Riveting Aluminum Components Rep-Alg-RAGRP41-4105501-V.3 (All 7' Series Models 2016-2022)

1. 1.0 Recommended tools and equipment 

• Stud welding apparatus (refer to Service Information 5 03 03 975) with gas bottle containing inert gas (82 % argon, 18 % CO).
• Stainless steel stud (sourcing reference via BMW Parts Department image board aluminum and steel/bonding and welding)
• Universal riveting tool (refer to Service Information 5 03 03 975)
• Hand riveting tool for blind rivet nuts and blind rivet bolts (see Service Information 5 01 00 532 or in the Aftersales Assistance Portal (ASAP) - Service/Engineering - Workshop equipment (Start BMW)
• Shop workshop equipment or at www.bmwgroup-wep.com).

1. 2.1 Pull out punch rivets: 
   • Grind off paint and dark gray coating of punch rivets.
   • Position bolt centrally on the rivet and weld on vertically. The area in which the bolts are welded on should be between the two grounding terminals. Position both terminals, if possible, on the top of the metal plate on which the rivet is located.
   • Extract bolt with welded-on rivet using universal riveting tool. Use a large plastic nose piece if not otherwise specified in the repair instructions. Check plastic nose piece prior to use for wear.
   • Plastic nose piece must rest on sheet metal all round; if necessary, grind off plastic noise piece in collision area.

     Do not push riveting tool forcefully onto special-steel bolts.

     Do not use riveting tool to bend special-steel bolts.

   • Pay particular attention to central positioning of the bolt when using the small plastic mouthpiece.
   • Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions for use.
2. 2.2 Drill out punch rivets: 

   Only if one fails in pulling them out, or if the rivets are overall inaccessible with the rivet tongs.

   • 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, spot-drill the rivet shank only and remove the rest with a rivet punch.
   • Use a punch to remove punch rivet remnants in the aluminum (risk of corrosion).
   • Clean vehicle to remove shavings (risk of corrosion).
3. 2.3 Drill out the blind rivets: 

Only if a part is replaced several times.

• Only drill rivet heads  with a metal drill, ø 6 mm. Tap out remnants of the rivet with a drift punch. Use the available ø6.7 mm hole for a new blind rivet.
• Clean the vehicle of rivet remnants and burrs (corrosion hazard).

1. 3.0 Blind rivets together with adhesive 

• Punch rivets used in production are always replaced by blind rivets together with adhesive.
• The solidity required by the binding is only achieved with a combination of rivets and adhesive.

1. 4.0 Setting blind rivets: 

• Refer to repair instructions for rivet size.
• Position the blind rivets at the same places where the tapped out punch rivets were placed. Exceptions are described in the respective repair directions. If necessary, carry over the positions of the rivets to the new part.
• Drill bores (0.2 mm bigger than the outer diameter of the rivet. Example 4.2 mm dia. for 4 mm rivet and 6.7 mm dia. for 6.5 mm rivet).
• Apply adhesive.
• Insert blind rivet. The rivet direction is similar to the view direction on the picture in the repair manual (such as from the wheel arch to the motor mounts).
• Always punch the blind rivets with the rivet gun.
• Seal the blind rivet with SEALANT  (risk of corrosion).
• Seal the cavities with CAVITY PRESERVANT  (risk of corrosion).

1. 5.0 Setting blind rivet nuts and blind rivet bolts: 

• Threaded bolts welded standard are always replaced by blind rivet bolts.
• Drill bores (0.2 mm larger than the outer diameter of the blind rivet nuts or blind rivet bolts).
• Blind rivet nuts and studs must have a special coating for anti-corrosion purposes (sourcing reference: BMW Parts Department).

  Use the blind rivet nuts and bolts supplied in the case of the manual riveting tool for steel only! 

• Insert blind rivet nuts or bolts and tighten down with the riveting tool.
• It will no longer be possible to set a blind rivet nut if the drilled hole is too big. In this event, set a clip nut (sourcing reference: BMW Parts Department). This nut tightens itself automatically when screwed to the component.
• Seal blind rivet nuts and blind rivet bolts with SEALANT  (risk of corrosion).