41 32 000 Replacing Left Or Right Cowl

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 pyrotechnically 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 pyrotechnically 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 work:

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 A-Pillar, Outer
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 2AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Airbag Screws, Wiring Harness Area

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
Sourcing reference:

Fig 3: Identifying Protective Sleeve, Velcro Fastener, 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 With Velcro Fastener

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 5: Identifying Reinforcement Plate Severance Cutting Dimension

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 . See 41 00... INSTALLING CAVITY SEALING (EXPANDED) or 41 00... INSTALLING CAVITY SEALING (NOT EXPANDED) (2).

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.