41 21 510 Replacing Front Left Door Pillar (Front Side Panel Removed)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Read general service information under BODY, GENERAL .

Spot-weld bonding is used on this vehicle. Observe specific procedure See 4100... SPOT-WELD BONDING STEEL PARTS or 4100... OPENING ADHESIVE BONDS .

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.

Following new body parts are required:

(1) A-pillar, outer
(2) Support carrier, wheel arch, outer
(3) Shaped part, support carrier (not shown)
(4) Shaped part, A-pillar, bottom inner (not shown)

Fig 1: Identifying Outer (A-Pillar, Support Carrier And Wheel Arch)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Identifying Welding And Adhesive Applying Areas With Measurements On Left Door Pillar

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified measurements and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer plate only for following severance cuts.
Measurement a = approx. 130 mm from edge of rectangular hole.
Measurement b = approx. 160 mm from centerpoint of 12 mm dia. bore.
Open weld joints in areas (1).

Installation:

Weld in REINFORCING PANELS at all severance cuts.

Apply window glass adhesive to cavity acoustic baffles . See 4100... INSTALLING A CAVITY ACOUSTIC BAFFLE (EXPANDED) or 4100... INSTALLING A CAVITY ACOUSTIC BAFFLE (NOT EXPANDED) (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Weld Joint Areas, Adhesive Bond Areas And Measuring Severance Cut Position

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified measurements and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer plate only for following severance cuts.
Measurement a = approx. 210 mm from roof edge.
Measurement b = approx. 80 mm below severance cut a.
Measurement c = approx. 215 mm before hole dia. 20 mm.
Open weld joints in areas (1).
Open adhesive bond in area (3).

Installation:

Sheet panel (2) is needed again to seal cowl.

Plug weld in area (3).

IMPORTANT: For following severance cut, do not damage sunroof water drain hose.

Mark severance cut (1) in accordance with measurement and cut.

Measurement a = approx. 250 mm from roof edge.

Fig 4: Identifying Roof Edge Cutting Dimension