How do you dissemble the door of a BMW e46 Coupe?

The central locking is not working properly, ie the driver's side door does not unlock when pressing the button on the key, although using the actual key works fine. The little *knob* or rather the mechanics to the knob popping up seems to be the culprit. Alas, how do you safely dissemble the door?How do you dissemble the door of a BMW e46 Coupe?First things first. Before disassembling the door, try to do some diagnostic steps to help you in your repairs.

The actual key is mechanically linked to the door lock mechanism so it would almost always work.

But verify first if the internal locking switch/button works or not. If it does, then try another key with remote (your duplicate). If it still does not work using the remote then, then re-initialize one or both of them (to do this,

enter the car, start the engine, remove the key, then

hold the key pointed upward to the rear view mirror, press and continue to hold the unlock button, then press the lock button three times, get the other key immediately and point to the rear view mirror,

etc.etc.). If only one key remote does not work and the other does,

after re-initialization, then you have one bad key. If both remotes does not work, then you have a bad door lock. Now you can think of "disassembling the door".

To remove the door trim/panel, remove the two screws in the armrest,

1 screw inside the small plastic cover on the left marked airbag, 1 long screw inside the wooden-looking plastic trim, and 1 screw hidden inside the panel after you remove/pry off the main door switch.

Now you need something to pry off the door trim/panel itself. A flat screwdriver would do but start at the bottom and be careful not to damage the trim or the paint of the door. Remove the trim panel after you have detached the bowden cable from the lock which is attached to the inside door lock handle/lever (also the wires to the speakers and the door switch if you have not done so yet).

Then carefully remove the vapor barrier which is the rubberized/foam

inner cover. But before you can do this you have to detach the side airbag connector (with the key off, preferably with the battery disconnected as per BMW specs), remove the airbag, lay flat with the outer face positioned upward inside the car in the general vicinity of the brake pedal.

Now you can see the innards of the door. Verify that the cable to the door lock is intact and in proper position. If so, then you may start to replace the door lock itself. For further details you may email me if you want. This is already much too long for me and may be just a waste of my time.

But I have answered your question.How do you dissemble the door of a BMW e46 Coupe?Run to your nearest Autozone, Kragen's Auto Parts, Pep Boys etc. and pick up the Haynes or Chiltons Repair manuel for about 20 bucks. I swear by it and it is easily the best investment I ever made.

Look along the panel and try to locate any place to stick a small flathead into and then the panel should pop right off. Be extra careful not to break any of the rivets or you'll never get it back on.