BMW E36 Forum

Car=1995 BMW 318is

Hello - I am unable to open the door from the outside on the driver's side. Opening the door from the inside works just fine. I removed the door panel to try and take a look. I am clueless as to how this door handle actually works.

Also, recently i noticed resistance on the OTHER door (from the outside) Although the door will still open from the outside the handle sticks out when I open the door. I have to push it back in after opening the door.

If I remember correctly, this problem was the beginning that soon stopped me from opening the door on the driver's side. So, I'm just guessing that I will soon be unable to get in either door soon!

Any help is greatly appreciated (more than you know).

Hi Brian,

I used to have the same problem. The driver's door will open from the inside, but not from outside, it won't unless I push it inside hard then try again. I recall that I solved the problem by puting some oil in the door latch. I hope it'd work for you as well.

Take the door card off on the inside of the door and where the handle is there should be a metal bar running down to the locking mechanism and that may have snapped or simply just come undone. Check the door handle end and the locking mechanism end aswel.