Cental locking problems (E38)

I have a friend whose E38 735 has had a growing problem with one of the central locking actuators, in a rear door.  He sent the car in to his mechanic to have it changed, and needless to say, it has failed in the locked position.  Does anyone have any bright ideas about what to do, other than try and get the door interior trim off and get at it from there?

The mechanic is suggesting cutting a hole in the door iteslf from outside, as repairing this would be cheaper than a torn interior panel.  This seems a bit drastic to me though.  All ideas gratefully received.

Chaps,

Met him for lunch on Friday.  As we had been to a business meeting, I was wearing a suit, "which was nice" as the saying goes.

Had to start at the top of the trim panel for removal, as the front, bottom and rear were very effectively held in by the lip on the apperture on the car.  Removal a cynch when open, but a different story when closed!

Managed to get the top unclipped, and then forced my hand down between door and trim panel, gradually un-popping the fasteners, and teasing the panel out from where it was held fast by the closed door.  Not easy at all, and my hand now feels like it's been run over.  Got the panel off and then the fun started groping around within the door to release the lock.  Managed to do this, and his mechanic has subsequently fitted new lock and actuator, to be on the safe side.  Bit of a PitA job though.

Thanks for the suggestions.