From digest.v7.n3 Thu Jul 24 13:55:17 1997
From: "Ganess, Sean" <sg04537_at_imcnam.sbi.com>
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 1997 12:28:29 -0400
Subject: Ray Dormany's Query on e36 door panel removal

Just wanted to relay my experiences removing the front door panels on my '97 M3 sedan. I elected to leave the mirror control in the door and disconnected it from the back of the panel after the door panel was free. I figure that one less this to pry means one less this that could possibly get damaged. There is enough slack wire to get to the back of the control and disconnect it.

The plastic door lock handle was screwed on to the door lock rod in my car. Might want to try unscrewing it first so you don't mess up the threads.

I slipped one of those annoying subscription cards from a magazine between the door panel and the metal door frame, then a 3 inch spackling knife (to distribute the force of the screwdriver) between the card and the panel and then a screwdriver between the knife and the door panel. Not one nick on the metal or the panel. Once you get one of the plastic fasteners to release the panel, you can use your hands to pop the others off.

> ----------
> From: madsman_at_ix.netcom.com
> Date: Thu, 24 Jul 1997 09:38:21 -0500 (CDT)
> Subject: Ray Dormany's Query on e36 door panel removal
>
> Ray,
>
> This is for an E36 coupe..I would imagine that the sedan is similar.
>
> The door panel comes off fairly easily..first, slide the trim plate
> around the interior driver's door handle towards the front of the car,
> about 1/4 inch or so ( it snaps into place near the door handle hinge
> ). Then remove the two plugs behind the grab handle on the armrest (
> gently, with a screwdriver or a butterknife ), exposing the two hex
> head screws behind the plugs). I don't recall if their torx or allen
> head, so be prepared for either..
>
> Now pry the mirror control out of the door panel ( it comes out very
> easily )and disconnect the harness.
>
> Once you've removed the two screws, pull the lock button straight up
> and off the lock rod. If it doesn't budge , I 've found a vice grips
> with a cloth in the jaws helpful, along with very light pressure on
> the grips<g>.
>
> Now, you may either grasp the edges of the door panel and pull, or pry
> the panel away from the bottom of the door with some sort of
> lever..the first time I did mine, I used a screwdriver with electrical
> tape wrapped around the blade, to avoid scratching the door...the
> second time, I just yanked it off...remember, if you yank it, that the
> speaker wires are still attatched,
> and they don't have a whole lot of play in them...after the panel is
> separated from the door, unhook the speaker harness<s>.
>
> Once you've removed the door panel, you'll see a grey piece of
> insulation..gently peel it back ( it's attached with globs of reusable
> adhesive )and lay it down somewhere where it won't get stepped on..and
> you're in!
>
> Good luck, and sorry I can't help you with the climate control..that's
> way beyone me.

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