E46 M3 door card/panel removal

Step 1 Identify the screws

• The door card is held securely in place with 5 screws.
• Keep in mind the door card has up to 3 wire bundles attached to it. Be careful when removing it! Be prepared to support it while dealing with the wires.
Step 2 Remove screw covers



• Using a spudger, work off the cap of the first screw. The cap is tight; you may need a jimmy or metal spudger.
• Using the flat end of a spudger, remove the airbag emblem. The emblem has clips on the top and bottom -- work carefully.
Step 3 Remove bolts
• Using a T20 Torx driver with extension, remove all 5 bolts.
Step 4 Remove mirror control
• If you're working on the driver side door, remove the mirror control module. Disconnect it from its wiring plug.
Step 5 Pop door card clips
• Using a trim tool or similar, begin at the bottom of the door card and pop the card away from the door frame.
• After you've released the bottom clips, work your way around.
• You will need to lift the door card from the door frame in order to fully release it. Be careful!
Step 6
• Disconnect the following from the door panel:
• Unlocking cable
• Speaker cable(s)
• Set the door panel aside.
Step 7 Door panel removed!
• The door panel is now removed.
• You will see the airbag module, vapor barrier, and other components.

Author

Dom Santangelo

Member since: 09/19/16

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