There may come a time when you want to fix or replace something on your MINI Cooper which will require you to remove the interior door panels. We looked high and low to find easy to understand and accurate instruction. Below you will find step by step instructions on how to remove them.
How to Remove Door Panels on a Generation 1 MINI Cooper

MINI Cooper door panels are secured to the door frames with four torx screws and a series of clips.


To remove each screw, use the following tools and instructions:

• Small and large flat-head screwdriver
  [wrap the head of the larger one with insulating tape to protect against damage while prying]
• T30 Torx screwdriver

Step 1: Remove the tweeter-door-handle surround
Using the small flat-head screwdriver, pry off the surround by "attacking" it where the two "circles" join. (Click on the following link for the complete article.) http://www.minimania.com/MINI_Cooper_Door_Panel_Removal