41 21 013 Replace Outer Left A-Pillar

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 27 other vehicles, including the 2017 BMW M6, 2017 BMW 650i xDrive, 2017 BMW 650i, 2017 BMW 640i xDrive, and 2017 BMW 640i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Observe procedure for REPAIR STAGE 3 .

Read contents of BODY, GENERAL .

Spot-weld bonding is used on this vehicle. Observe specific PROCEDURE .

Use only approved SPOT-WELDING APPARATUS for repairs.

The following new body parts are required:

(1) A-pillar, outer
(2) Connection, side frame
(3) Support, A-pillar
(4) Shaped part, carrier support, wheel arch, front (not shown)
(5) Shaped part, carrier support, wheel arch (not shown)

Fig 1: Identifying New Body Parts Required
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Following CONSUMABLES are required:

Material	Quantity
Adhesive K1	1
Blind rivets N3	3
Blind rivets N1	4
Cleaning agent R1	1
Cavity sealing wax remover	1
Sealant D1

Removal A-pillar, outer

Roughly mark severance cuts (1) and cut.

Open welded connections in areas (2).

LOOSEN spot-welded adhesive joints in area (3).

Loosen side frame from cavity sealing (4) and remove.

Remove cavity sealing (4).

Fig 2: Identifying Severance Cut Lines, Welded Connections, Spot-Welded Adhesive Joints, And Cavity Sealing

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" = 90 mm in front of 25 mm dia. hole.
Dimension "b" = 300 mm from corner of roof outer skin.
Open spot-welded adhesive joints in area (1)
Open welded connections in areas (2).
Release A-pillar from cavity sealings (3) and remove.

Fig 3: Identifying Severance Cut Dimensions, Spot-Welded Adhesive Joints, Welded Connections, And Cavity Sealings

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

New part preparation

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

Prepare REINFORCEMENT PLATES at severance cuts.

Release spot-welded adhesive joints in areas (1) and (2).

Remove A-pillar support and side frame connection.

IMPORTANT: Open welded connections only from the outer side of A-pillar.
No holes are to be drilled in the A-pillar in areas (1) and (2).

Adjust A-pillar new parts and A-pillar support and secure.

Fig 4: Preparing New Part

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: New part is joined in area (1) by using bonding-riveting technology.

In area (1) create 5 holes for blind rivets.

(2) = bore holes 4.2 mm dia. for blind rivets N3.

(3) = bore holes 6.8 mm dia. for blind rivets N1.

Fig 5: Identifying Blind Rivet Bore Hole Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: New part is joined in area (1) by using bonding-riveting technology.

Create two 6.8 mm dia. bore holes for blind rivets N1 in area (1).

Fig 6: Identifying Blind Rivet Bore Holes

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

In area (1) prepare new part for plug welding.

Remove new parts again and deburr holes.

In all further joint areas, prepare new parts and body for joining by welding.

Fig 7: Identifying Plug Welding Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Structure bonding: observe PREPARATION OF BONDING SURFACES .

Installation A-pillar, outer

Install new parts and reinforcement plates and rivet with blind rivets.

Clean bonding surface (1) with CLEANING AGENT R1 .

Apply sealant to cavity sealing. See INSTALLING CAVITY SEALING (EXPANDED) or INSTALLING CAVITY SEALING (NOT EXPANDED) .

Apply adhesive to bonding surfaces.

Install and secure new parts and reinforcement plates.

Fig 8: Identifying Bonding Surface

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

In areas (1), rivet new part with blind rivets N1 and N3.

Weld new part in area (2).

Fig 9: Identifying Riveting Areas And Welding Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Weld new part in area (1).

NOTE: In area (1) there must be no more holes after welding. (watertightness).

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage to adhesive area.
Avoid applying excessive heat to the neighboring adhesive areas.

Fig 10: Identifying Plug Welding Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Apply sealant to cavity sealing. Install and weld the side frame connection.

In area (1) the inner A-pillar and A-pillar reinforcement are joined by spot-welding bonding technology.

Apply repair welding spots in area (1) to existing spot-welded adhesive joints.

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

Fig 11: Identifying Spot-Welding Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

MAG-weld new part in areas (1).

To do so, apply 10 mm long fillet welds at spacing of 15 mm.

Fig 12: Identifying MAG-Welding Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Weld new parts in the remaining joint areas.