Help needed: E36 rear door card removal

[Cider Andy]

Following a momentary lapse of logic on my part, my mate's E36 estate now has a rear passenger door that cannot be opened. Basically, the oustide handle isn't working and after my engaging the child lock (don't ask), the inside handle isn't working either...

So. It looks to me like I need to remove the door card. With the door closed.

Is this the correct approach?
Can it be done?
If so, how?
Or should I be attacking the problem a different way?

[Leptons]

I think you're looking at destroying the door card tbh. I can't see any other way!

[Cevert1973]

I've taken the door cards off mine numerous times as the leccy window actuators are prone to break. It's an easy task. Remove the screws in the door pull, unscrew the lock button, remove the trim on the inner handle and then ease the clips out of their holes gently. Gently is the key word! I am sure there is a tool to remove the clips, but to be honest, I haven't broken one yet. Good luck

[Leptons]

Cevert1973 said:

I've taken the door cards off mine numerous times as the leccy window actuators are prone to break. It's an easy task. Remove the screws in the door pull, unscrew the lock button, remove the trim on the inner handle and then ease the clips out of their holes gently. Gently is the key word! I am sure there is a tool to remove the clips, but to be honest, I haven't broken one yet. Good luck

Indeed. Of course you had the advantage of being able to open the door!

[Cider Andy]

Thanks all, it's pretty much what I expected. The car's currently 250 miles away but he's coming up in it this afternoon. I'll check out the card on the door that does open, then see if I can do the other side without taking out the seat base.

If anyone wants a 2.8 engine, that might be the only thing of any value left on it when I've finished my butchery course.

[4rephill]

Any use to you?: http://www.bmwhistory.com/door-stuck-actuator-dead...

[Cider Andy]

4rephill said:

Any use to you?: http://www.bmwhistory.com/door-stuck-actuator-dead...

Great link, thank you. Had the panel off in minutes with only one broken clip, with the door closed and the back seat in situ.

[4rephill]

Cider Andy said:

Great link, thank you. Had the panel off in minutes with only one broken clip, with the door closed and the back seat in situ.

Glad to hear you got it sorted and it wasn't quite the nightmare that some were bracing you for!