How to remove door pull piece??
 

You need to pull the door panel to get that piece off. There's plenty of info on how the trim and panels come off floating around (I'm too lazy to dig it up right now)! :)

Pulling the door panel off isn't difficult. I've done it often enough in a year of ownership that it only takes a couple of minutes.

Removing X5 Door Panel, Replacing Window Regulator - YouTube
you can just slide it back and hang up clothes with a coat hanger

You shouldn't have to mess with the airbag for what you're doing. If you do have to get at something behind the airbag, just handle it gently and have some wire handy to hang it somewhere out of the way when it's unbolted.

A trim piece removal set is something you may want to consider. Although not necessary, it makes life easier....and theyre relatively inexpensive. Chances are, being an X5 owner, this won't be the last time youll find yourself removing the door panel! Lol.

Just a word of caution, the clip/light tube for the door handle light is easily broken when removing the door panel...so be aware of that, and try not to pull the door panel more than a few inches away until the light is unplugged. Pretty sure the guides have all this info though....

Lastly, you definitely do not need to worry about the airbag as removing it is not relevant unless you need access to the internals of the door structure (window regulator, door carrier etc.)

Edit: the paint "issue" you're seeing is actually the rubbery coating coming off the pull. I'd recommend just replacing it, not painting it. Since this isn't you're first bimmer rodeo, I'm sure you already know you can use realoem to identify the appropriate part numbers!

to remove the wood grain trim to get at those screws a credit card folded in half works perfect and you won`t chip the wood grain ( DON`T USE ANY METAL OBJECTS TO REMOVE WOOD GRAIN INCLUDING SCREW DRIVER OR METAL PRY BAR.). :)

Be careful with that silver covered door pull cover. For some insane reason, that part is now nearly $275. (Santa Monica BMW quoted me over $400 I think - they add on an obnoxious extra amount to their parts and usually take it off if you ask - but most of their customers are too clueless to realize they are being ripped off.) I think it used to be about $12. Not sure of why the increase. Whether it is an error on BMW's part or some other factor.

Ya i justnhad a couple minor knicks in mine and i think bmwpartsgiants amd theblike wanted around 165... So i decided it wasnt THAT big of a deal... i dunno why BMW put crappy rubber junk on gloss plastic,, dumb! Should have just have just gone with a textured matte plastic or full hard rubber imo.. Did have to shell out 200 for the sport steering wheel cover.. That was peeling way to bad..
The carbon fiber ones at bimmian and the like are cheaper lol!

That thing at the back is to hang your suit on by the clothes hangar

Ahhh Light Poplar, yeah I have that too and am not a fan of it (although I don't have it on my steering wheel thank god), would like to replace with OEM titan silver trims someday but they are expensive

No i think you can just put a regular one up there.

Alan, Good luck with the removal, it is rather simple. I am wondering if you want to sell your wood kit? I have the titanium interior and would like the wood kit for a 2001.
J