X3 door latch problem solved.

Honeybadger · Sep 14, 2020

Today I was working on upgrading my door release handles and discovered my door latches were loose, closer inspection revealed a design flaw in the latch.

As you can see in this image the rivets that hold the lock assembly together and on the vehicle have raised head which makes for poor contact area.

The pic below shows the air gap between the latch and door frame and the wear that occurs from movement.

To solve this issue In install washers around the assembly rivets approximately the same thickness of the rivet to improve contact area.

I also added the same diameter washers to the back side of the latch and applied blue thread lock.

This combined with a door adjustment has resolved my latch concerns. YMMV

Honeybadger · Sep 14, 2020

Though the latches seem to be working flawlessly at this time I still use a back up.

For this I used a Carabiner strap material and and an Axia Alloys 1 inch clamp.
I attache the strap to the screw on the side of the dash and the Axia clamp to the door frame.

JDBPFLYER · Sep 14, 2020

If you get the door strut kit from Scott_F here on the forum you wouldn’t need a strap. Send him a PM you’ll be glad you did.

Clkwrkornge · Sep 14, 2020

You should still run the strap with the strut kit. Takes one fat ass bumping into it to snap that strut off.

JDBPFLYER · Sep 14, 2020

Haven’t had the problem ....... yet.

Honeybadger · Sep 18, 2020

I have been running straps since day one, because the one and only time I borrowed a freinds X3 the door flew open.
The guy I borrowed the car from is as good as friends get, and wasn't concerned about the damage.

That being said I had the door skin and strap replaced within a few days.

H.B.

mstrav73 · Sep 18, 2020

Honeybadger said:
That being said I had the door skin and strap replaced within a few days.

H.B.

that is the proper way to borrow stuff, no questions asked for repairs regardless why / how etc.... I am same way, and I always have it done quickly. I also run a never loan shit to list in my head as some people are def bad borrows and most important the X3 gets loaned to nobody, not even to just drive to the bathroom.

X3 door latch problem solved.

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