51 31... Removing windows with an oscillating knife

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 MINI Cooper, 2018 MINI Cooper, 2017 MINI Cooper, 2016 MINI Cooper, and 2015 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Follow SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS for working on vehicles with airbag systems (risk of injury).

IMPORTANT: Handle sharp-edged tools with care (risk of damage to the head airbag and the window glass).

IMPORTANT: Follow the vehicle-specific repair instructions!
Always wear safety goggles and protective gloves for your own safety.
Cover the working area (side walls, roof-mounted antenna and if necessary, interior equipment) with protective covers.
Tape off body with fabric adhesive tape (e.g. Tesa) in areas where the oscillating knife could damage the window glass or the paint.

Use SUCTION LIFTER (51 3 010) to lift out the window glass.

Always keep both suction cups dry and clean to ensure optimum adhesion on the windshield.

Secure window glass against falling out.

Fig 1: Lifting Window Glass Using Suction Cups (51 3 010)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Depending on the area of application, knife 1 or 2 is used.

Straight knife with adjustable thrust roller
U-shaped knife

Dimension (X) on the knife (1) can be adjusted individually, see individual repair instructions.

NOTE: Sharpen knife blade before every use on a running machine with a grinding stone (even with new knife blade).

Fig 2: Knife Dimension

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing from the inside:

Guide knife carefully between body and window glass.

Run blade of knife parallel to glass.

Take care not to damage paintwork.

Cut through adhesive bead all the way around.

Pull window glass outwards to remove.

Fig 3: Cutting Adhesive Bead (Inside)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removal from outside:

Guide knife carefully between body and window glass.

Run blade of knife parallel to glass.

Take care not to damage paintwork.

Cut through adhesive bead all the way around.

Pull window glass outwards to remove.

Fig 4: Cutting Adhesive Bead (Outside)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cut through adhesive bead as closely as possible to window glass.

Fig 5: Cutting Through Adhesive Bead To Window Glass

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.