E32 door panel removal

Symptoms: problems with the window mechanism, door opening/locking mechanism, etc.

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

Performed on: '88 735i

Applies to: All E32 cars: 735i, 735iL, 740i, 740iL, 750iL

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 plastic door lock "pin" (or whatever it's called, that thing that moves up and down when you lock/unlock the door)
• Pry out the little light housing at the bottom (and disconnect its cable)
• Pry out the mirror buttons (and disconnect their cable)
• Pry out the 2 wood trim pieces
• Unscrew 1 screw under each wood trim piece
• Pull the whole panel straight out (pry it off on each side, then pull hard since there's one more clip in the center)
• Disconnect the door handle cable by pushing it down and tilting the panel slightly, you'll see which direction it needs to be tilted in