How to Remove the Rear Door Panel From My 2001 BMW 330xi

The 2001 BMW 3 Series cars have a larger 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder engine, which provides increased power over the 2.8 liter engine used in the 2000 models. An all-wheel-drive option was also available on 330xi cars, enabling you to put extra power to the wheels when it is needed most. The 330xi came with a host of power accessories, including power windows and power locks. The interior panels on the rear doors can be removed to access the inner workings of these accessories or to replace the panel itself.

Instructions

Door Panel Removal

1

Open the rear door. Insert the special tool behind the end of the plastic trim piece that runs horizontally along the top edge of the door panel. Gently pry out on the tool to release the retaining clip. Pry out on the trim to release the three remaining clips -- which are spaced evenly along the trim piece -- in the same manner. Remove trim piece and place it aside.

2

Remove the two screws from the door panel revealed after the trim piece was removed with a Torx T-20 screwdriver. Make a note of where the screws came from as they are different sizes.

3

Pry the two screw caps from the front edge of the door arm rest with the special tool. Remove the two screws revealed with the Torx T-20 screwdriver. Slide the special tool under the rear edge of the power window switch and pry upwards. Lift the switch upwards and unplug the wiring connector from its back side. Remove the screw in the cavity where the switch was removed with the Torx screwdriver, then remove the arm rest from the door.

4

Insert the special tool in between the door panel and the structural part of the door along the rear vertical side. Pry out on the tool to release the retaining clips. Work around both vertical sides and the bottom horizontal edge of the door panel to release all of the clips.

5

Grasp the door panel at the sides and pull it straight away from the door to release the retaining clips along the top horizontal edge of the panel. Hold the panel away from the door as far as the attached wires will allow. Pull the wiring connector straight out of the speaker. Use the special tool to pry the power window switch wiring from the retaining clip and the door handle cable from the clip on the back side of the panel. Remove the door panel from the door.

Door Panel Installation

6

Position the door panel a few inches away from the door. Push the door handle cable into the clip on the back of the door panel. Route the power window wiring through the switch opening through the back side of the panel. Push the wiring into the retaining clip on the back side of the cable. Push the speaker wiring connector into the terminal on the speaker on the back side of the panel.

7

Line up the tabs on the top edge of the door panel with the retaining clips on the door. Push the top of the panel inward until all the clips snap into place. Push along the sides and bottom of the door to engage the remaining clips in the same manner.

8

Position the arm rest onto the door panel and replace and tighten all three retaining screws. Plug the power window switch back into the wiring connector. Push the switch into its cavity on the arm rest until it snaps into place. Snap the screw covers back into place.

9

Replace the two screws at the top of the door panel and tighten them. Push the plastic trim piece back into position until all four clips snap into place. Close the door.