Fixing a DISGUSTING BMW Issue | Sticky Door Handle Replacement

F30 3 Series/ F80 M3 door handles geni.us/beaIgh
F32 4 Series/ F82 M4 door handles geni.us/qrZYZu
F36 4 Series Gran Coupe door handles geni.us/2BgIt
Carbon fiber trim for F30 3 Series geni.us/ATuKEqx
Carbon fiber trim for F32 4 Series geni.us/Plfat9
Tools:
Drill with 3/8" bit amzn.to/3t73pV3
Pry tools amzn.to/4578cDg
Pick tools amzn.to/465ZlTp
T20 screwdriver amzn.to/3PuCSID
Camera equipment used:
Camera - Canon R5 amzn.to/454OFmS
Lens - RF 24-105 f/4 amzn.to/3tbU9iA
Mic - Rode VideoMic NTG amzn.to/3EWEshu
Main light Godox SL-60W amzn.to/3ESxTgc
LED tube light amzn.to/4506m72
(Affiliate disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. If you purchase a product through my custom link, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! The door handles were sent to me by Kies Motorsports for this installation video.)
Written guide: www.justinbuice.com/blog/2023...
In this video, I show you how to replace the sticky door handles on your F30 BMW 3 Series. This issue and the repair process is similar on many BMW models.
BMW likes to use rubber coatings on the high contact surfaces in their cars. The problem is, heat and other environmental factors eventually cause the rubber to break down, creating a sticky mess.
Kies Motorsports sells replacement handles that don't have the thick rubber layer, so theoretically, you'll never have an issue after installing them. I found that this fitment was just as good as the stock ones.
00:00 the problem
01:24 removing the old handle
06:10 installing the new handle
06:47 reassembly
07:45 conclusion
www.justinbuice.com
INSTAGRAM @justinbuice
#BMW #F30 #340i

[@justinbuice]

NOTE 1: when you go to remove your door handle trim, there is a grove on the bottom side where you can insert a pry tool. Start there, rather than the top side like I did in the video. NOTE 2: after taking the trim cover off the handle, there is a small access hole in the handle where you can pop out the window switch MUCH more easily than I showed in the video 😅

[@csabacseppel245]

maybe this will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oarXlYl3gbeVgc0&t

[@justinbuice]

This written guide on my website shows the correct way to remove the window switch www.justinbuice.com/blog/2023/10/3/how-to-replace-your-bmws-sticky-door-handles

[@illestprincessforeve]

I’m very glad you fixed this! I got so mad the other day when I drove your car and forgot about it and my hand was all gross when I got out. 😂 This video came out great babe, I love all the extra work you put into the videos with attention to detail like the animations and sound effects. Great job as always!

[@porschefanatic1049]

congratulations on the 300k mark bro! I haven’t been with BMW for a while but i still continue watching. sending out positive vibes to you and your family

[@justinbuice]

Thank you, we appreciate that! What are you driving now?

[@porschefanatic1049]

@@justinbuice My daily is a Gen X Civic, needed something reliable and fuel efficient. My toy hopefully will be a 997 Carrera S once prices start to make sense again.

[@stevensims3342]

I have an 08' E90. None of the buttons have been scratched white but drivers pull handle spot is a little sticky. Already did the window switch but it is nearly impossible to actually find that rubberish finish they come with from the factory. I want to do the pull handle, but you need some special tools in order to do it correctly. I really love how there is so much you can get for these cars. A real enthusiast community surrounding them.

[@lxiong1077]

I’ve had this for a while too 😂 I’ve scrubbed the hell out of it with all my arsenal of cleaners and it still sticky. Now I have to see if it bothers me enough to warrant this project.

[@hidden_inchrist]

They also have covers they slip right over and fit perfectly. They're on ali express for an afforadable price, ive had mine on for over a month and are perfectly fine. No one would ever know they're just a cover

[@xumu4]

Do you mind sharing the link for them?

[@jpaige1998]

Congrats on 300k Justin!

[@justinbuice]

Thank you!!!

[@jeffreybackes4664]

Love the outtakes, thanks for a great video.

[@justinbuice]

Glad I could help!

[@paspitale]

Justin, this is a great instructional video. Thank you. Also, not to take anything away from Kies, but I think you can hit the inner handle with some matte black paint to resolve the “sticky” issue. Cheap hack.

[@justinbuice]

I wish I would have kept the old handle to experiment with! I think the problem is that it's not only sticky, but the material gets soft when it's hot. I'm not sure how the paint would hold up when the handle is near Play-Doh constancy in the summer. If it works, that would be a nice savings though!

[@steffanieb4671]

Thank you so much, your video was the most detailed and up close I have seen. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Now I can do this myself due to your incredible instructions. I am now a new subscriber 🎉. Thanks again

[@justinbuice]

Glad I could help!

[@JankieV3777]

Thank you for this video Justin . I Noticed the same issue did not know how to fix it. Thank you. 🇯🇲

[@gwapo3927]

i just bought the Amazon overlay that covers that ugly sticky residue much easier tbh

[@kevinconlin8620]

Thank you, I thought it was just me! I clean the driver side constantly and I could tell I was basically making it worse.

[@Americanman2000]

“See honey! It’s not what you thought. Justin said they’re all sticky!”

[@justinbuice]

🤣🤣🤣

[@vknight7497]

I was wondering wtf was wrong with my driver side door handle

[@jakeishere21]

me too😂

[@amp6887]

And me

[@EFFTHIRTYPLUS]

Thanks for the great content, and inspiration🙏🏾 respect!

[@ChrisLiptan]

I literally just did this last week on my F80 and wish I would have seen your video!

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Hey. Nice to see you posting. You're not as active as you used to be.

[@jamesjohnoneill]

excellent video, thanks - I'm about to replace the same piece on a G31 5 series which is very similar. Do you know what size screws work best? I got the OEM part which doesn't come with screws - I guess they are expecting you to melt/rivet them in place...

[@hotplatesuk]

Thanks Justin for this video !

[@SamAbraham]

funny, my gf JUST complained about this on the passenger door of my E92 this morning lol

[@mcyeti86]

I've already done 3 separate sets of door handles, 3 different BMW's lol. 2009, 2014, and 2016 (3, X1, 550). While not difficult I hate that rubber!

[@rmuckluck]

Great video. I was going to do this years ago on my e90. I ordered the wrong handle and ended up just using hockey tape wrapped around it 😂

[@justinbuice]

😂

[@israel8847]

I would recommend putting a bead of sealant around the water barrier when you have the door cover off. The water barrier will eventually start leaking, BMW does not put a great seal it melts like the handle.

[@timkebienda1809]

Thanks man I have to do that. Cheers!

[@EmmettLBrown2015]

I bought a new door handle for my Z4 E89, how do I clean away the sticky residue left behind, can I use rubbing alcohol does that usually work?

[@KiesMotorsports]

Love it 🙌🏼

[@christopherlampkin1367]

Thank Justin😎👊🏾

[@toxikneedle]

justin i believe there's an access hole to get to the window switch clip from the front of the door card instead of the back of it like you were trying. it should be revealed once you pop the outer door pull cover. I think I saw it once in a BMW manual.

[@justinbuice]

Nice! I’ll look for next time I’m in there. A friend of mine said he was able to push the entire switch forward to compress the tab, then lift up from the back but I guess I wasn’t strong enough to do that. Another option would have been to cut the hole slightly larger. That would give better access without compromising anything else

[@toxikneedle]

@@justinbuice when I removed mine, I didn't compress the forward tab enough and it got ruined, almost broke off. it's honestly quite fragile, so it was worth the extra time you took with it. But, this lead me to look into how to do it correctly, which is where I found the info about the forward access hole. I replaced the full window switch assembly either way so breaking the OEM one wasn't a huge deal at the end of the day. By the way my window switch assembly rubber was also starting to get sticky, it had similar issue as the door pulls, that's why I replaced it with aftermarket.

[@justinbuice]

⁠@@toxikneedleI went out to my car, took the trim cover off and found it! That would have made it much easier. The entire time I was messing with it, all I could think was, “there’s no way this is the only way to get this out.” Turns out I was doing it the hard way.

[@rgekam5814]

Bro I love Bimmer community how ironic is it that we have the same problems lol thought I was the only one having this issue

[@joseangelpereagarcia9934]

LOL, I just did it and I feel your pain, but my hands are clean now :D, I forgot to install the last 2 screws fortunatly it was easy to remove the covering only.

[@justinbuice]

I did the same thing lol

[@smksukcdc]

Have the same exact issue with my F30. I can't understand why BMW hasn't bothered updating the parts, but my car's still under warranty and I'm gonna get a free replacement. Small victories, eh? PS: Nice Seiko chrono there!

[@justinbuice]

Thank you!!

[@Realpreshaanb]

Its moments like these i'm glad my '06 E90 Came with plastic handles from factory... I'd probably upgrade them just for aesthetic purposes😄

[@marcovanhoven6405]

Lucky on the E90 is it generally only on the front passangerdoor😁.👊🇳🇱🇳🇱

[@Roger-fv9pw]

Had that issue on the BMW. But picked up new plastic and finished with leather. Now that's luxury.

[@landonjennings-stoyles9804]

Thanks for making this video! Thought I was alone

[@justinbuice]

Glad I could help!

[@luismiguelgarzon5945]

Great thanks

[@baldomerorosas1950]

🙌🏼 clean!

[@junior21455]

@justinbuice I have a 2013 328i xdrive kinda need help understanding some codes wondering if u can help me out

[@bitsandben]

Thanks!

[@edgarkozlovskij9231]

Missing your videos ! :( more of them

[@setdiablo8905]

Unrelated to the video but can I know what watch you were wearing in this? It looks beautiful!

[@justinbuice]

Thank you! Seiko SSC813 with a Strapcode “crisscross” orange rubber strap

[@YKballer07]

I spray Goof Off on a towel and give it a quick clean whenever that happens to my handles/ any knobs in the car that have rubber parts to them.

[@justinbuice]

That doesn’t make it worse? I used Goof Off to get the stuff off my hands when I was done. I would have expected that putting it directly on the door handle would soften it even more

[@YKballer07]

@@justinbuice I don’t apply it directly to the surfaces I clean because it’s so strong and I don’t want the materials to get destroyed. I find it takes out a lot of the sunscreen/oils on them but doesn’t make it like new, just better than it was before. Love your videos man, been following for a long time.

[@AnonN-sr6uu]

Hey Justin, had a question on insurance. Do you pay for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage? I'm in FL, and similar to Michigan we have an insane amount of uninsured drivers. Was wondering what you thought about this. Thanks!

[@justinbuice]

Hey, I'll have to take a look at my policy when I renew next month

[@AnonN-sr6uu]

@@justinbuice thanks for replying! Definitely let me know. Just curious since my premium got so high all of a sudden.

[@user-vh1zq2gi7r]

Lmao just bought an e90 and my fiancé put her hand on the passenger handle and it looked like she dipped it in tar 😂 I laughed and said what you said coincidentally “bmw prime parts right there”

[@jacquelynjones2842]

Okay so you mention to check to make sure your window controls work before you put it back together.. but what if they no longer work but they worked perfectly fine beforehand?.. now I’m stuck with my panel on a bucket at night looking for answers😬

[@xN1k94x]

Happened to me aswell, it was frustrating but in the end it was the connector wasn’t fully pressed in and so the window switches had no power, it worked after the 3rd or 4th try (after checking all the freaking fuses just in case). Hope it helps.

[@M.Muhammedova2006]

Hello 🙋🏻‍♀️ you Ok? Thanks for the video info. keep going! Good luck with be healthy 😉

[@15Godrick]

I'm contemplating deleting the handle bar and installing a euro driver's side arm rest instead. You think it would fit?

[@moisep]

Did you do it?

[@15Godrick]

@@moisep not yet

[@EmmettLBrown2015]

I have the same problem on my 2011 Z4, the passenger side door is letting off a sticky melted type residue, how is this even possible? It's a BMW it's high quality, is this also going to happen to the seats and the dashboard eventually?

[@justinbuice]

It's because of the rubber coating they used. The seats and dash will be fine, nothing to worry about there

[@michael-qp9xd]

Hi - have bmw 328i automatic 2011 not x drive. Second owner - bought from dealership in 2014. Only 77,000 miles. Past several months the BC push button and the up/down switch on the left side stalk works only for 5 minutes after startup without issue for scrolling thru setup, checking oil, changing display, etc. Then stops working/functioning - with nothing changing on display for check oil level, change between mpg, distance to empty, etc when press bc or the up/down knob. Other center display data displays ok. After turning off car and letting sit for 10 to 20 mins then works again after startup for 5 mins then back to not working. Have you had this issue or ever heard of this problem. Any ideas how to fix? Very strange. Thanks and can anyone else provide any ideas?

[@christianmurphy5335]

LISTEN! I FOUND THE PERFECT REPLACEMENT PIECES THAT SNAP RIGHT IN. ON AMAZON THEY WERE 25 BUCKS A PAIR, BUT WALMART HAD THEM FOR 12 FOR A PAIR! They are carbon fiber and look beautiful. They literally just pop right in and cover the old inside door handle. YOU DON'T HAVE TO USE ANY TOOLS!!!!

[@justinbuice]

I have seen those. That's another option

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

I’d rather just replace the old one with a brand new one

[@BrandonF80]

Much easier to remove the window switch via a little service hole under the handle cover from the front of the door panel, you don’t have to remove the door panel to see it. Once you figure out where it is, your life will be changed indefinitely.

[@justinbuice]

I just went out to my car and found it. Would have made it so much easier! Good looking out, I added this info to the notes in the comments

[@BrandonF80]

@@justinbuice of course brotha, my pleasure

[@grunter92]

Yeah I’m gonna have to be doing this soon lol

[@512adms7]

Very well done video

[@justinbuice]

Thank you!

[@ruufiss9922]

i have an f30, and kies motorsports told me that i could buy the f32 ones if i just need the front ones

[@justinbuice]

That might work. Although Im not 100% sure if the F32 are the same shape

[@The_journeyy]

Yes that needs to be fixed that's just nasty 😮

[@Bonbloc]

man i thought it was just me who had this issue, but on the other hand, it seems like a hassle to get them replaced aswell..

[@steved5700]

Yo I was ready to go lose my mind at the dealership I just bought my car from second hand. 4 months after buying this happened to me and I thought they had put some crap on to hide something 😂😂

[@justinbuice]

lol it's super common. I think every BMW with this type of handle will eventually have the issue

[@HotDogSlayer]

I live in texas and during the summer that door makes it look like my passenger went to the tar pits.

[@Saielb]

Had this on my 335, wife hated it lol

[@Edwin-km4xk]

Glad the e90 doesn’t have those on the driver’s door. I mostly drive it by myself so it mustn’t be an issue for me

[@justinbuice]

My E90 had an issue with the door rubber, but I remember it peeling rather than melting. When that happens, A lot of E90 owners will just peel all of it off. I wish that was possible with the F30 but it seems they made it even worse.

[@ron8566]

There is a simpler solution. There are aftermarket covers that snap over the OE door handles.

[@redrobotdubz]

Just did this for my e90 passenger door. Silly but hopefully get another 150k miles out of this door handle now lol

[@justinbuice]

Nice! was the process the same?

[@justinbuice]

My E90 had a similar issue but I remember them peeling rather than melting

[@redrobotdubz]

@justinbuice yep basically same process. remove panel, drill out old plastic solder point, replace with new carrier handle and I used some JB weld to hold the handle plastic connections to the door in place

[@AgeChanee]

damn there's no door handle for 5 series ?

[@thefirebirdman8370]

Dude. Just noticed this on the drivers side door of my 2018 M550i. So annoying. Does anyone make a replacement for my car?

[@justinbuice]

I’m not aware of any aftermarket replacements like the ones I got but Im sure someone makes them. A friend of mine got these covers that cover over the rubber part of the door handle www.ebay.com/itm/225525099299?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1L5TGSwKkRiSDKcZzNqCcig25&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=225525099299&targetid=1644837434523&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9016833&poi=&campaignid=20125739985&mkgroupid=149128855676&rlsatarget=pla-1644837434523&abcId=9312975&merchantid=423909746&gbraid=0AAAAAD_QDh_WI0UMgbtEUBCehvPD-C25k&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlpCEn-LGgQMVpUd_AB2h-wFaEAQYASABEgJydfD_BwE

[@Vazata28]

Nice watch

[@naziur]

I was thinking how tf you know I have sticky door handle before I clicked this

[@justinbuice]

😂

[@davontaylor7726]

That’s wild just happened to me 😂

[@triqvert9406]

There are cutouts on the bottom side of the handle cover (very base and middle of it), that's where you should start taking them off, and NOT from the top, as you did, this way you will most definitely do some damage =| One question - do we have lighting over window switch ? it starts in a gray plastic "thingy" near the rivets, that hold the handle?

[@justinbuice]

Good call! I did notice that afterward. On mine, the only thing that got damaged was the part I was replacing, but maybe the carbon fiber is more resilient than aluminum or some of the other trims. As far as the lighting over the window switch, I believe only the LCI cars will have that

[@djrebirth116]

Omg Justin.... Bro. Smh. Timely!!!!!!!!!!!

[@christianmurphy5335]

CRAZY... I do love this guy but you can buy carbon fiber covers that just pop right onto the back of the door handle. I paid 12 for a pair and it took about 10 seconds to install one. DON'T DO WHAT THIS FELLOW SAYS!

[@daniellefree7971]

Mine is everyone ask what is that on my hand

[@lyonesslife9354]

Why is this even a thing. Can they not upgrade the material? I wrap napkins on my bf car door handle.

[@attilakohbor3360]

It is not the door handle the issue , it is bmw itself 😂

[@justinbuice]

You’re not wrong 🤣

[@attilakohbor3360]

thank you , i almost fell for the brand in your age , addictive for sure

[@Imunderpar4win]

Back of my steering wheel is disgusting - so annoying

[@micp0760]

Unfortunately, I don't have my F30 anymore but there is a website of just about every BMW spare part imaginable. There is a part that is hard durable plastic that snaps right over the back part of that crummy handle and looks great. So, if you want, do that and save yourself some work. Someone, somewhere is enjoying that on my old car!

[@thomashazell9944]

Feel like this is how new rattles are created

[@sabolou34]

Too much work man. I’d rather just wear gloves 😂

[@justinbuice]

Do any G chassis owners have this issue yet? 😅

[@kc2213]

Fortunately, BMW did away with the nasty soft touch coatings that melt in the G chassis cars (at least for the g20)

[@NotGunzo]

Too bad they are literally always out of stock smh

[@Roohallah7]

Bra

[@ivaluska]

So, apparently, this has been happening for years, and BMW hasn't lifted a finger to solve it? Another reason why my next car will be a Tesla.

[@justinbuice]

Yup. My 2006 3 series had the same problem

[@justinbuice]

Tesla has a issues of their own. Be sure to do a lot of research before you commit to one.

[@ivaluska]

@@justinbuice Thanks for the heads-up. I've been subscribed to your channel now for 5 years since I bought my 2014 3-series. I have had no issues so far, BUT.... I have been following Tesla since 2012, and have researched the shit out of the company and its products to the point where I legitimately call myself an expert on the company. Yes, Tesla has had and continues to have customer service problems and build issues - you are right. What I love about it though is that they never sit still on the updates, making an average of 5 per day that are incorporated into the assembly line - they don't use the 5-year model of update that legacy auto uses, they are in constant iteration mode. So, I'm willing to live with a panel gap here and there when I know the more important safety, efficiency, and affordability issues are next level. I'm waiting until this summer when the udated model 3 comes to Canada and the US. Until then, I'll cruise around in my BMW - I have a beige interior... I wonder if that makes a difference on this problem you are talking about here?

[@ViewsofTheVI]

Did this stuff sucks so bad

[@schemkesa]

It's gross 😢

[@Hunter-wi3fg]

That’s an absurd amount of work for an interior door handle, I’ll stick with my 10$ covers lmao

[@justinbuice]

Nothing wrong with that! If it works, it works 😁