41 14 020 Replacing Front Left Wheel Arch

Note the special vehicle identification number procedure when replacing the front right wheel arch (order the new body part with the vehicle identification number, if necessary).

These instructions are only applicable the first time the wheel arch is replaced.

Repeated replacement is only permitted after consultation with and release by BMW.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Observe procedure of REPAIR STAGE 3 .

Read contents of BODY, GENERAL .

Strip down vehicle. See STRIPPING OPERATIONS - REPLACING FRONT LEFT WHEEL ARCH .

Steel-aluminium composite construction is applied in this vehicle. Observe specific PROCEDURE .

Spot-weld bonding is used on this vehicle.

Observe specific procedure for repairs. See BONDING ALUMINIUM ON STEEL  and OPENING RIVETED CONNECTIONS .

Use only approved SPOT-WELDING EQUIPMENT  for repairs.

Place vehicle on straightening bench.

The following new body parts are required:

• (1) Wheel arch, front
• (2) Connection, side frame
• (3) Support, A-pillar

Following CONSUMABLES  are required:

Fig 2: Identifying New Body Parts Required

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing the wheel arch 

Open welded connections in area (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Welded Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open welded connections in area (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Welded Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open spot-welded adhesive joints in areas (1).

Open welded connections in areas (2).

Roughly cut side frame connection along lines (3).

Release the side frame connection from the cavity sealing (4) and remove.

Fig 5: Identifying Welded Connections, Cutting Lines, And Cavity Sealing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open welded connections in area (1).

Remove cavity sealing (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Cavity Bulkhead And Welded Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Drill out rivet connections in area (1).

Open bonded connection in area (1).

Fig 7: Identifying Riveted/Bonded Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open welded connections in area (1).

Fig 8: Identifying Welded Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Drill out rivet connections in areas (1) and (2).

Open bonded connections in areas (1) and (2).

Remove the wheel arch.

Fig 9: Identifying Rivet Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

New part preparation 

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

TRANSFER THE HOLE PATTERN  in these areas

(1) from the engine support to the spring support.

Transfer Ø 6.8 mm riveting holes from the engine support to the spring support in this area (2).

Fig 10: Identifying Rivet Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Additional rivet positions are required for strength reasons.

(1) = Additional rivet positions (black, number 6)

(2) = Previous rivet positions (grey, number 15)

Fig 11: Identifying Rivet Positions

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Drill additional riveting holes (1) (Ø 6.8 mm) according to the schematic diagram.

Transfer the riveting holes Ø 6, 8 mm from the partition wall of the units compartment to the spring support in this area (2).

Fig 12: Identifying Riveted/Bonded Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.

Installing the wheel arch 

Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.

Apply adhesive K1 to bonding surfaces.

Install new parts using an alignment bracket or universal mount.

Using blind rivets, rivet new parts in the areas where the rivets are fitted with adhesive N2.

Apply sealant to CAVITY SEALING  for the carrier support of the wheel arch.

Weld new parts identically to the series in the other gap areas.

MAG-weld new part in area (1).

To do so, apply 2 fillet welds at distance of approx. 20 mm. Length of fillet welds approx. 10 mm.

Fig 13: Identifying MAG-Weld 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 14: Identifying MAG-Welding Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 15: Identifying Bulkhead Cross Member

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.