removal of inner door panels on '88 s4

[crazycanuck]

Hi Folks, I was wondering if anybody has removed the inner door panels on a '88 928s4 euro? If so, is there anything I should be aware of before I try it? On another point, this car was imported from Japan, and on the driver's side, forward of the trunck release, there's a knob similar to the trunck release, but it doesn't lift, it turns, on the top of the knob there's what appears to be a headlight symbol, and 123 on the bezel next to the carpet. No one up here in "Hooterville" seems to know what it's for, so any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Danglerb]

Head light knob is a typically non functioning hydraulic system that slightly adjusts the head lights up and down.

The door panels are fragile pressed board, fiber board type stuff, and the fasteners vary from tricky to diabolical. Finding a good write up or guide highly advised. I have literally a drawer full of panel removal tools, the primary one being a screwdriver looking thing with a flat tilted fork on the end.

The KEY though is knowing how a given fastener releases.

http://www.monstronix.com/lis35260-p-54011.html

[MPDano]

You don't need no stinking tool, or at least I didn't for my Euro. You could look at mine wrong and they pop out on their own. Just kidding, actually I need to invest in this as I can use it on any one of my cars.

[Rixter]

panel puller can be bought at any decent automotive store for under $20
you'll need that, a #2 phillips and a 10mm socket on a 1/4" driver
should take you about 10 minutes 1st time

[Niles]

On my 87, the smallish leather covered center panel needs to be removed first. The top edge of it has two clips that snap in and the bottom has two clips that require you to lift the panel upwards and towards the back of the door. This will expose some screws (I think there were two). There is a screw in the ventilation duct hidden behind the round grommet thing, and there were two more screws in the pocket under the armrest. The door lock knob has to be removed. The center of the knob has a cover that can be pried off giving access to a screw to remove the knob and then the trim ring needs to be spun off the lock mechanism. After that the door panel unsnaps using the tool mentioned above and lifts up.

My car came from Japan and also has that headlight adjustment knob. I finally figured it out with the lights on and moving the knob to the extreme limits and I could see the light pattern shift upwards and downwards just slightly.

[Mike B]

Off post but relevant: As a subsequent owner of a Japan 928 I would strongly suggest checking the flex plate movement. I acquired my present S4 due the Thrust Bearing Failure (TBF). It seems the Japan models experience more on/off acceleration which "accelerates" the TBF issue.

For reference, see post #38

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/928-forum/40990-new-visitor-read-this-forum-guideline-faq-before-your-first-post.html

For your info if you have an auto trans...if not, ignore me