Easiest door card removal method?

Johnny2R · 21st November 2014, 08:58

Little bit of irony here...Was refitting the passenger door mirror using the method which doesn't involve having to take the door card off (just detaching the window trim instead), and on the very last turn of the little spanner I was using for the bolts, it slipped out of my hand and dropped down behind the door card!

So now I have to remove the door card anyway to retrieve the spanner (worried about it rattling, more than the loss of a spanner as such). I've seen a few HowTos here. What's the easiest, most fool-proof method? The sort of method which would work for a person who would, say, drop a spanner down behind his door card?

T-Cut · 21st November 2014, 10:46

Even though door card removal gets discussed regularly, I'm so far unable to find a comprehensive How To on their removal. There's a very detailed How To Refit guide, but obviously you have to get it off first. having said that I'm sure there is guidance buried in the various threads on the topic. I found it pretty straight forward once you're aware of the tricks.

As I recall, for the front doors this involved:
1. Remove self-tapper (under a press-in trim cap) holding the chrome door release handle. Remove handle by pushing it backwards to free the front end first. Unhook the release cable that's attached. There's another screw near the upper edge at the vent ducting.
2. Use a trim clip lifter to detach all the peripheral press-in clips by wedging it between the card and the door body. There's a single fir tree type at the upper outer corner. Have some spare clips handy as they often snap on removal.
3. Grasp the door pull and briskly lift the card vertically. This releases the central clips. If you pull it towards you, the clips will snap (as per Haynes method). The clips are retained on the door after sliding off a metal bracket attached to the card.
4. Door wiring harness is attached to card so needs careful handling. If necessary, the window switch unit can be lifted from the arm rest and unplugged.

Refitting is basically the reverse, but the central clips must be detached from the door tongues and fitted back into the metal bracket. To get the clips off, use long nosed pliers to release the barbs holding them to door tongues. The upper edge of the card needs carefully clipping back to get a good fit. With upper edge located, press central clips into position and refit all the edge clips, cable hook and handle, screws. I think that's it but someone will correct me where it's wrong.

TC

Johnny2R · 21st November 2014, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Cut

Use a trim clip lifter to detach all the peripheral press-in clips by wedging it between the card and the door body.

I don't have a trim clip lifter, and a search on here doesn't reveal what one is. Is it a specialised tool, or could I make do with something?

hogweed · 21st November 2014, 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny2R

I don't have a trim clip lifter, and a search on here doesn't reveal what one is. Is it a specialised tool, or could I make do with something?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5PCE-CAR-D...item4d2576b74a

Johnny2R · 21st November 2014, 11:15

Thanks, I've ordered the tool. Will no doubt be handy in future for when I drop other things down behind the door card.

bubs · 21st November 2014, 11:19

Do you have a magnetic extension tool? Just a magnet on the lend of a telescopic rod, you might be able to fish it out from the gap you dropped it in.

hogweed · 21st November 2014, 11:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny2R

Thanks, I've ordered the tool. Will no doubt be handy in future for when I drop other things down behind the door card.

Oh, you've been emulating my style of doing things have you

I would recommend wrapping a layer of duct tape round the ends to stop the tool scratching your paint

T-Cut · 21st November 2014, 11:44

Replacement door card clips.
It's usually recommended to buy the white versions made for BMW trim. There's always plenty available on eBay for a fraction of the OEM (red) price.
Search this: BMW E36 M3 M5 E30 E46 E32 door card panel clips

TC

freddie · 21st November 2014, 12:10

Hi Jonny.
To remove door card.
1. Prise up door switch using wide blade screw driver ,Disconnect plugs.
2.Prises out small plastic cover in centre of door pull ,take out screw.
3.t
Theres another screw in side the the warm air duct top left of your door.
Stick a bit of rag in the hole that goes into the door screw bound to fall down there.
3. Using the screwdriver stating at the bottom corner just start prising of the door card once a few are unclipped get your hands behind with a sharp tug out wards all the way round till ther all loose.
4 Holding the door handle pull up sharply , door card should lift of.
The door pull does not need to be disconected ,if you turn it 90°
IT will go through the hole.( donnt forget to put it back through the hole when you put card back on)

Hope this helps.

Best information .
About card Here.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=79190

Johnny2R · 21st November 2014, 12:40

Thanks, Freddie. How much time would you, personally, allocate to getting the door card off and back on again (I'll probably double or triple that amount to get a realistic time figure for myself)?

21st November 2014, 08:58	#1
Johnny2R Gets stuck in Rover 75 CDT Club Tourer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Norwich Posts: 712 Thanks: 98 Thanked 47 Times in 24 Posts	Easiest door card removal method? Little bit of irony here...Was refitting the passenger door mirror using the method which doesn't involve having to take the door card off (just detaching the window trim instead), and on the very last turn of the little spanner I was using for the bolts, it slipped out of my hand and dropped down behind the door card! So now I have to remove the door card anyway to retrieve the spanner (worried about it rattling, more than the loss of a spanner as such). I've seen a few HowTos here. What's the easiest, most fool-proof method? The sort of method which would work for a person who would, say, drop a spanner down behind his door card?

21st November 2014, 10:46	#2
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	Even though door card removal gets discussed regularly, I'm so far unable to find a comprehensive How To on their removal. There's a very detailed How To Refit guide, but obviously you have to get it off first. having said that I'm sure there is guidance buried in the various threads on the topic. I found it pretty straight forward once you're aware of the tricks. As I recall, for the front doors this involved: 1. Remove self-tapper (under a press-in trim cap) holding the chrome door release handle. Remove handle by pushing it backwards to free the front end first. Unhook the release cable that's attached. There's another screw near the upper edge at the vent ducting. 2. Use a trim clip lifter to detach all the peripheral press-in clips by wedging it between the card and the door body. There's a single fir tree type at the upper outer corner. Have some spare clips handy as they often snap on removal. 3. Grasp the door pull and briskly lift the card vertically. This releases the central clips. If you pull it towards you, the clips will snap (as per Haynes method). The clips are retained on the door after sliding off a metal bracket attached to the card. 4. Door wiring harness is attached to card so needs careful handling. If necessary, the window switch unit can be lifted from the arm rest and unplugged. Refitting is basically the reverse, but the central clips must be detached from the door tongues and fitted back into the metal bracket. To get the clips off, use long nosed pliers to release the barbs holding them to door tongues. The upper edge of the card needs carefully clipping back to get a good fit. With upper edge located, press central clips into position and refit all the edge clips, cable hook and handle, screws. I think that's it but someone will correct me where it's wrong. TC Last edited by T-Cut; 21st November 2014 at 10:57..

21st November 2014, 12:10	#9
freddie Passed Away 75 cdti connoisseur se saloon Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: norwich Posts: 11,360 Thanks: 1,171 Thanked 1,921 Times in 1,345 Posts	Hi Jonny. To remove door card. 1. Prise up door switch using wide blade screw driver ,Disconnect plugs. 2.Prises out small plastic cover in centre of door pull ,take out screw. 3.t Theres another screw in side the the warm air duct top left of your door. Stick a bit of rag in the hole that goes into the door screw bound to fall down there. 3. Using the screwdriver stating at the bottom corner just start prising of the door card once a few are unclipped get your hands behind with a sharp tug out wards all the way round till ther all loose. 4 Holding the door handle pull up sharply , door card should lift of. The door pull does not need to be disconected ,if you turn it 90° IT will go through the hole.( donnt forget to put it back through the hole when you put card back on) Hope this helps. Best information . About card Here. http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=79190 __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC][ LADY IN RED

21st November 2014, 11:15	#5
Johnny2R Gets stuck in Rover 75 CDT Club Tourer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Norwich Posts: 712 Thanks: 98 Thanked 47 Times in 24 Posts	Thanks, I've ordered the tool. Will no doubt be handy in future for when I drop other things down behind the door card.

21st November 2014, 11:19	#6
bubs Posted a thing or two ROVER 75 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Canvey Island, Essex Posts: 1,651 Thanks: 43 Thanked 163 Times in 134 Posts	Do you have a magnetic extension tool? Just a magnet on the lend of a telescopic rod, you might be able to fish it out from the gap you dropped it in.

21st November 2014, 11:44	#8
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	Replacement door card clips. It's usually recommended to buy the white versions made for BMW trim. There's always plenty available on eBay for a fraction of the OEM (red) price. Search this: BMW E36 M3 M5 E30 E46 E32 door card panel clips TC

21st November 2014, 12:40	#10
Johnny2R Gets stuck in Rover 75 CDT Club Tourer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Norwich Posts: 712 Thanks: 98 Thanked 47 Times in 24 Posts	Thanks, Freddie. How much time would you, personally, allocate to getting the door card off and back on again (I'll probably double or triple that amount to get a realistic time figure for myself)?