Has anyone removed the plastic trim from the rear door of an E86? If so, can you give me any tips as to how to proceed so that I don't break the panels or clips. Do I need any special or improvised tools for the job?
Its hard to find this information, particularly for the Coupe (E86).
Here are the workshop manual pages (in order of recommended removal) for...
Rear lid top trim panel
https://workshop-manuals.com/bmw/z_series_e86/z4_3.0si_n52_coupe/2_repair_instructions/51__body_equipment_(coupe)/49__rear_lid_trim_panel/3_ra__removing_and_installing_replacing_trim_for_rear_window_frame_at_top/
I had lots of problems trying to remove the white clips and ended up having to apply a lot of force to pull them out - probably not a good idea but I had ran out of ideas (the black catches/clips will almost certainly snap - so annoying)! But..It worked and I replaced the back 3rd brake light strip and all the trim seems secure and in place again. If you were doing the same, here is the link for that..
Removing and installing/replacing auxiliary brake light (strip of lights/leds)
https://workshop-manuals.com/bmw/z_series_e86/z4_3.0si_n52_coupe/2_repair_instructions/63__lights/25__brake_lights/1_ra__removing_and_installing_replacing_auxiliary_brake_light/
Be careful not to under/over-tighten the bolts on the springs for this, I've read lots of posts on here about leaks/cracking - I guess I will have to wait and see!!