Hello All.
I am a new member. I have a Triple Black 1998 M3 Convertible and have ordered new replacement midranges from Bavarian Soundworks that should be here on the 8th. I already had one replaced by Roseville BMW that hit me for $160 for parts and labor. I know,stupid me. This time I want to replace them both with the BM upgrades that are direct replacement upgrades. I want to keep the stock look but I'm just a bit concerned about pulling off the door panels and dealing with the airbags etc. I am pretty mechanically inclined but my car is pristine and I would prefer not doing anything that would ruin something while pulling the panels off as most everything for this car requires a blood bank donation to replace,Ha Ha. You probably know what I mean.?
I love my M3 and if I'm asking a question that has been beat to death, I apologize.
Anyone out there attempted this before with great results (ie. no broken tabs, no airbag issues etc. no broken ABS,cubbies etc?)
Any info. or help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
XELENNT

Doorcard pulls right off after removal of the 2 (driver's side) or 3 (passenger side) screws.
The white clips either break or don't. Depends on how many times the card was off before and the state. It's a pure-luck situation, but they only cost pennies.

Don't worry about door airbags. The doorcard is just a cover. The actual airbag is screwed on the door and you don't need to deal with it.

I always start from the top (couple metal clips) and than just work it around. May require a more than firm pull sometimes, but it can take a beating.

and ofcourse depending on the condition of the plastic retainers are, they might break/separate from the door trim panel.
when i pulled mine off, the top plastic retainer broke since the metal spring clips held onto it pretty tight. i reglued it & also re-enforced it w/ thin sheet metal so now it'll never break again. also the other plastic push pin retainers came loose from the trim panel. the trim panel is made of fiber board & the pin retainers are just glued to it. so after years of heat & cold it'll separate like a call girl's legs during a work night!!! i reglued it along w/ modifying w/ some positive fastening system to prevent it from separating again.
well good luck & hopefully you won't run into any of my problems...

How to ensure airbags don't go off - take the key out of ignition.

There is advice about disconnecting the battery on this board, but there is no such recommendation in TIS. If you enjoy reconfiguring your accessories (OBC, radio codes, radio presets...), then you can disconnect the battery.

More details are in the audio forum.

Wiselo,

You only need to disconnect the battery if you're gonna remove an airbag. If you're not touching it, like he is, you don't need to do so. You can even leave the key in the ignition.

Thanks to everyone that responded. I'm still waiting for my upgraded mids but when they arrive it's time to to dive in with both feet!!
Thanks again for all of the info.
XELENNT

Wiseleo,

You only need to disconnect the battery if you're gonna remove an airbag. If you're not touching it, like he is, you don't need to do so. You can even leave the key in the ignition.

Agreed, but...

According to TIS, which I have, it suggests removing key from ignition. No need to disconnect battery. Anyway, just posting official information. Whether it needs to be followed is up to the reader. :)

Than the TIS is over-protective too. I mean no big deal of course simply pulling the keyout, but I'm just saying that if you would need to move the car with the doorpanel off, than that's no problem.