2.2 Opening Punch Rivets By Drilling Out
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW Z4, 2012 BMW Z4, 2011 BMW Z4, 2010 BMW Z4, and 2009 BMW Z4. 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 aluminum (risk of corrosion).
Clean vehicle to remove chips (risk of corrosion).