51 31... Removing windows with an oscillating knife

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Follow SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS for working on cars with airbag systems.

IMPORTANT: Handle sharp-edged tools with care (risk of damage to the head airbag and the window glass).

IMPORTANT: Follow the vehicle-specific repair instructions!
Always wear safety goggles and protective gloves for your own safety.
Cover the working area (side walls, roof-mounted aerial and if necessary interior equipment) with protective covers.
Tape off body with fabric adhesive tape (e.g. Tesa) in areas where the oscillating knife could damage the window glass or the paint.

Use suction cups (51 3 010 ) to lift out the window glass.

Always keep both suction cups dry and clean to ensure their optimum adhesion on the windscreen.

Secure window glass against falling out.

Fig 1: Lifting Out Window Glass Using Suction Cups (51 3 010)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Depending on the area of application, knife 1 or 2 is used.

Straight knife with adjustable thrust roller
U-shaped knife

Dimension (X) on the knife (1) can be adjusted individually.

NOTE: Sharpen knife blade before every use on a running machine with a grinding stone (even with new knife blade).

Fig 2: Identifying Straight Knife With Adjustable Thrust Roller And U-Shaped Knife

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing from the inside:

Guide knife carefully between body and window glass.

Run blade of knife parallel to glass.

Take care not to damage paintwork.

Cut through adhesive bead all the way around.

Pull window glass outwards to remove.

Fig 3: Removing Window Glass From Inside

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removal from outside:

Guide knife carefully between body and window glass.

Run blade of knife parallel to glass.

Take care not to damage paintwork.

Cut through adhesive bead all the way around.

Pull window glass outwards to remove.

Fig 4: Removing Window Glass From Outside

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cut through adhesive bead as closely as possible to window glass.

Body opening
Adhesive bead
Knife
Window

Fig 5: Cutting Window Glass Adhesive Bead Using Knife
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.