E34 locked rear door opening procedure

If the rear door lock actuator fails when the door is locked, the door cannot be opened to replace the actuator.

The following procedure can be used to open the door without cutting the door trim panel.

Remove 3 screws retaining door trim panel at upper mount of grab handle, inside door release handle, and behind ashtray.

Remove plastic door lock knob.

Open the window and, using a putty knife or trim removal tool, carefully pry the the uppermost part of the door trim panel away from the chrome trim by the window opening to get the upper retaining clips to release.

The insertion of the tool is eased somewhat by pressing down the trim panel.

Carefully pry the trim panel back, and use a small block of wood or screwdriver handle to hold it away from the door.

Use a long, thin screwdriver to reach between the trim panel and door, and peel the insulating sheet away from the door so that you can see the end of the lock actuator.

Use a bar or a long, heavy screwdriver to reach inside the door and contact the white plastic end of the actuator that the lock linkage hooks up to.

Hit the end of the tool so that the white plastic end breaks off, disconnecting the linkage from the seized actuator.

The door can now be unlocked and you may proceed with the repair in the usual manner.