41 14 021 Replacing Front Left Wheel Arch

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 528xi, 2010 BMW 528i, 2009 BMW 528xi, 2009 BMW 528i, and 2008 BMW 528xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The reduced-weight aluminium 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: Wheel Arch, Front
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Open Rivet Joints Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Rivet Joints Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Open Rivet Joints Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Right side only:

Open rivet joints in areas (1).

Installation:

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

Fig 5: Open Rivet Joints Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Open Weld And Rivet Joints Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open weld joints in areas (1).

Fig 7: Open Weld Joints Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open weld joints in area (1).

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

Measurement a = 47 mm from centre of bore.

Fig 8: Open Weld Joints Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 9: Centre Of Bore Measurement

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Required tools are featured on the Workshop Equipment Planning CD (WEP).

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: Drill Out Metal Sheet Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

Fig 11: Seal Component Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Identifying Bore Hole

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.