Topic

Ive read the How To but does anyone know if it's possible to change the outer door handle with the window up ? The instructions said the window needs to be up to change the door handle which surprised me as that would seem to block access.

Ive got the interior stripped out of the car at present so cant reconnect the battery to move the windows up and down until the seats with their SRS pre-tensionser are back in circuit.

I did this job recently and even added a small comment to the 'how to' regarding reinstallation of the door lock (this will make the job much easier)

I seem to recall having the same observation. I think I also did it with the window down. As I recall, one of the positions did block access. If you can get access with the window down, then do it that way.

I was not able to 'unhook' the bar from the lower door latch as described in the instructions but this was not a problem. I think the design changed on the later cars and it does not come off as easily. I was afraid to force it / break it, so I left it alone. It was not a problem as it was able to unhook from the door handle end.

The biggest part of this job was having to paint the new door handle. Despite what others have said, I found it to be quire straightforward. Just be patient .

Done it.
Separating the lock barrel from the handle assembly is dead easy once you know it is held in place by a U shaped wire retainer that works like a large circlip.