BMW 7 Series: Replacing Entrance With Door Post, Left And Right (Partial Replacement, B-pillar)

Observe procedure of REPAIR STAGE 3.

Read CONTENTS OF BODY, GENERAL.

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

Use only approved spot-welding apparatus for repairs. Place vehicle on straightening bench.

The following new body parts are required (see BMW Electronic Parts Catalogue):

1. B-pillar with entrance
2. ADHESIVE K1
3. Blind rivets N1 (3 pieces)

Fig. 134: Identifying B-Pillar

Removing entrance cover with door post

Fig. 135: Removing Entrance Cover With Door Post

Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified dimensions and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only for following severance cuts.

Measurement a = approx. 270 mm from center point of 25 mm dia. hole.

Dimension b = approx. 140 mm after cut a.

Measurement c = approx. 100 mm from roof edge.

Measurement d = approx. 80 mm below cut c.

Measurement e = approx. 40 mm from center point of 25 mm dia. hole.

OPEN spot-welded adhesive joints in areas (1). Open welded connections in areas (2).

Mark severance cut in accordance with specified dimension and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer metal plate only for following severance cut.

Measurement a = approx. 340 mm from center point of 25 mm dia. hole.

Open welded connections in area (1).

Installation note: Apply repair welding spots in area (1) to existing welding spots on new part / vehicle.

This is necessary because the adhesive between the spot flanges acts as an insulator.

Fig. 136: Identifying Area For Repair Welding (1 Of 2)

Open welded connections in areas (1).

Perform severance cut (2) according to illustration.

Tilt metal section (3) forwards to gain access to the 4 weld joints underneath.

Open the 4 weld joints.

Installation note: Apply repair welding spots in area (1) to existing welding spots on new part / vehicle.

Fig. 137: Identifying Area For Repair Welding (2 Of 2)

IMPORTANT: Open spot-welded adhesive joints in area (1) Open welding spots from outside.

Do not damage inside panel!

Open bonded connection in area (2).

Fig. 138: Identifying Spot-Welded And Bonded Areas

Mark severance cut in accordance with specified dimension and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer metal plate only for following severance cut.

Dimension a =140 mm from the edge of roof frame.

Open weld joint (1).

Remove cover for side member with B-pillar.

Fig. 139: Identifying Welding Area At Joint

New part preparation

Mark severance cuts on B-pillar in accordance with severance cuts on the vehicle and cut.

IMPORTANT: Do not cut through support (3) for B-pillar reinforcement.

2. B-pillar reinforcement outer skin

1. B-pillar outer skin

Fig. 140: Identifying Outer Skins And Support For B-Pillar Reinforcement

Mark severance cut (1) and other severance cuts according to the severance cuts on the vehicle and cut.

Partially release metal section (2) as described in removal and tilt forwards.

Open weld joints in area (3) and remove cover for side member (4).

Prepare REINFORCEMENT PLATES at severance cuts.

NOTE: After welding in new part, tilt metal section (2) closed again and weld up.

Fig. 141: Welding In New Part

Set 3 6.8 mm Ø bore holes for blind rivets in area (1). Drill from passenger compartment.

Fig. 142: Identifying Area For Blind Rivets

IMPORTANT: Structure bonding! Observe preparation of bonding surfaces (1).

Adjust new part to fit with set of attachments or universal mount.

Fig. 143: Identifying Bonding Surfaces

Installing entrance cover with door post

Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.

Apply adhesive K1 to bonding surfaces.

Install new parts and reinforcement plates with alignment bracket or universal mount and weld.

Set 3 blind rivets N1.

READ NEXT: