Who has removed a door panel?

[matt20043.0]

I am planning on removing my drivers-side door panel on the X3 Thursday. Is there anything special I should be aware of before I do this? I have removed door panels before, but not on the X3.

[peoe2]

I've removed my X3 door panels, it's pretty easy. When you remove it, just don't pull it all the way at first since there are a bunch of cables in the back for the electric switch for the window, the airbag etc.. There is a paper barrier attached to the door for noise reduction so if you pull the panel too far, it will pull the cables and damage the paper barrier.

Other than that it's pretty straightforward. Start pulling from the bottom, then move your way to the side then the top.

Edit: It goes without saying that you need to remove the screws before pulling the panel. 1 screw under the arm rest (under the round plastic cover), 1 screw under the airbag plastic cover, 1 screw by the door handle behind the plastic cover, 1 screw (or 2) behind the door trim.

[matt20043.0]

Thanks for the help.

[broknlgs24]

having recently removed the door panels in my X5,
i highly suggest buying the proper tool for the job also.

[phuksi]

Originally Posted by matt20043.0

I am planning on removing my drivers-side door panel on the X3 Thursday. Is there anything special I should be aware of before I do this? I have removed door panels before, but not on the X3.

Hope this helps.

- p

[matt20043.0]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate it. I was trying to find the last screws. That diagram was great.

[nrigroom]

Saw that you folks removed your door panels. I had to do this recently to fix vapor barrier water leaks on both my right doors. However, I have a problem with both door locks after I put the panels back. The little door lock black retangular knobby thingys now don't come all the way up. They're depressed by half an inch or so relative to where they should be. The front one works but the rear one also sticks occaisionally. I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. Is there a trick to putting the panels back that I'm missing?
TIA!!