Replacing Rear Left Side Panel (M4 Convertible)

Read contents of BODY, GENERAL .

Procedure OBSERVE  repair stage 3!

STRIP DOWN  vehicle.

Place vehicle on straightening bench.

The following new parts are required (see applicable BMW Parts Catalog):

• (1) Rear side wall

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Following CONSUMABLES  are required:

Material	Quantity
Adhesive K5b	1
Blind rivet N3	19
Blind rivet N6	8
Punch rivet N4	9
Punch rivet N5	13
Cleaning agent R1	1
Sealant D1	1
EMC screw	3

Removal 

Open welded connections in areas (1).

Loosen the felt bonded connection in area (2).

Open welded connections in areas (1).

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Open welded connections in area (1).

Open brazed connections in areas (2).

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Open welded connections in area (1).

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Release welded connection and brazed connection in area (1).

Detach side wall.

Installation note: 

Area (1) must be completely filled with adhesive when installing.

When sealing in area (2), ensure sufficient clearance for outer window cavity cover strip.

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New part preparation 

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Adjust new part to fit with alignment bracket or universal mount and secure.

Areas (1) and (2): Drill bore holes ø 4.2 mm for blind rivet:

Area	Number
1	6
2	2

Prepare area (3) for 2 x 15 mm long metal active gas weld seams.

If an approved spot-welding apparatus is available, 2 spot welds can be made in area (3) instead of metal active gas weld seams.

Area (3) corresponds to flange surface of inner sill.

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In areas (1) to (5): Drill bore holes ø 4.2 mm for blind rivet.

Area	Number
1	4
2	2
3	3
4	3
5	1

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In areas (1): Drill 6 bore holes ø 4.2 mm for blind rivet.

Attention! 

Do not grind/sand new part in area of bonding surfaces.

Installation 

Clean all bonding surfaces on vehicle and on new part with cleaning agent R1.

Apply adhesive to bonding surfaces.

Attention! 

In the area around the B-pillar, adequate distance must be provided between the adhesive applied and the upcoming metal active gas welded connections. Distance depending on the adhesive 2 - 3 centimeter.

Apply adhesive to the inside of the side wall in distance a in the area of the wheel arch.

Dimension a = approx. 10 mm

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Fit the side wall with alignment bracket or universal mount.

Attach side panel with a second person and secure with gripping pliers.

Areas (1) and (2): Rivet side panel with blind rivets N6  .

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Area (1): Rivet side panel using 6 self-piercing rivets N5  .

Area (2): Place 2 x 15 mm long metal active gas weld seams or 2 spot welds.

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Area (1): Place 3 x self-piercing rivets N5  .

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In areas (1): Rivet side panel with blind rivets N3  .

In areas (2) to (4): Rivet side panel using self-pierce rivet.

Area	Number	Remarks
2	2	Punch rivet N4
3	4	Punch rivet N5
4	1	Punch rivet N4

Rivet in area (1) of side panel with 6 x self-piercing rivets N4  .

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Rivet side panel in area (1) with blind rivets N3  .

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Also apply adhesive (2) to outer wheel arch section (3).

1. Rear side wall

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Flange edge of wheel arch (3) of side wall flush to outer wheel arch section.

Do not create sharp edges when flanging as otherwise the flange edge may begin to tear.

Dimension (A) = 5 mm.

Also seal in area (3) according to standard.

1. Adhesive
2. Rear side wall

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Attention! 

The wheel arch must be flanged immediately after riveting before the adhesive hardens.

After adhesive has hardened, install one EMC screw in each case in areas (1).

Additionally, install EMC screw in sill area.

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