Removing an '03 M45 door panel

[Rocinante]

After reading several posts, I felt confident that I could remove the door panel. Wrong. I tried prying off the cup behind the inner door release handle. Nope. Then found the small cover under the armrest and tried to remove that. I can almost get the cover off, but then it stops. There are suppose to be 2 ten millimeter bolts under it. Do not want to damage anything obviously. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[EdBwoy]

Might you have downloaded the FSM for reference yet? I might have video somewhere because the prying is a little bit of a pain, the bolts are much easier.
Iirc, there is one screw behind the door handle, and one in the grab pocket/window switch. After removing that, there are 3 10mm bolts holding the panel to the door. Then just plastic.
I'll look for that video when I get home

[Rocinante]

Thank you for the reply. I have not printed out the Service manual as of yet. I did pull the pwr. window switch panel from the door and have removed the 3 screws. I was nervous about the cup behind the door handle because it did not want to move. There was also a small screw towards the front of the panel that was covered by a little cap that I removed. I will try the door release cup again. Also, if you have any pics or video, that would be great.

R/Rocinante

[EdBwoy]

Sorry, I couldn't find video of this process. To remove the bezel around the door handle, pry it up on it's rear side then pull it backwards.
I can't remember if I got the instructions from the FSM when I did it, but that would sure be a good start. y34 trim pieces can be a pain to obtain.

[Rocinante]

Well after a little prodding, the panel is off. Last screw was behind the forward silver panel. Some one has been in there prior and fubared the window tract and motor. It looks like I have to remove the entire window and the regulator mechanism. More unchartered territory for me. Big thanks for your response EdBwoy. I bought this car about three weeks ago because I've wanted one since they came out. It is a project for sure, but It is all that I expected it to be and after fixing the items that were butchered, should be an awesome vehicle.

[EdBwoy]

You're most welcome
They are awesome cars for sure and you'll love it even more once you're on the road again. Apart from the window issues, what else does it have going on to make it a project?

[Rocinante]

Mostly smaller things. The front fascia has been replaced because it was torn. When they reinstalled it, they left off some fasteners so the install looks sloppy. The window is obvious. One headlight is damaged but may be repairable and there is an exhaust leak. It runs and drives well. I also repaired a suspension bracket that was cracked. Other than that, it is a decent car. High mileage though at 250,000 plus. My commute to work is not too long so I may drive it then and put less miles on my new Fusion ( I am a Ford guy but actually think that the Y34 is one of the most attractive sedans made since it's inception). I will update as I go along. Thanks for the response and interest. I am hoping to have a little fun this summer.

R/Rocinante

[BLKTOPS14SR]

Rocinante, I'm the same as you man. Ford guy, bought an 04 Y34 because I've always liked the styling of it and It's size and power. Mine just turned 145k miles on the clock but does have several issues I've gotta address. 2 days after buying it the crankshaft position sensor packed its bags. After tracking down that it was the culprit I fixed that. It has the fuel gauge issue that I need to contact Infiniti on. Power steering rack and pinion quit last week. It's been fun. Lol mine also needs a new front bumper cover.

[BLKTOPS14SR]

I've also gotta replace all shocks and struts and wheel bearings yet.

[Rocinante]

That's too funny (being a Ford guy). I actually looked into strut replacement also, but I feel that there are too many miles on the car to warrant it. Mine are ok, but time will tell. I would like to figure out what is wrong with the window. You can push it down with your hand and I can see where they have removed the nuts from some of the studs. We will see how it goes. Then to fix a couple of exhaust leaks and full fluid change and we should be rollin'.

R/Rocinante

[illitero]

Rocinante, I'm the same as you man. Ford guy, bought an 04 Y34 because I've always liked the styling of it and It's size and power. Mine just turned 145k miles on the clock but does have several issues I've gotta address. 2 days after buying it the crankshaft position sensor packed its bags. After tracking down that it was the culprit I fixed that. It has the fuel gauge issue that I need to contact Infiniti on. Power steering rack and pinion quit last week. It's been fun. Lol mine also needs a new front bumper cover.

Insanely off topic, but I'm interested in your m45 if it's still available for sale. The classifieds post is locked and I can't PM you for some reason. Contact me if you can, thanks.