Specifically, how do I get the armrest off in order to remove the screw behind it? I've read all the FAQ's, and they all apply to the prior door panel (armrest) design, in which the screw in question was in plain sight. It's the one at the back of the door panel in the oval trim in prior years.The '05 redesign apparently included lengthening the arm rest pad to cover the back screw, hence my question. I could always go fishing for the pad's attachment, but I've read enough warnings about scratching the trim paint to be careful, and I'd rather get advice from someone who has already done this.

Edit: Found the answer at MINI2 here: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...+panel+removal

 

Yes. How do you do it. I'd like to put some insulation around my HK speakers. There must be a trick to it. I dont want to damage it.

 

Never mind

 

The guides they have a reletively similar to the 05. I just followed most of the directions and then after you remove all the screws etc there will be clips that are VERY hard to take off.. you have to give a a good tug. I had to take my side panel off because the velvet/rubber trimming along the bottom of the passenger window was "caught".

 

Read the edit to my original post. All the details are there.