41 32 000 Replacing Left Or Right Cowl

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.

Read relevant service information under BODY, GENERAL .

Remove or cover those vehicle components in the repair area which are susceptible to heat or dust.

Use only approved SPOT-WELDING APPARATUS for repairs.

IMPORTANT: Operations on pyrotechnical devices may only be carried out by authorized experts.
Improper, unauthorized operations may result in serious dangers.
Unauthorized persons are strictly prohibited from performing any operations on this system.

WARNING: Read and comply with SAFETY REGULATIONS for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical belt tensioners.
Incorrect handling can activate airbag and cause injury.
A damaged head airbag must be replaced.
A damaged head airbag exhibits an impaired protective function and in extreme cases loses its protective function altogether.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD

Remove PANEL FOR ROOF PILLAR

The following new body parts are required:

(1) A-pillar, outer

Fig 1: Identifying Outer A-Pillar
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip wiring harness in area (1).

Release screws (2) for airbag.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Airbag (3) must not be kinked or bent!

Installation note:

Tightening torque 72 12 02AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Airbag, Wiring Harness Area And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Use protective sleeve (1) to protect the airbag.
Check protective sleeve for damage prior to use.
A damaged protective sleeve must not be used!

(2) Velcro fastener
(3) Loop

BMW Order number, protective sleeve: 81 47 2 159 578 Sourcing reference:

BMW Workshop Equipment Catalogue

Fig 3: Identifying Protective Sleeve, Velcro Fastener And Loop

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slide protective sleeve (1) onto airbag under roofliner so that airbag is completely covered.

Fasten protective sleeve with Velcro fastener (2).

Secure protective sleeve with airbag against kinking.

Fig 4: Identifying Protective Sleeve And Velcro Fastener

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 5: Identifying Outer Plate Severance Cut Dimensions, Cavity Sealing And Welded Connection Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified measurements and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer plate only for following severance cuts.
Measurement a = approx. 150 mm from roof edge.
Measurement b = approx. 380 mm below severance cut a.
Open welded connections in areas (1).
Installation note:
Weld in REINFORCEMENT PLATE at all severance cuts.
Apply window glass adhesive to cavity sealing (2). See CAVITY ACOUSTIC BAFFLE (EXPANDED) or CAVITY ACOUSTIC BAFFLE (NOT EXPANDED) .

After completing welding work:

Check airbag in area of protective sleeve for damage, replace if necessary. See LEFT OR RIGHT HEAD AIRBAG or LEFT OR RIGHT HEAD AIRBAG (VERSION WITH SLIDE/TILT SUNROOF) .