41 32 031 Replace The A-Pillar On The Outside Left In The Area Of The Windscreen

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Read contents of BODY, GENERAL .

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.

IMPORTANT: Operations on pyrotechnical devices may only be carried out by authorized experts.
Improper, unauthorized operations may result in serious dangers.

Unauthorized persons are strictly prohibited from performing any operations on this system.

WARNING: Read and comply with SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical belt tensioners.
Incorrect handling can activate airbag and cause injury.
A damaged head airbag must be replaced.
A damaged head airbag exhibits an impaired protective function and in extreme cases loses its protective function altogether.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD .

Remove PANEL FOR ROOF PILLAR .

The following new body parts are required :

(1) A-pillar, outer

Fig 1: Identifying Outer A-Pillar

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing the A-pillar in the area of the windscreen

Unclip wiring harness in area (1).

Release screws (2) for airbag.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Airbag (3) must not be kinked or bent!

Installation note:

Tightening torque 72 12 02AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Airbag, Wiring Harness Area And Screws

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NOTE: Use protective sleeve (1) to protect the airbag.
Check protective sleeve for damage prior to use.
A damaged protective sleeve must not be used!

(2) Velcro fastener

(3) Loop

Order number, protective sleeve: 81 47 2 159 578

Sourcing reference:

Fig 3: Identifying Protective Sleeve, Velcro Fastener And Loop

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slide protective sleeve (1) onto airbag under roofliner so that airbag is completely covered.

Fasten protective sleeve with Velcro fastener (2).

Secure protective sleeve with airbag against kinking.

Fig 4: Identifying Protective Sleeve And Velcro Fastener

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Fig 5: Identifying Outer Plate Severance Cut Dimensions, Cavity Sealing And Welded Connection Areas

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Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified dimensions and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only for following severance cuts.

Dimensions a = approx. 150 mm from roof edge.

Dimension b = approx. 380 mm below severance cut a.

Open welded connections in areas (1).

Release and remove partial section of A-pillar from cavity sealing (2).

New part preparation

Mark severance cuts on new parts in accordance with vehicle and cut.

Prepare REINFORCEMENT PLATES at severance cuts.

Installing the A-pillar in the area of the windscreen

Apply window glass adhesive to CAVITY SEALING .

Install and weld new parts and reinforcement plates.

After completing welding work:

Check airbag in area of protective sleeve for damage, replace if necessary. See REPLACING HEAD AIRBAG or REPLACING HEAD AIRBAG (VERSION WITH SLIDE/TILT SUNROOF) .