Remove front door panel Audi 500 SE in order to replace lock mechanism

SOURCE: how to remove front door panel to replace window

FIRST CHECK THE CABLES THAT RUN INTO THE DOOR BECAUSE THEY CAN GET CUT THOUGH COMMON PROBLEM (JUST WERE THE DOOR HINGES INSIDE RUBBER BOOT.) DOOR PANEL REMOVAL...... PRIZE OUT THE TRIM PANEL AT THE BASE OF ARMREST UNDO TWO SCREWS (DRIVERS SIDE) OR ONE SCREW ACCESSIBLE THROUGH THE ARMREST UNDO THE SCREW AT THE BASE OF THE DOOR TRIM IN THE CENTRE. STARTING AT THE FRONT EDGE CAREFULLY PULL THE TRIM PANEL (ABOVE THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE ) AWAY FROM THE DOOR TO RELEASE THE CLIPS, THEN SLIDE IT TO THE FRONT TO UNHOOK THE REAR EDGE OF THE TRIM PANEL.UNDO THE 4 SCREWS IN THE TRIM PANEL RECESS NOW PULL THE DOOR PANELAWAY FROM THE DOOR FRAME RELEASING THE RETAINING CLIPS, SOME FORCE WILL BE NEEDED PREPARE FOR SOME CLIPS TO BE BROKEN THEN LIFT THE DOOR PANEL UP SQUARELY NOW YOU CAN EASILY GAIN ACCESS TO ELECTRIC MOTOR.HOPE I WAS SOME HELP TO YOU THANKS STAN

SOURCE: 1991 Nissan Maxima: Removal of front driver side door panel

This is out of my haynes manual
1 disconnect negative battery cable
2 on manual window equipped modesl remove the window crank using a hooked tool to remove the retainer clip.
3 on power window equipped models pry out the armrest switch control plate and disconnect the electrical connections
4 detach the armrest pull handle retaining screw then remove the inside door handle trim bezel
5 insert a wide putty knife, a thin screwdriver or a special trim panel removal tool between the trim panel and the head of the retaining clip to disengage the door panel retaining clips.then remove the remaining door panel retaining screws at the lower edge of the door panel.
6 once all of the clips are screws are disengage detach the trim panel disconnect any electrical connectors and remoe the trim panel from the vehicle by gently pulling it up and out.
7 for access to the inner door remove the door panel support bracket then peel back the watershield taking care not to tear it. it install the trim panel first press the watershield back into place. if necessary add more sealant to hold it in place.
8 installation is the reverse of removal

SOURCE: How do I remove the front door panel to replace the mirror

Normal 0 Disconnect your negative battery cable. Locate and remove the screws that hold your interior door handles in place (they may be hidden by snap in, or snap on clips). Remove the interior door handles, then disconnect the wire clips to the switches. Your panel is held in place by snap in clips; use a small pry bar to pull them from the door (try to get as close to, or directly under the clips to prevent them from tearing out of the door panel). Once the clips are pulled, pull the panel upward to remove it from the door.
Install in reverse.

If you don't have power windows you will have to remove the manual window crank. It is held in place by a clip on the back side of the base. To remove the clip, you will need a small hook (kind of like a knitting needle). Put the hook in behind the base, and grab the clip and pull it off. To replace it, slide the clip back on the window crank, and snap it back on the door.

SOURCE: Audi A4

Not sure if they've changed it but this is what i do for my 99 a4

First remove the screw in the handle pull, it should be next to where your fingers go.
Pull down on the black piece of plastic and remove the screw form the door
Then remove the screws on either end of the door, one near the door jam on top and one near the other side, same place.
Finally pull up then out and the door panel should come out

Hope that helps

SOURCE: How to remove the door panel of a 1999 Lexus RX 300

You'll need to remove screws that are by the door handle, arm rest, under door and side of door and then gently pull back on the panel as there will also be retaining clips attached and you don't want to break them. If needed, you can pull back the weather seal (can't reuse it, but it's not that important) and you will be able to access everything inside the door