Door Mechanism - But can't remove panel - HELP!
 

I have a problem with my drivers door mechanism. I bought it with this problem privately thinking it would just needa new assembly and I'd be on my way..

Anyways, I went to take off the panel, and the hex bolt that is in the handle (that you use to pull the door shut), is stripped. And I don't mean that the head is stripped, you can still put a hex screwdriver in it and turn it, but when you turn it, it just turns in one place forever.

I tried using needle nose pliers to pull and turn, but that didn't work as it still just turning and not coming out.

My mechanic doesn't want to try it because he thinks he'll bust the panel and that's a bunch of money.

Does anyone have experience with this and have any ideas on how to get this bolt out so that I can get the panel off so I can deal with the REAL issue.

Thanks

If I understand correctly, the reverse side is spinning while removing the bolt? the only thing I can think of is to remove all of the other bolts for the door. Then slowly pull on the door panel while turning the bolt. Hopefully the pressure will make it catch enough to be able to finish removing the bolt. I sorta had this issue when I change my carrier, and that is how I managed to get it out.

I understand what you're saying.... I think I'll try that. The only other thing I can think of is to drill the bolt right out and get a new one.

That panel is over $1K and i definately dont' want to have to buy a new one.

You don't need to remove the handle hex bolt to take the door panel off. That bolt holds the handle to the panel, not to the door itself. You need to remove screws hidden behind the trim and the Airbag label.

The search function is your friend:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...moval-how.html

Crazy...

That makes sense because it's actually a bolt and nut, which you wouldn't expect if it was attached to the door frame itself.

When I looked at the link you gave me it had really good instructions on taking the panel off, but I'm not clear on the screws that are behind the the upper wood trim. This schematic doesn't seem to show this.. then again maybe I just can't read it very well.
RealOEM.com BMW E53 X5 4.4i Door trim panel, front / side airbag

Maybe it doesn't matter, i'll just go look and do it.

Thanks again..