41 14 021 Front Left Wheel Arch Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The reduced-weight aluminum front end structure (GRAV) is used on this vehicle.

Observe specific procedure .

Place vehicle on straightening bench.

Following new body parts are required:

Wheel arch, front

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Arch, Front
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Open rivet joints in areas (1) to (3).

As a rule, part of the punch rivet remains in the engine carrier in areas (2) and (3). Drill out remnants.

Open EMC weld seam in area (1).

Installation:

Carry over hole pattern from engine carrier to new part in areas (1) to (3).

Use 4 rivets (size 13) in areas (1).

Use 6 rivets (size 13) in areas (2).

Use 8 rivets (size 15) in areas (3).

Fig 2: Rivets Installation Area

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IMPORTANT: If a partial replacement has already been carried out on the engine carrier, rivets (size 15) must be used in areas (1).
If the engine carrier is replaced at the same time as the wheel arch, rivets (size 13) must be used in areas (3).

Use 2 EMC screws in areas (1).

Use 2 EMC screws in areas (3).

If an engine carrier partial replacement has been carried out, 2 EMC screws must also be used in areas (2).

Fig 3: Rivets Installation Area

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Open rivet joints in areas (1) and (2).

As a rule, part of the punch rivet remains in the units compartment partition wall in areas (1) and (2). Drill out remnants.

Installation:

Carry over bores from units compartment partition wall to new part in area (2).

Use 3 rivets (size 13) in area (1).

Use 2 rivets (size 13) in area (2).

Fig 4: Rivets Installation Area

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NOTE: Right side only:

Open rivet joints in areas (1).

Installation:

Use 2 rivets (size 13) in areas (1).

Fig 5: Rivet Joints Opening Area

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Open weld joints in areas (1) and (2).

Open rivet joints in area (2).

Installation:

If necessary, replace brazed seams with MAG weld seams in area (1).

Use 2 rivets (size 13) in area (2).

Fig 6: Rivets Installation Area

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Open weld joints in areas (1).

Fig 7: Weld Joints Opening Area

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Open weld joints in area (1).

Mark severance cut according to measurement a and cut inside A-pillar.

Measurement a = 47 mm from center of bore.

Fig 8: Weld Joints Opening Area

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NOTE: When replacing right wheel arch:
Measurement a = 65 mm from center of bore.
Measurement b = 20 mm

Fig 9: Severance Cut Measurement

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Different riveting-down elements, depending on the equipment specification, must be mounted on the new component.

Preparation of new part:

Mark severance cut (1) according to vehicle. Cut outer metal sheet only.

Drill out metal sheet in areas (2).

Installation:

Adjust new part to fit with straightening attachment or universal mount.

Let parts overlap 10 mm at severance cut (1).

Weld new component from inside and outside over entire length (from outside if accessible).

Drill holes for rivets .

Bond new part.

Rivet new part.

Fig 10: Severance Cut

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Installation:

Seal new component in area (1) with sealing compound.

Fig 11: New Component Sealing Area

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Installation:

There is no bore hole (1) for the support bearing centering pin in the new component!

Prior to installing spring strut, remove support bearing centering pin.

Fig 12: Bore Hole For Support Bearing Centering Pin In New Component

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