41 14 021 Replacing Front Left Wheel Arch

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5, 2012 BMW X5, and 2011 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

This instruction is only applicable the first time the wheel arch is replaced! Repeated replacement is only permitted after consultation with and approval by BMW.

If the wheel arch has not yet been replaced, this can be recognized from the punch rivets (1) fitted at the factory. If replacing the wheel arch, replace the punch rivets with blind rivets (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Punch Rivet And Blind Rivet

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Read contents of SAFETY INFORMATION and BODY, GENERAL .

The steel-aluminium mixed construction is used on the vehicle.

Observe specific PROCEDURE .

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.

Place vehicle on straightening bench.

The following new body parts are required:

(1) Wheel arch, front
(2) Reinforcement, support carrier

Fig 2: Identifying Front Wheel Arch And Support Carrier Reinforcement
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Open weld joints in area (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Weld Joint Areas

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Open weld joints in areas (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Weld Joint Areas

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Open weld joints in area (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Weld Joints Area

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Mark severance cut in accordance with measurement "a" and cut support carrier.

measurement "a" =50 mm before 20 mm dia. bore

Open weld joints in area (1).

Installation:

Weld in REINFORCEMENT PLATE at severance cut.

Fig 6: Identifying Cutting Dimension And Weld Joints Area

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Open weld joints in area (1).

Fig 7: Identifying Cutting Dimension And Weld Joints Area

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Drill out riveted joints in areas (1) to (3).

Open ADHESIVE JOINTS in areas (1) to (4).

Installation:

Adjust new part to fit with straightening attachment or universal mount.

In areas (2) and (3) carry over new rivet holes from engine carrier to wheel arch and drill.

Use 11 N2 RIVETS in areas (2) and (3).

Fig 8: Identifying Riveted Joint Areas And New Rivet Hole Areas

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IMPORTANT: To avoid contact corrosion, do not grind the new wheel arch part in the area of the ADHESIVE SURFACES .
Grind bonding surfaces on engine carrier blank.

Clean bonding surfaces with isopropanol or isohexane.

Installation:

New rivet positions are required for strength reasons.

Drill new rivet holes (1) as shown in picture.

Fig 9: Drilling New Rivet Holes

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In so doing, maintain a minimum distance of 10 mm to lower component edge.

Use 14 N2 RIVETS .

Glue new component with ADHESIVE K1 .

Installation:

For accessibility reasons, move rivet (1) 15 mm forwards (2).

Fig 10: Moving Rivet Forward By 15mm

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