I've got this problem too. We are toward the end of our warranty so I'd like to get it taken care of. Is there a TSB out for this that I can point to when I take it in?

 

I don't know if there's a TSB but I do have an appointment with the dealer on Monday for that and my window not closing all the way before reversing and going all the way down again. grrrrr

 

As far as I know there is not a TSB but we do repair them here pretty often. The repair typically involves replacing the handle itself 51217198472 and 471.

-Sean

 

Thanks Sean!

I guess this mean the inner workings must be deteriorating somehow if the sticking handles cant just be lubricated and reinstalled.

 

You can try spraying a little spray lubricant between the handle latch and handle itself. They can gum u and stick. Also the lock mechanism can stick a little and then when you pull the handle its tight. Hit that with some lubricant also. from the lock side.



We have the handle here : make sure you get the correct one , there is in the stock chrome comfort access and non comfort access , the comfort access has the little button on the handle.

Stock chrome Handles:

Door Handle Chrome - Left Part # 51217198471

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51217198471/




&

Door Handle Chrome - Right Part # 51217198472

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51217198472/




-------------------------------------------------------------

Comfort access version

Door Handle Chrome - Left Part # 51212752577

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51212752577/

Comfort access version

Door Handle Chrome - Right ( passenger side ) Part # 51212752578

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51212752578/




Thanks and I hope that helps.

 

What kind of spray lubricant do you recommend? wd40, silicone, something else?


My driver's door latch opens with one finger, however the passenger side takes two hands.

 

I have used a quick shot of WD-40. Keep a clean soft rag handy to clean off the grip part ( so is not slippery to touch) and below the handle so it will not residue to the paint.

 

My Mini's driver door handle often sticks like it is described in this thread, especially in cold weather. I tried lubricating the mechanism, but it didn't help. Of course, the intuitive action is to squeeze or pull harder, but that only cinches the stuck latch parts more firmly. The solution is to PUSH on the door handle or even the door itself before squeezing the latch lever. That frees up whatever latch parts are getting stuck, and the door opens freely with only minimal handle squeezing needed.

 

Sounds like the lock mechanism ( lock actuator) is not aligned correctly on the jam and causes the handle to be very hard to squeeze. Hence you have to push the door in a bit to align it .

 

My 2013 R56 has the same issue. Squeeze the handle and nothing happens. Sometimes you have to squeeze and let go 15 to 20 times before the door opens. I called Mini and as I'm over the mileage (93k) ... I'm out of warranty. The car is not 3 years old yet, and the door handles don't work ... annoyed. Any idea of the cost to repair both door handles ?

 

Parts linked above, but you can shop around and find an indy mechanic. Did you check the actuators yet ?

 

My passenger door handle is hard to squeeze as well... Driver side is fine though.... Meh screw it... Passengers can struggle not my problem lol

 

ECSTuning, Thanks !
How do I check the actuators ?

 

Maybe its the cable which has stretched. Its quite a bit of work but taking it a part and putting a spacer at the cable end might do the trick. Ive done that on old cars with malfunctioning trunk latches.

That plus some grease is way cheaper than a new door latch.

 

I bought my 2008 clubman 2 yrs ago and notice 6 months later just a few times ever so often when I auto unlocked I squeezed the handle and it wouldn't open no many how many times I tried. I would then lock and do it over and eventually, it would open. It's now progressively as of yesterday getting to the point that I have to get into the passenger side and open the driver door. I just had my car serviced and he said it's, of course, a lengthy job tearing the whole door out to lubricate the cable/chain whatever is in there. He said if you are there replace the whole thing as it will dry out again. He quoted me roughly 325.00 to do it, do you think that's a reasonable price? I live in CA where the weather is hot summer & cold in winter.

 

Problem since day 1 on many of these. New handles don't always solve the issue.

 

If that includes the new door handle mechanism then it's a fair price. 2 hours labor plus approx $100 for the door handle. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/51212752577/

 

How difficult is it to get to the mechanism in order to apply lubricant? Would I have to remove the door panel? Anything else? Which part do I spray? The cable piece or the square piece just inside the handle?

 

I've never lubed it. see here for replacement instructions.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

 

Has anyone (else) lubricated the mechanism? Where exactly does it need to be sprayed?

 

Hose the handle where it pivots and the door actuator itself inside where the moving parts are exposed. If still no go then they will need to be replaced.