How to Remove a Door Panel on a 2004 Z4 Roadster

The two-seater 2004 Z4 BMW is available as a coupe or roadster. The interior may wear sooner than the soft trim parts of the enclosed version because of exposure to weather from top-down motoring. Replacing worn door panels may be a quick fix to spruce up the cabin. Removal of the door panel may also me necessary to service the airbag or electrical components within the door.

Instructions

Unroll a length of butyl tape -- available from BWM dealers -- and form it into a ball. Place the ball onto the center of the plastic trim behind the interior door opener. Pull the ball and trim together in a downward direction to reveal the screw underneath. Loosen and remove the screw with a Phillips screwdriver. Do not attempt to pry the trim off with a prying tool or you could damage it.

Use the special tool to pry the trim cover off the door handle. Remove the two retaining screws on the handle with a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the handle from the door panel.

Pry the airbag emblem off the face of the door panel with the special tool to reveal a retaining screw. Remove the screw with a Phillips screwdriver.

Pry the 10 hidden retaining clips at the bottom and sides of the door panel from the door framework with the special tool.

Press down on the door lock knob. Lift the door panel up slightly to clear the knob while sliding the panel towards the front of the door. Tilt the bottom of the door panel away from the bottom of the door slightly. Unhook the cable on the backside of the door panel from the lock mechanism on the door.

Pull apart the wiring connectors -- there may be up to four, depending on how your car is equipped -- at the back of the door panel. Remove the door panel from the door.

Place the lip on the top of the door panel in the window channel forward of its normally installed position. Plug the wiring connectors back together. Hook the cable from the back of the panel into the lock mechanism on the door.

Slide the door panel toward the back of the door. Raise the door lock knob through its hole in the top of the panel. Push the bottom and sides of the panel against the door framework until all 10 clips have engaged.

Replace and tighten the retaining screw behind the airbag emblem. Push the emblem into place over the screw.

Replace the door handle pull and tighten the retaining screws. Push the trim back over the handle until it snaps into place.

Replace and tighten the screw behind the door opener trim. Remove the butyl ball from the trim. Push the trim back into place behind the opener.

Test the operation of the window by rolling it down. Test the operation of the door lock by locking the door with the key manually.