows you to unhook it from the front. You can then unplug the cables if you want to remove the handle entirely but you can do it insitu. Then there's a rubber seal that you can peel up to remove a small T5 screw. This holds the outer shell in place, which you can then unclip from front to back before installing the new one in reverse.
Before:
1. Open the door and remove the grommet
2. Use a torch (I used the flash on my phone) to see the T15 screw inside and loosen the screw.
3. Pull the door handle out from the back (fattest part of the handle) and unhook from the front of the door.
4. Pull up the rubber seal on the handle to reveal the T5 torx screw. Remove this (don't lose it).#
5. Unclip the outer shell from the same end and work your way back to remove it entirely.
6. Install the new outer shell in reverse taking care to locate the prongs in the relevant holes. You'll need to flex the front end to get it clipped in properly. Then reinstall the T5 screw and seal before hooking the handle back into the door skin and tightening the T15 back up to secure the handle in place and replace the grommet in the door.
Repeat all of the above for each handle, remembering to install the key hole cover in the drivers door handle shell before you fit.
AFTER
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