Easiest door card removal method?

[Johnny2R]

Little bit of irony here...Was refitting the passenger door mirror using the method which doesn't involve having to take the door card off (just detaching the window trim instead), and on the very last turn of the little spanner I was using for the bolts, it slipped out of my hand and dropped down behind the door card!

So now I have to remove the door card anyway to retrieve the spanner (worried about it rattling, more than the loss of a spanner as such). I've seen a few HowTos here. What's the easiest, most fool-proof method? The sort of method which would work for a person who would, say, drop a spanner down behind his door card?

[T-Cut]

Even though door card removal gets discussed regularly, I'm so far unable to find a comprehensive How To on their removal. There's a very detailed How To Refit guide, but obviously you have to get it off first. having said that I'm sure there is guidance buried in the various threads on the topic. I found it pretty straight forward once you're aware of the tricks.

As I recall, for the front doors this involved:
1. Remove self-tapper (under a press-in trim cap) holding the chrome door release handle. Remove handle by pushing it backwards to free the front end first. Unhook the release cable that's attached. There's another screw near the upper edge at the vent ducting.
2. Use a trim clip lifter to detach all the peripheral press-in clips by wedging it between the card and the door body. There's a single fir tree type at the upper outer corner. Have some spare clips handy as they often snap on removal.
3. Grasp the door pull and briskly lift the card vertically. This releases the central clips. If you pull it towards you, the clips will snap (as per Haynes method). The clips are retained on the door after sliding off a metal bracket attached to the card.
4. Door wiring harness is attached to card so needs careful handling. If necessary, the window switch unit can be lifted from the arm rest and unplugged.

Refitting is basically the reverse, but the central clips must be detached from the door tongues and fitted back into the metal bracket. To get the clips off, use long nosed pliers to release the barbs holding them to door tongues. The upper edge of the card needs carefully clipping back to get a good fit. With upper edge located, press central clips into position and refit all the edge clips, cable hook and handle, screws. I think that's it but someone will correct me where it's wrong.

TC

[Johnny2R]

Use a trim clip lifter to detach all the peripheral press-in clips by wedging it between the card and the door body.

I don't have a trim clip lifter, and a search on here doesn't reveal what one is. Is it a specialised tool, or could I make do with something?

[hogweed]

I don't have a trim clip lifter, and a search on here doesn't reveal what one is. Is it a specialised tool, or could I make do with something?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5PCE-CAR-DOOR-PANEL-TRIM-CLIP-REMOVAL-PLIERS-UPHOLSTERY-REMOVER-PRY-BAR-TOOLS-/331341018954?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4d2576b74a

[Johnny2R]

Thanks, I've ordered the tool. Will no doubt be handy in future for when I drop other things down behind the door card.

[bubs]

Do you have a magnetic extension tool? Just a magnet on the lend of a telescopic rod, you might be able to fish it out from the gap you dropped it in.

[hogweed]

Thanks, I've ordered the tool. Will no doubt be handy in future for when I drop other things down behind the door card.

Oh, you've been emulating my style of doing things have you :duh:

I would recommend wrapping a layer of duct tape round the ends to stop the tool scratching your paint ;)

[T-Cut]

Replacement door card clips.
It's usually recommended to buy the white versions made for BMW trim. There's always plenty available on eBay for a fraction of the OEM (red) price.
Search this: BMW E36 M3 M5 E30 E46 E32 door card panel clips

TC

[freddie]

Hi Jonny.
To remove door card.
1. Prise up door switch using wide blade screw driver ,Disconnect plugs.
2.Prises out small plastic cover in centre of door pull ,take out screw.
3.t
Theres another screw in side the the warm air duct top left of your door.
Stick a bit of rag in the hole that goes into the door screw bound to fall down there.
3. Using the screwdriver stating at the bottom corner just start prising of the door card once a few are unclipped get your hands behind with a sharp tug out wards all the way round till ther all loose.
4 Holding the door handle pull up sharply , door card should lift of.
The door pull does not need to be disconected ,if you turn it 90°
IT will go through the hole.( donnt forget to put it back through the hole when you put card back on)

Hope this helps.

Best information .
About card Here.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=79190

[Johnny2R]

Thanks, Freddie. How much time would you, personally, allocate to getting the door card off and back on again (I'll probably double or triple that amount to get a realistic time figure for myself)?

[freddie]

Thanks, Freddie. How much time would you, personally, allocate to getting the door card off and back on again (I'll probably double or triple that amount to get a realistic time figure for myself)?
Easy 10 min off with tea break.
Twelve minutes to put on with a swear break.

[GeoffWW]

One thing not mentioned yet is an inner grey-coloured weather/sound deadening cover stuck on all the way around the inner perimeter edge of the door with a "soft" black bitumen glue. Be careful with the cover as it tears easily.

To remove your dropped spanner just free the outer edge of the cover at the bottom corner above where your spanner fell through by cutting upwards through the soft rubber along the bottom edge at the front end, with a Stanley knife or similar sharp blade until you have freed enough to get your hand in and retrieve the spanner.

Once spanner retrieved, just press the cover/bitumen back on the door before replacing the door card as indicated by the others before.

[freddie]

I missed out one bit of information to remove the door handle.
Once you have taken the screw out of the handle (which could be a tight fit)
First push it backwards and unhook it from the front ,Then push it forwards to release the handle.

Willing to give you a hand if you want.
Let me know Free Sat afternoon or Sunday weather could be a factor
Dont like standing in the rain:D

[Dorset Bob]

I took a few shots when I last removed a door card which might help (or not:D)

Pop the electric window switch out. I used an old credit card to avoid damage to the trim.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0124_zps5e8faef5.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0124_zps5e8faef5.jpg.html)

Remove and disconnect the wiring plug for the switch.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0125_zps43d062cd.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0125_zps43d062cd.jpg.html)

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0126_zpsb23bcc9f.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0126_zpsb23bcc9f.jpg.html)

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0127_zps9069021b.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0127_zps9069021b.jpg.html)

Remove blanking plug, and the central screw on the interior door handle.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0128_zps10b5b933.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0128_zps10b5b933.jpg.html)

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0130_zpsa1724b2d.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0130_zpsa1724b2d.jpg.html)

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0133_zps900d5d5f.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0133_zps900d5d5f.jpg.html)

As Freddie says, I found it easier to not disconnect the handle, as it will push through the hole in the door card. ;)

Pop the trim off. Much easier using the trim removal tool.
Not a good shot, but I used some plastic to save marking the paint.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0134_zps58cb323b.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0134_zps58cb323b.jpg.html)

Once the clips are released, pull the door card out and up to remove.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0137_zps25dc628b.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0137_zps25dc628b.jpg.html)

Here is the inner membrane.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0141_zps6ee3cc45.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0141_zps6ee3cc45.jpg.html)

Use a sharp knife to cut through the adhesive. Be careful, it can tear easily. My adhesive was still very tacky, even at 14 years old, and it stuck back again without a problem.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0142_zps9632c4bc.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0142_zps9632c4bc.jpg.html)

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0144_zpsab7dbe04.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0144_zpsab7dbe04.jpg.html)

To get the spanner out, I would just remove part of the bottom, and as suggested use a telescopic magnet.

I got one from Screwfix for about £4.00

Good luck, once you have done it once it is a doddle. ;)

:}

[freddie]

I took a few shots when I last removed a door card which might help (or not:D)

Pop the electric window switch out. I used an old credit card to avoid damage to the trim.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0124_zps5e8faef5.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0124_zps5e8faef5.jpg.html)

Remove and disconnect the wiring plug for the switch.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0125_zps43d062cd.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0125_zps43d062cd.jpg.html)

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0126_zpsb23bcc9f.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0126_zpsb23bcc9f.jpg.html)

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0127_zps9069021b.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0127_zps9069021b.jpg.html)

Remove blanking plug, and the central screw on the interior door handle.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0128_zps10b5b933.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0128_zps10b5b933.jpg.html)

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0130_zpsa1724b2d.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0130_zpsa1724b2d.jpg.html)

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0133_zps900d5d5f.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0133_zps900d5d5f.jpg.html)

As Freddie says, I found it easier to not disconnect the handle, as it will push through the hole in the door card. ;)

Pop the trim off. Much easier using the trim removal tool.
Not a good shot, but I used some plastic to save marking the paint.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0134_zps58cb323b.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0134_zps58cb323b.jpg.html)

Once the clips are released, pull the door card out and up to remove.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0137_zps25dc628b.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0137_zps25dc628b.jpg.html)

Here is the inner membrane.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0141_zps6ee3cc45.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0141_zps6ee3cc45.jpg.html)

Use a sharp knife to cut through the adhesive. Be careful, it can tear easily. My adhesive was still very tacky, even at 14 years old, and it stuck back again without a problem.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0142_zps9632c4bc.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0142_zps9632c4bc.jpg.html)

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p636/rshinks/IMG_0144_zpsab7dbe04.jpg (http://s1159.photobucket.com/user/rshinks/media/IMG_0144_zpsab7dbe04.jpg.html)

To get the spanner out, I would just remove part of the bottom, and as suggested use a telescopic magnet.

I got one from Screwfix for about £4.00

Good luck, once you have done it once it is a doddle. ;)

:}


Good pictures Bob allways forget to take some when pictures when I do things.
As you say once you have done it the second time is a piece of cake.

Need to take mine of again shortly logo puddle light stopped working suspect bulb.

Forggetting Johnny only wants to get spanner out might get away with
just lifting door card at one corner.

[Johnny2R]

I missed out one bit of information to remove the door handle.
Once you have taken the screw out of the handle (which could be a tight fit)
First push it backwards and unhook it from the front ,Then push it forwards to release the handle.

Willing to give you a hand if you want.
Let me know Free Sat afternoon or Sunday weather could be a factor
Dont like standing in the rain:D

Thanks for the offer, Freddie, much appreciated! I'm busy this weekend, alas. But my current plan at the moment anyway is now to chicken out and do nothing! Having been out for a couple of drives, the spanner doesn't seem to be rattling, which was my fear. In a couple of weeks time I'm going to see Jeff (Coolcat) who'll be taking the door cards off anyway to fit new speakers, so I'll retrieve my spanner then. Maybe I'll learn a thing or two then from watching him.

[freddie]

Thanks for the offer, Freddie, much appreciated! I'm busy this weekend, alas. But my current plan at the moment anyway is now to chicken out and do nothing! Having been out for a couple of drives, the spanner doesn't seem to be rattling, which was my fear. In a couple of weeks time I'm going to see Jeff (Coolcat) who'll be taking the door cards off anyway to fit new speakers, so I'll retrieve my spanner then. Maybe I'll learn a thing or two then from watching him.

OK

Was going to say when you had got the door card no need to disturb membrane just take out the speaker,big enough hole to get hand in.

[freddie]

the spanner doesn't seem to be rattling, which was my fear " quote"


Could be the spanner has stuck to the magnet of the speaker/
Good result if it has.

[Johnny2R]

the spanner doesn't seem to be rattling, which was my fear " quote"


Could be the spanner has stuck to the magnet of the speaker/
Good result if it has.

Yes, hadn't thought of that. I hope my recent work on the mirror was effective, because I haven't got the spanner I need to remove it now, if it turns out not to have been!