41 32 000 Replacing Left Or Right Cowl

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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 REGULATIONS 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

Following new body parts are required (refer to BMW ELECTRONIC PARTS CATALOGUE ):

(1) A-pillar, outer

Fig 1: Identifying A-Pillar
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing the cowl panel

Release screw (1) for airbag.

Tightening torque 72 12 2AZ .

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Airbag (2) must not be kinked or bent!

Fig 2: Identifying Airbag And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 3: Identifying Protective Sleeve, Velcro Fastener And Loop

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Order number, protective sleeve: 81 47 2 159 578

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 5: Identifying Severance Cuts Dimensions Of Roof Edge

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.
Dimensions a = approx. 150 mm from roof edge.
Dimension b = approx. 400 mm below severance cut a.
Open welded connections in areas (1).
Release part section of cowl panel from cavity sealing (2) and remove it.

New part preparation

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

Prepare REINFORCEMENT PLATES at severance cuts.

Fit in new part.

Installation of cowl panel

Apply sealant to cavity seal. See INSTALLING CAVITY SEALING (EXPANDED) and INSTALLING CAVITY SEALING (NOT EXPANDED) .

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 AIRBAG or REPLACING AIRBAG (VEHICLE WITH SLIDE/TILT SUNROOF) .