2.2 Opening punch rivets by drilling out
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.
Drill out rivets with a 6 mm dia. carbide drill bit.
Punch rivets can be drilled out on both sides. When drilling from the protruding rear side, spot-drill the rivet shank only and remove the rest with a rivet punch.
Use a drift punch to remove punch rivet remnants in the aluminium (risk of corrosion).
Clean vehicle to remove chips (risk of corrosion).