Removing entrance cover with door post

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Door Outer Pillar Cutting Dimensions

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified dimensions and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only for following severance cuts.
Dimension a = approx. 280 mm from centrepoint of 25 mm dia. hole.
Dimension b = approx. 110 mm after cut a.
Dimension c = approx. 120 mm from edge of roof frame.
Dimension d = approx. 100 mm below cut c.
Measurement e = approx. 155 mm from centrepoint of 25 mm dia. hole.
Dimension f = approx. 80 mm before cut e.
Open welded connections in areas (1).

NOTE: Cut-out metal sections are required again for sealing.

Fig 2: Identifying Door Outer Pillar Welding And Cutting Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified dimensions and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer plate only for the severance cuts (1).
For severance cut (2) cut all the way through B-pillar.
Measurement a = approx. 330 mm from centrepoint of 25 mm dia. hole.
Measurement b= approx. 205 mm before centrepoint of 25 mm dia. hole.
Dimension c = approx. 170 mm from edge of roof frame.
OPEN welded connections and welding spots in the areas (3).

Installation note:

Weld new parts in areas (4) as standard.

Apply repair welding spots in the area (3) of sill bottom edge at the available welding spots on new part/vehicle.

This is necessary because the adhesive between the spot flanges acts as an insulator.

View from below:

Open welded connections in areas (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Door Pillar Welded Connections Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

View from inside:

IMPORTANT: Cut outer metal plate only for following severance cut.

Mark severance cut (1) and cut.

Open welded connections in areas (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Welding And Cutting Areas On Door Pillar

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open spot-welded adhesive joints in area (1)

Open bonded connection in area (2).

Remove B-pillar.

Fig 5: Identifying B-Pillar Spot-Welded Adhesive Joints Area And Bonded Connection Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open welded connections in areas (1).

Remove bulkheads (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Door Pillar Bulkheads And Welded Connections Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.