51 16... Removing and installing grab handle holder

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW 750xi, 2011 BMW 750Lxi, 2010 BMW 750xi, and 2010 BMW 750Lxi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: FOLLOW SAFETY INFORMATION FOR REPAIR WORK ON VEHICLES WITH AIRBAG SYSTEMS.

IMPORTANT: RISK OF DAMAGE! DO NOT USE SHARP TOOLS IN THE AREA OF THE HEAD AIRBAG.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove headlining. See HEADLINING (VERSION WITH SLIDE/TILT SUNROOF) or ROOFLINER (VERSION WITHOUT SLIDING/TILTING SUNROOF) .

IMPORTANT: Lay out protective mats to protect the interior against debris from the drilled-out rivets and damage.
Lay out protective mats in the relevant working area:

Dashboard
Entrance area
Passenger compartment

Fig 1: Identifying Protective Mats
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Drill off the rivet plate (1) down to rivet shank with a 10 mm twist drill bit.

Only on F01, F02 and F04:

Bracket (2) has two rivets (1) at the top and one screw (1) at the bottom.

Tightening torque 51 16 23AZ .

Unscrew holder (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Rivet Plate And Bracket

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Deburr remaining rivets with nipper pliers.

Fig 3: Removing Rivets With Nipper Pliers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Lay out possible paintwork damage on the side frame with primer.

Removal of the top rivet heads (1):

Stabilize sheet metal tab with screwdriver.

Drive out rivet heads with punch.

Fig 4: Identifying Top Rivet Heads

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removal of the bottom rivet heads (1):

Special tool 72 1 200 for collecting rivet remnants.

Shank of special tool is flexible and can be adapted to the relevant body contours.

NOTE: Insert butyl in collecting tray to secure rivet remnants against falling out.

Fig 5: Identifying Bottom Rivet Heads

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert special tool 72 1 200 through bore hole in body below attachment point.

Fig 6: Inserting Special Tool (72 1 200) Into Bore Hole Of Body

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position special tool from rear on rivet head in cavity.

NOTE: Make sure collecting tray is correctly fitted on rivet head.

A second person will be needed to help hold the special tool on the rivet head during the driving-out operation.

With hammer and punch drive out stem into collecting tray.

Fig 7: Positioning Special Tool From Rear On Rivet Head

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Carefully maneuver special tool out of body so that rivet head does not fall out of collecting tray.

Installation note:

Riveting of gas generator housing and holders for folding pack with rivet gun (refer to BMW Workshop Catalogue).

Avoid rivet inclination.

NOTE: If the rivet falls out of the collecting tray into the side frame when the special tool is fed out, this area must be generously filled with foam.

Use cavity preservation (refer to BMW Parts Department) for foam filling.

Cavity foam (refer to BMW Parts Department) can also be used if necessary.

Preparing tube for foam can:

Slide tube (1) at least 6 cm into tube (2).

Cut end of tube (1) at an angle.

Apply marking (3) 15 cm from end of tube.

Fit tube to foam can.

WARNING: Empty foam can completely onto cardboard and after hardening dispose of foam and can in residual waste.

Can may burst if not completely emptied.

Fig 8: Identifying Mark On End Of Tube

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.