DIY: BMW E39 Front Door Panel Removal

Video tutorial on how to remove the front door panel on a BMW E39. The video does cover on the removal of the driver's side door panel, the only difference with the passenger side is that you won't have a large main window switch panel to be removed, but rather just a single small switch that is similarly clipped in. This particular car I am working with here today is a 1997 BMW 540i sedan.

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Tools/Supplies Needed:
-small standard/flat screwdriver
-standard/flat screwdriver
-phillips screwdriver
-nylon wedge trim tool
-tape
-socket set

Procedure:
-disconnect your battery first as we will be working around an area equipped with an airbag
-remove the main window switch panel using a standard screwdriver, wrap the tip in tape so it doesn’t scratch the door or plastic and slowly work it around the edge of the switch panel
-once the panel is far enough out, use your hands to remove the rest
-on the backside there will be three electrical connectors which need to be removed
-first one disconnects by placing a standard screwdriver on the side and pulling the slide clip over while pulling the plug out at the same time
-next two connecters needs to have the small tab depressed, then slide the lever over and pull up on the connector at the same time as well
-tuck the wires into the hole once done so the connectors won’t bind up during removal
-unscrew the lock cap
-unclip the door light on the bottom of the panel from the backside, unplug the electrical connector and feed the wire back into the hole
-remove the phillips screw inside the vent by the door jam
-using a small standard screwdriver wrapped with some tape so it won’t scratch the plastic, remove the plastic cap in the door handle pocket
-remove the phillips screw hidden behind that cap
-using the nylon trim tool, pop it in between the door panel and door assembly, then slowly work it around and unsnap the clips along the sides and bottom
-lift the panel upwards, there will be a snap clip in behind the pull handle which can be slide out of it’s place
-feed the plastic handle casing through the hole
-the top of the panel just unclips from the top and the chrome trim stays in place on the door
-disconnect the memory switch panel electrical connector
-disconnect the speaker wiring
-remove the window switch panel wiring from the hole
-remove the wire from the light on the bottom of the door panel
-the clip from the handle does need to be removed for door panel installation which is done by using needle nose pliers to depress the metal spring clip and remove the plastic portion, then slide it back onto the door panel

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