Rear door won't unlock. How to proceed?

[megatron]

91 318i Sedan. Rear door won't unlock with central locking system. Pulling the lock button doesn't work - jammed. Pulling the inner handle doesn't work - jammed. Pulling the outer handle doesn't work - moves but doesn't catch since it's locked.

How to proceed? Can the door card be removed safely while the door is still closed? Thanks!

[Das Delfin]

My friend's e34 had this happen on both sides. I had to remove the bottom seat cushion to get room to pry off both door cards to get to the locking mechanisms. His locking solenoids had seized in the lock positions