41 14 021 Replacing Front Left Wheel Arch

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW X6 and 2010 BMW X6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: High-voltage system - danger to life!

WARNING: The following points must be strictly observed prior to starting work :

DE-ENERGIZE THE HIGH-VOLTAGE SYSTEM
Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for handling with hybrid cars

This instruction is only applicable the first time the wheel arch is replaced! Repeated replacement is only permitted after consultation with and approval by BMW. Should you have any questions, please contact the country-specific BMW Hotline.

If the wheel arch has not yet been replaced, this can be recognized from the punch rivets (1) fitted at the factory.

If replacing the wheel arch, replace the punch rivets with blind rivets (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Punch Rivets And Blind Rivets

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Read contents of BODY .

The steel-aluminium composite construction is used on the vehicle.

Observe specific PROCEDURE .

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 (refer to ELECTRONIC PARTS CATALOGUE ):

(1) Wheel arch, front
(2) Reinforcement, carrier support

Fig 2: Identifying Wheel Arch And Carrier Support Reinforcement
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Open welded connections in area (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Welded Connections Area

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Open welded connections in areas (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Welded Connections Areas

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Open welded connections in area (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Welded Connections Area

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Mark severance cut in accordance with measurement a and cut carrier support.

Measurement a=50 mm before 20 mm dia. bore

Open welded connections in area (1).

Installation note:

Weld in REINFORCEMENT PLATE at severance cut.

Fig 6: Identifying Welded Connections Area And Bore Measurement

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Open welded connections in area (1).

Fig 7: Identifying Engine Support Welded Connections Area

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Drill out rivet connections in areas (1) to (3).

Open BONDED CONNECTIONS in areas (1) to (4).

Remove the wheel arch.

Fig 8: Identifying Rivet Connections Areas And Bonded Connections Areas

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New part preparation:

IMPORTANT: To avoid contact corrosion, do not grind the aluminium component in the area of the BONDING SURFACES .

Adjust new parts to fit with alignment bracket or universal mount and secure.

In areas (2) and (3) carry over new rivet holes from engine support to wheel arch and drill.

In areas (2) and (3) set eleven 6.8 MM DIA. HOLES FOR BLIND RIVETS N2 .

For a description of the procedure in area (1), refer to Fig 11

Fig 9: Identifying Rivet Connections Areas And Bonded Connections Areas

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NOTE: For accessibility reasons, move rivet (1) 15 mm forwards (2).

Fig 10: Identifying Rivets

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Fig 11: Identifying Rivet Holes

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Drill new rivet holes (1) as shown in picture.

New rivet positions are required for strength reasons.

In so doing, maintain a minimum distance of 10 mm to lower component edge.

Set fourteen 6.8 mm dia. holes for blind rivets N2.

Remove new wheel arch part again and deburr holes.

Installing the wheel arch:

Clean bonding surfaces in areas (1) to (3) with cleaning agent R1.

Apply adhesive K1 to bonding surfaces.

Install new wheel arch part with alignment bracket or universal mount.

Weld and rivet new parts.

Fig 12: Identifying Rivet Connections Area And Adhesive Joints Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.