Tight fit to replace taillights
 

I was watching a few video on youtube about replacing the back lights... Most of the videos show a large side panel hatch you can fit a 6pack of beer in.
However when I open the hatch to reaplce the lights, It seems the wheel well fills most of the space. I can't fit an adult human hand in there to fumble with the clips. There is about 2inch of space to fit your hand through and that clip is far back there.
Even if I remove the amp shown, this model wheel well is not making this easy.
Is this normal and are there any tips, other than having a smaller hand?
2006 mini cooper turbo

This job took me over an hour the other day.....no room in there and I could not pop out the taillight for some reason. I managed to get it in with some cut hands and contortionist maneuvers .....One problem I had after picking up the bulb at Autozone...The bulb would not twist in....I finally examined the old bulb and found that the 2 electrode nubs at the base of the bulb were very pronounced compared to the OEM. I had to file them down and only then would it twist into place. I do not know if German bulbs are different.....?????