Removing roof outer skin

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW 750xi, 2011 BMW 750Lxi, 2010 BMW 750xi, and 2010 BMW 750Lxi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

View of passenger compartment above driver's seat.

Operation is described on the left side. Right side identical.

Release screw (1).

Release rivets (2) and remove holder (3).

Fig 1: Identifying Rivets, Screw And Holder

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Release rivets (1) and remove earth strap (2).

NOTE: Do not damage earth strap.

Replace if necessary, BMW Part number 61 12 7 213 377

Also release earth straps on left and right above rear seat.

IMPORTANT: Only the special rivets may be used to fit the earth straps!

Fig 2: Identifying Rivets And Earth Strap

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Fig 3: Identifying Bonded Connection

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Heat bonded connection (5) with hot-air blower until adhesive is loosened and release.

In so doing, proceed in sections (1 to 4), starting at rear left.

IMPORTANT: Extract vapors and gases.
Primed surface must not be damaged.
Do not use any metallic tools.

Carefully drive in plastic or wooden wedge at heated section. The wedge creates tension between roof outer skin and body.

IMPORTANT: Do not exert force to drive in wedge. If the wedge cannot be driven in, continue heating roof outer skin on adhesive flange over a large area (max. 180 °C).
Carry out operation with a 2nd person helping.

Heat next section until roof outer skin has detached from body. Reapply plastic wedge. Repeat procedure until roof outer skin is completely detached.

Take off roof outer skin.

Fig 4: Taking Off Roof Outer Skin

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Installing roof outer skin

Remove adhesive residues (1) to 0.5 mm.

Primed surface must not be damaged.

Smaller damage to 5 mm or scratch marks can be ignored.

In the event of larger damage to primer (greater than 5 mm), proceed as follows:

Fig 5: Identifying Roof Outer Skin Adhesive Residues

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In the event of larger damage to primer, the following procedure applies:

Clean damaged area with cleaning agent R1.

Apply adhesive K5a to the bare areas with a spatula or a brush. Apply a uniformly thin layer (max. 0.5 mm). The roof outer skin can be bonded after a curing period of 24 hours.

The adhesive flange area must not be painted over when the roof frame is being repaired or replaced.

Fit new sound insulation in areas (1).

Fig 6: Identifying Sound Insulation Areas

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Clean bonding surface (1) on body and on new part with cleaning agent R1. Observe an air drying time of 2 minutes.

Fig 7: Identifying Roof Outer Skin Adhesive Residues

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Lay out following parts ready:

Adhesive in adhesive gun and 2nd glue cartridge
Rear window
Roof trim strips
Preset roof pliers with tensioning straps
3 large fixing pliers (windscreen area)
3 small fixing pliers (rear window area)

Steps 1 to 3 described below must be completed within 15 minutes!

Applying adhesive
Joining and fixing roof outer skin
Applying adhesive to nodes on A- and C-pillars. Removing excess adhesive.

NOTE: To ensure that the processing time of 15 mins. is observed, make sure that the clamping tools are pre-adjusted. To do so, lay on roof outer skin without adhesive.

Then mount and adjust all clamping tools. In so doing, position roof pliers close to roof frame. (For arrangement see Figure)

IMPORTANT: Position roof pliers only in areas of stiffening impressions.

Fig 8: Identifying Proper And Improper Tool Arrangement

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