41 14 021 Replacing Front Left Wheel Arch

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 And Blind Rivets

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Observe procedure of REPAIR STAGE 3 .

Read contents of BODY, GENERAL .

STRIP DOWN  vehicle..

Steel-aluminium composite construction is used on the vehicle. Observe specific PROCEDURE .

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

Use only approved SPOT-WELDING EQUIPMENT  for repairs!

Place vehicle on straightening bench.

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

• (1) Wheel arch, front
• (2) Connection, side frame, rear

Following CONSUMABLES  are required:

Fig 2: Identifying Wheel Arch And Connection

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Removing the wheel arch 

Open welded connections in area (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Welded Connections Area

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Open welded connections in area (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Welded Connections Area

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Open welded connections in areas (1).

LOOSEN  spot-welded adhesive joints in areas (2).

Roughly cut side frame connection along lines (3).

Release the side frame connection from the cavity sealing and remove.

Fig 5: Identifying Welded Connections And Spot-Welded Adhesive Joints Areas

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Open welded connections in area (1).

Remove cavity sealing (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Welded Connections Area And Cavity Sealing

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Drill out rivet connections in area (1).

Open bonded connection in area (2).

Fig 7: Identifying Rivet And Bonded Connection Area

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Open welded connections in area (1).

Fig 8: Identifying Welded Connections Area

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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 And Bonded Connections Areas

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New part preparation 

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

TRANSFER THE HOLE PATTERN  in the areas (1) from the engine support to the wheel arch.

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

Fig 10: Identifying Wheel Arch And Hole Pattern Areas

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Fig 11: Identifying Rivet Positions

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Additional rivet positions are required for strength reasons.

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

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

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 Spring Support Area

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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. 15 mm.

Fig 13: Identifying MAG Weld Part Area

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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 Weld Area

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Fig 15: Identifying Bulkhead Cross Member

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