BMW X1 F48 - how to replace the door handle trim, by Drive&Discover on YouTube. 6 min 34 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 34 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Open the door and look at the inner handle trim. Check how the trim sits against the door card and where it meets the handle opening.
Work a plastic trim removal tool under the edge of the old trim. Pry gently and evenly around the edge until the clips start to release.
Pull the old sticky trim away by hand once it is loose. Keep the clips and any small parts, since the new trim may reuse them.
Clean the handle area with a cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Remove all sticky rubber residue so the new trim sits flat.
Compare the new trim with the old one. Check the clip positions and the handle opening line up before you fit it.
Line up the new trim on the door card. Press the clips in one at a time, starting at one end and working around the edge.
Push firmly along the whole trim until it clicks into place. Check the edges are flush with the door card and the handle moves freely.
Repeat on the other doors if their trim is also sticky or peeling. Test the handle from inside and outside before you close the door.
Tips and common mistakes
Warm the old trim slightly with a hairdryer to soften the sticky rubber before prying.
Use plastic tools only, since a metal screwdriver can scratch the door card or paint.
Wear gloves if the old rubber coating is very sticky, as it smears easily.
Buy trim clips spare, because old plastic clips often break when removed.
Questions
Why does the door handle trim go sticky?
The soft-touch rubber coating breaks down with heat, sunlight and hand contact. It turns tacky and starts to peel off the plastic underneath.
Can I just clean the sticky coating off instead of replacing the trim?
You can rub the coating off with isopropyl alcohol and a cloth, but the bare plastic may look dull. A new trim gives a cleaner finish.
Do I need to remove the door card?
No. The trim is held by clips on the door card and can be pried off from the inside of the door.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
