41 32 000 Replacing Left Or Right Cowl

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Read contents of 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, unauthorised operations may result in serious dangers.
Unauthorised 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

Following new body parts are required (refer to Electronic Parts Catalogue):

(1) A-pillar, outer

Fig 1: Identifying Outer A-Pillar
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Removing the cowl panel

Release screw (1) for airbag.

Tightening torque 72 12 2AZ .

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Airbag (2) must not be kinked or bent!

Fig 2: Identifying Airbag And Mounting Screw

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

Order number, protective sleeve: 81 47 2 159 578

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

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Fig 5: Identifying Cavity Sealing And Outer Panel Severance Cuts Dimensions

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Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified dimensions and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only for following severance cuts.
Dimensions a = approx. 150 mm from roof edge.
Dimension b = approx. 400 mm below severance cut a.
Open welded connections in areas (1).
Release part section of cowl panel from cavity sealing (2) and remove it.

New part preparation

Mark severance cuts on new parts in accordance with vehicle and cut.

Prepare REINFORCEMENT PLATES at severance cuts.

Fit in new part.

Installation of cowl panel

Apply sealant to cavity seal See 41 00... INSTALLING A CAVITY ACOUSTIC BAFFLE (EXPANDED) or 41 00... INSTALLING A CAVITY ACOUSTIC BAFFLE (NOT EXPANDED) .

Install and weld new parts and reinforcement plates.

After completing welding work:

Check airbag in area of protective sleeve for damage, replace See 72 12 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT HEAD AIRBAG or 72 12 061 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT HEAD AIRBAG (VERSION WITH SLIDE/TILT SUNROOF) if necessary.