Genuine BMW E12 Left Front Exterior Door Handle Base – NOS – 51211808805

Genuine BMW New Old Stock base mechanism for the left-front exterior door handle fitted to the BMW 5 Series E12.

This mechanism is mounted behind the exterior chrome door handle and forms its mounting and operating base. It includes the original spring-loaded mechanism shown in the photographs.

The exterior chrome handle, lock cylinder and connecting rods are separate components and are not included.

Product details

• Product: Exterior door-handle base
• Alternative description: Door-handle backing mechanism
• Manufacturer: Genuine BMW
• BMW part number: 51211808805
• Formatted BMW number: 51 21 1 808 805
• Short reference number: 1808805
• Installation position: Front left door
• Side: Physical left-hand side
• BMW diagram position: 5
• Material: Zinc-plated steel
• Condition: New Old Stock
• Quantity supplied: One

On left-hand-drive vehicles, this is normally the driver’s side. On right-hand-drive vehicles, it is normally the passenger side.

Vehicle compatibility

Suitable for the BMW 5 Series E12, including:

• BMW 518
• BMW 518i
• BMW 520
• BMW 520i
• BMW 525
• BMW 528
• BMW 528i
• BMW 530i
• BMW 535i
• BMW M535i
• Additional market-specific E12 versions using the corresponding exterior door-handle system

The classic BMW parts catalogue lists this component for the E12 model range.

Always verify the BMW part number, installation side, mounting points and existing door-handle mechanism before ordering.

BMW and associated part numbers

• 51211808805 – Left-front exterior door-handle base
• 51 21 1 808 805 – Formatted BMW catalogue number
• 1808805 – Short BMW reference number
• 51211808806 – Corresponding right-front door-handle base; not included
• 51211808440 – Exterior chrome door handle; not included
• 51216742120 – Associated distance rubber; not included

BMW part number 51211808805 has been discontinued and is becoming increasingly difficult to find as a genuine unused component.

Condition

Genuine BMW New Old Stock item that has never been installed.

Due to its age and long-term storage, the following may be present:

• Storage dust and cosmetic marks
• Discolouration of the original zinc-plated finish
• Light surface oxidation on the spring and moving components
• Dried or aged factory lubricant
• Ageing, tearing and staining of the original paper label and packaging

The spring-loaded mechanism has not been function-tested. It should be inspected, cleaned and lubricated before installation.

Supplied exactly as shown in the photographs.

Included

• One genuine BMW left-front door-handle base
• Original spring-loaded mechanism
• Attached operating lever and mounting plate
• Original paper identification label and packaging shown

The exterior chrome handle, lock cylinder, connecting rods, clips, rubber spacers, mounting hardware and right-hand mechanism are not included.

Installation recommendation

Before installation:

• Confirm that the vehicle is a BMW E12
• Verify that the left-front mechanism is required
• Compare all mounting holes and lever positions with the original part
• Inspect the spring, pivot and operating lever
• Remove old grease and storage contamination
• Lubricate the moving components with a suitable door-lock lubricant
• Inspect the connecting rods, clips and rubber spacers
• Check that the exterior handle moves freely after installation
• Test the door opening and locking functions before closing the door completely

Installation should preferably be performed by someone familiar with classic BMW door and locking mechanisms.

Storage location: 202