DOOR HANDLE REPLACEMENT (INNER)

Thanks to Austin Oh for contributing to this FAQ!

This is a pretty simple procedure, but there was one unexpected step that I wanted to share. It apparently foiled the previous owner of my 1996 900SE. It isn't mentioned in the Haynes manual.

1. Pry off the outer pull handle cover with a screwdriver.
2. This should expose two torx-head bolts at each connection point. Unscrew them.
3. Now it appears that the handle can be removed, but there is another brace on the interior of the door that is holding the upper connection point to the door.
4. I believe it is impossible to remove the existing door pull handle from this brace without destroying the brace or the handle. Since anyone performing these steps must be trying to remove a damaged handle anyway, I'll proceed with this option.
5. Prise the plastic cover from the inner door handle, then undo the screw and unclip the handle from the operating rod.
6. Now you should be able to reach around and touch the other side of the upper connection of the door pull handle. Feel the thin metal brace that is holding the handle inside the door.
7. Using strong clippers (I used wire cutters), cut away pieces of the plastic handle so that you can pull the other side of the handle out. You'll need to be holding it with one hand reaching inside the door, and cutting with the other.
8. Once it is loose, pull the remaining tube portion

Thanks to Rob L (a different approach) for contributing to this FAQ!

The original submitter of this procedure came close to getting it correct but in the end had to resort to cutting his way in to achieve his goal.
This procedure is ammended to explain how to replace this handle without any cutting and not destroying anything. It is a pretty simple procedure.


1. Pry off the interior door pull handle cover with a screwdriver (its fastened like a clamshell).
2. This should expose two torx-head screws at each connection point. Unscrew them.
3. Pry off the door mirror control cover panel.
4. Pry the plastic cover from the inner door handle lever, then undo the torx-head screw and unclip the handle from the operating rod.
5. Remove all visible remaining perimeter door panel screws including the single push plug above the door latch to loosen the door panel from door.
6. Lift the door panel up over the door lock plunger and pull away from door.
7. The upper connection point of the interior handle is held on with a push-on star circular retainer on the inside of the door panel. Pry this
off from the inside of the door panel.

Reverse procedure to install.