retaining clips for door panel

[johnpilky]

hi guys,having problem with door panel coming away at top near door close button.there seems to be some sort of retaining clip on top of door card,trouble is they are not gripping door trim as it keeps popping out when door is closed,any help appreciated,regards.

[MalteseMarc]

Having exactly the same problem, what with the door panel not being gripped at the top, haven't had time to take it apart to see whats missing/come loose, so would be interested to see how to remedy the problem

[grossebaby]

I had similar problem and the clips at the base of the window can be at fault. However, for me it was the white plastic clip behind the armres in the door that was bust putting extra strain on the aforementioned top clips and not allowing them to work properly.

[MalteseMarc]

How easy is it to remove the door trim, e.g screws, clips etc..

[grossebaby]

I didn't I just got the long nose pliers in for my job you'll have to ask someone else.

[T-Cut]

This is from my Little Red Book and is compiled from various sources. If you are one of those sources, please consider this an acknowledgement of your contribution.

The instructions in the Haynes Manual are liable to cause damage to the central retaining clip.

Page 11.13, section 14.4 starts well, by releasing all the clips around the edge of the door card. Section 14.5 goes on to describe the card is pulled away from the central clip that holds the middle in place. DO NOT PULL HERE!

The clip nearest the door lock (upper rear) is prone to breaking.

Once all the edge clips are undone, simply grasp the panel at the armrest/handle and firmly lift it vertically. Don't lift it too high or you might break the door release chrome bezel. It should come off the plastic slider, leaving this on the fixed clip attached to the metal door frame. Once the card is off, you can remove the slider from the clip and remount it on the rear of the card ready for the refitting. The two central clips will need to be removed from the door structure using a pair of pliers to compress the metal spring clips and can the be refitted in the door liner. Advise caution because these clips are very sharp.

The door pins give trouble when replacing the card. Once you've removed the door card, take off the little chrome surround on the card that the doo rpin goes through as this widens the space for the pin and lessens the likelihood of it getting dislodged or jammed when refitting. Once you've fitted the door card you can then click the little chrome surround back in.

Door Card Clips

These usually snap when removed, so spares are almost essential.
The white ones from Xpart cost about £15 or something daft for six.
However, you can get BMW ones on ebay for pennies and fit perfectly. These are the better quality red ones (white are very brittle).

Search on eBay for BMW E36,M3,M5,E30,E46 E32 10 x Door Card Panel Clips.

TC

[Devilish]

Nice one TC, will be removing at least 10 door cards soon, just bought 20 door panel clips off eBay for £7.50, will come in handy in the future.

[superdavid]

Originally Posted by Devilish

Nice one TC, will be removing at least 10 door cards soon, just bought 20 door panel clips off eBay for £7.50, will come in handy in the future.

Christ devilish, whats this no rest for the wicked 5.10 this morning.

I had this problem with mine, got some clips that are bmw off ebay did the job a treat., Only thing i would say with taking the door card is they can be a b**** to get back on wright, in particular the bit along the top because the metal clips stay with the door when you take the card off.

My tip put the door card on, then open the window, put your hands over the top with fingers out the window and then pull al'together, once happy you got it into place, push down on it and then should sit level with the plastic of the window frame.

[Devilish]

Originally Posted by superdavid

Christ devilish, whats this no rest for the wicked 5.10 this morning.

I do get some rest, I had my breakfast & watched a movie before I logged onto the forum

[T16]

Originally Posted by t-cut

the door pins give trouble when replacing the card. Once you've removed the door card, take off the little chrome surround on the card that the doo rpin goes through as this widens the space for the pin and lessens the likelihood of it getting dislodged or jammed when refitting. Once you've fitted the door card you can then click the little chrome surround back in.


tc

do not do this, ever.