How do you Remove Driver's side Rear Panel on B5 Avant

[DSM 2 Avant]

I followed the service manual and removed all of the screws.
However the panel still won't budge.

The only thing that appears to be holding it in is the latch for the rear seat back. Does this need to be removed? I tried to turn it counter clock-wise with a 5mm allen key but it was really tight. I stopped since it was so tight I almost stripped the head.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks!

[Greyhound Guy]

Yes the rear seat latch post has to go. You need a deep socket wrench.

You may need to remove the side cushion as well, that pops out as well as remove the rear hatch latch trim, can't remember.

There are also snaps spread out on the outer edge of the panel.

[DSM 2 Avant]

Thanks for the tips. It took a while but I was able to get the darn bolster out.

I'll need some deeper sockets to get to the nut.