41 32 031 Replace the A-pillar on the outside left in the area of the windshield

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Read contents of BODY, GENERAL .

Remove or cover those vehicle parts in the repair area which are susceptible to heat or dust.

Use only an approved SPOT WELDER 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 INSTRUCTIONS for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical belt tensioners.

Failure to observe correct procedures can deploy the airbag and cause injuries.

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.

Preliminary work needed:

Disconnect NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE .

Remove TRIM PANEL FOR ROOF PILLAR .

The following new parts are required:

A-pillar, outer

Fig 1: Outer A-Pillar

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Removal:

Release the clip (1) and blind rivet (2).

IMPORTANT: For the exact procedure, see repair instructions for removing and installing HEAD AIRBAG .

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

Fig 2: Clip And Blind Rivet

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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: Airbag Protective Sleeve, Velcro Fastener And Loop

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Order number, protective sleeve: 81 47 2 159 578

Systematic schematic diagram:

Push the protective sleeve (1) onto the airbag up to just below the roofliner so that the airbag is completely covered.

Fasten protective sleeve with Velcro fastener (2).

Secure protective sleeve and airbag against kinking.

Fig 4: Airbag Protective Sleeve And Velcro Fastener

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Fig 5: Cavity Sealing, Severance Cuts, And Welded Connections Areas

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Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified dimensions and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only for following severance cuts.

Dimension "a" = approx. 60 mm from 8 mm diameter hole.

Dimension "b" = approx. 245 mm below severance cut a.

Open welded connections in areas (1).

Release partial section of A-pillar from cavity sealing (2) and remove.

NOTE: The cavity sealing (2) is placed approx. 80 mm upwards during the installation.

Preparation of new part:

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

Prepare REINFORCEMENT PLATES at severance cuts.

Installation:

Fig 6: Cavity Sealing And Welding Area

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Apply sealant to CAVITY SEALING (1). Install cavity sealing.

Install new parts and reinforcement plates and weld to designated area (2).

NOTE: After completing welding work: Check airbag in area of protective sleeve for damage, REPLACE if necessary.

Systematic schematic diagram:

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!

Airbag must not be kinked or bent!

Open Velcro fastener (2) and remove protective sleeve (1).

Fig 7: Airbag Protective Sleeve And Velcro Fastener

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Join the clip (1) and blind rivet (2).

IMPORTANT: For the exact procedure, see repair instructions for removing and installing HEAD AIRBAG .

Fig 8: Clip And Blind Rivet

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.