51 13 305 Removing and installing/replacing left or right rail

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 BMW 535xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING:

Read and comply with SAFETY REGULATIONS for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical belt tensioners.

Incorrect handling can activate airbag and cause injury.

DISCONNECT BATTERY .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove roofliner. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING ROOFLINER (ON VERSION WITHOUT PANORAMA SUNROOF) or REMOVING AND INSTALLING ROOFLINER (ON VERSION WITH PANORAMA SUNROOF)
Partially remove HEAD AIRBAG

Release nuts (1 to 3).

IMPORTANT: To avoid dents on the roof, use nuts (1 and 3) with 25 mm dia. washer and nut (2) with 35 mm dia. washer.

Observe tightening specification without fail in order to avoid ingress of water.

Tighten down nuts (1 to 3) to tightening torque 51 13 3AZ
Adhere to settling time, refer to tightening torque 51 13 3AZ
Tighten down nuts (1 to 3) again to tightening torque 51 13 3AZ

Fig 1: Identifying Nuts
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove rail (1) in direction of arrow.

Fig 2: Removing Rail

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Seal (2) on rail (3) must not be damaged.

Fig 3: Identifying Seal On Rail

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.