Replacing B-Pillar With Reinforcement On Left

Observe procedure of REPAIR TECHNIQUES, REPAIR STAGE 3 .

Read contents of body, general; refer to CONTENTS OF BODY, GENERAL .

For stripping and rebuilding operations, refer to surrounding texts on KSD (flat rate unit number 41 21 201).

Use only an approved spot-welding apparatus for repairs! Refer to WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT (BMW AND MINI VEHICLES) .

Place vehicle on straightening bench.

Following new body parts are required (refer to appropriate parts information ):

1. Side frame, outer
2. Middle side frame
3. Inner side frame
4. Shaped part B-pillar, outer front
5. Shaped part B-pillar, outer rear

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removal 

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark severance cuts (1) and (2) and cut according to schematic diagram.

Attention!

When making the separating cuts (1) and (2)  , cut only the outer panel.

Mark severance cut (3) in accordance with dimension a and cut.

Dimension (A) = 20 mm.

Open welded connections in areas (4).

Detach outer side sill section from cavity seals (5) and remove.

Open welded connections in areas (1) and (2).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

View of inside:

Open welded connections in areas (1).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark and perform the separating cuts in accordance with the specified dimensions.

Attention! 

Cut through outer panel only for severance cuts.

Dimension a = 50 mm.

Dimension b = 120 mm.

Dimension c = 15 mm from the component edge of the roof frame.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark and make the separating cut (1) as shown.

Open welded connections in areas (2).

Remove section (3) of the B-pillar.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open welded connections in areas (1).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open the welded connections in area (1) and remove the B-pillar.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

New part preparation 

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

Prepare reinforcement plates at severance cuts; refer to WELDING IN REINFORCEMENT PLATE (SHEET STEEL) .

Adjust new parts and reinforcements plates with alignment bracket or universal mount.

Prepare the upper area of the new B-pillar reinforcement for joining by MAG welding. To do so, make 8 x 12 mm elongated holes (1) with a parting-off grinder.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Prepare the lower area of the new B-pillar reinforcement for joining by MAG welding. To do so, make 8 x 12 mm elongated holes (1) with a parting-off grinder.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Prepare the lower area of the new B-pillar reinforcement for joining by MAG welding. To do so, make 6 x 15 mm elongated holes (1) with a parting-off grinder. Number and position of the elongated holes as for the series welded connections.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adjust new parts to fit with alignment bracket or universal mounting.

Prepare the body for MAG welding in the areas (1).

In the areas (2), prepare 2 x MAG weld seams, length 15 mm.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Prepare the body in the lower area of the B-pillar reinforcement for MAG welding (1).

Prepare for joining by welding in areas (2).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

In areas (1), prepare new parts for joining by welding.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

In areas (1), prepare new parts for joining by welding.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

In areas (1), prepare new parts for joining by welding.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adjust B-pillar outer skin and prepare for joining by welding in areas (1).

Installation 

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install B-pillar reinforcement and inner B-pillar with alignment bracket or universal fixture and weld in areas (1).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Apply sealant to cavity sealings (1); refer to INSTALLING CAVITY SEALING (NOT EXPANDED) .

Install B-pillar outer skin and reinforcement plates and weld in areas (2).