E21 door panel removal

Symptoms: problems with the door lock, handle, window mechanism, etc.

Goal: remove and reinstall the door panel without breaking anything.

Performed on: '83 320is

Applies to: All E21 cars: 320i, 320is, 315, 316, 318i, 323i

Disclaimer: I do not assume any responsibility for the correctness of these instructions or their applicability to the specified models. Use at your own risk! Also, use commons sense, don't do stupid things.

Instructions

• Unscrew the philips screws at the bottom of the door handle (2 on the driver's door and 3 on the passenger-side).
  
• On the driver's door, pull back the chrome plastic part at the top of the door handle and unscrew the last screw under it. Don't lose the metal plate under that screw - it'll easily fall off after you take the screw out. After the door handle is off, take off the screw that holds the door open lever and remove the lever. The passenger's door has a different chrome cover, but the idea is the same - pry it out and unscrew the screw under it.
  
  
  
  
• Pull up the window roller cover with your fingers (or a screwdriver). Then unscrew the screw under the cover and remove the window roller.
  
  
• Pry out the power mirror switch (if you have one) and unplug the electric connector.
  
• Pry out the bottom and sides of the entire door panel. It's held back by push-in plastic clips.
  
  
• Slide the door panel straight up and it will come off.
  
• See my other write-up on taking out the door lock if necessary. This is also a good time to fix your window regular if necessary.
• Reinstallation is the reverse of removal. When putting the panel back on, start by sliding the top part down onto the door frame (look at the back of the door panel - it's pretty obvious how it's supposed to attach to the top of the door frame. When reinstalling the driver-side door handle, don't forget the little metal plate behind the top screw.