hooli

I made the decision today - to hell with beemers.
The one that tipped me -my last 2018 3xx sedan has the flimsiest door card with very stiff fasteners and to top it off some nob head in engineering invented a novel handle screw anchor retaining system, rather than a standard nylon bush.  I spent more time removing and replacing the sweeps and other interferences  than the time it took to lay tint. 
    beemers
End rant

 

I don't bitch about new 3's they're easy  

I made the decision today - to hell with beemers.
The one that tipped me -my last 2018 3xx sedan has the flimsiest door card with very stiff fasteners and to top it off some nob head in engineering invented a novel handle screw anchor retaining system, rather than a standard nylon bush.  I spent more time removing and replacing the sweeps and other interferences  than the time it took to lay tint. 
    beemers
End rant

 

Ya beat me to it Smookee!   
Try the broad prise tool first like the pics below. Into the top of the trim and gently lift the lever.

 
 

 
You will sweat significantly less de-trimming it this way as the trim pops out nicely, then, as you say slide trim to the door hinge and pull back.
 
I like to make extra work for myself, so I still remove the whole panel, and to do so, start at the bottom of the handle trim face and gently use the broad prise tool on each side of the handle trim face to remove another 2x T25s, then pull the panel;
 

 
 

Happy to have helped Slick!
I Audi daily and I think it helps with the tools demonstrated and allowing a little more time to take care. I admit I enjoy working with them and the little puzzles the engineers throw out there to keep it interesting. 😀

Interesting....I could count the number of Audi's I have done in my life in one hand.... But what shows up today!?!? 
 
Thanks for making this faster than me trying to figure this out myself guys!    

Ya beat me to it Smookee!   
Try the broad prise tool first like the pics below. Into the top of the trim and gently lift the lever.

 
 

 
You will sweat significantly less de-trimming it this way as the trim pops out nicely, then, as you say slide trim to the door hinge and pull back.
 
I like to make extra work for myself, so I still remove the whole panel, and to do so, start at the bottom of the handle trim face and gently use the broad prise tool on each side of the handle trim face to remove another 2x T25s, then pull the panel;
 

 
 

Answering my own question, is that yes I had to remove the rear seat, the side trims and the shelf , what a pain in the rear.
When reassembling I lost my balance and somehow punctured the door trim FFS!! Unknown dollar expense awaits me grrrrr
If it wasn't for the incident the car was OK to tint...