Driver's door will not open?

DAWND73

MEMBER
2004 BMW 325
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
182,000 MILES

The Driver's side window would not go up or down. So, I took the door panel off and took the window. Regulator out wasn't able to get the regulator right away. So I put the panel back on Temporarily.
Now.
The driver's door will not open at all from the inside or the outside. I have the new regulator now. I need to Install it but now I can't get the door to open to get the panel off.
Please, any advice would help. I'm thinking of taking the driver's seat out and trying to remove the panel with the door closed. But that's going to be very difficult. Is there any other option to get the door open?

Monday, February 10th, 2025 AT 10:51 AM

2 Replies

CANNON1349

MECHANIC
740 POSTS

Hello, it will indeed be difficult to remove the panel with the door closed. Did you happen to remove the rod that connects the handles together? If so, it will not open as the latch cannot be operated. Before causing any damage to the panel, I would try removing any switches and plastic pieces from the panel that may give you enough access to pull the rod and open the door. It will be tight, but I think it is possible.

Please let us know how it turns out,
William

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Monday, February 10th, 2025 AT 8:06 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
49,970 POSTS

Yep, I would remove the driver's seat and you may need to remove the passenger's seat as well to get the door panel off. CANNON1349 is right, the unlock cable of the door latch must be off so you will need to actuate the lock level by hand. Take your time, this kind of job is tough to not break anything. Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

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Friday, February 14th, 2025 AT 9:40 AM