Reinforcement Plate With Stud Bolt (Bonded Or Welded) (M3 Base, M3 Competition, M3 Competition M xDrive, M3 CS)

When replacing the rear side panel, reinforcement plates are glued or welded in at the separation points

Valid for Sedan, Hatchback, Coupe

Welding is carried out in area (1) (incl. water channel)

Bonding is carried out in area (2)

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Valid for Sports Wagon, X model, Gran Coupe, Gran Turismo

Welding is carried out in area (1) (incl. water channel)

Release the sealant in these areas (2)

Temperature sensor 

The following illustrations serve as general illustrations of reinforcement plate repair work. They apply to the sectional repairs on the outer skin which are produced using the adhesive joining method

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Overview of reinforcement plates (sourcing reference, see applicable BMW parts catalogue):

1. Reinforcement plate, sill
2. Reinforcement plate, C-pillar
3. Reinforcement plate, universal
4. Reinforcement plate, C- or D-pillar
5. Nuts (not shown)

• Plastic nut dia. 18 mm, part number 07 14 1 943 122
• Plastic nut dia. 22 mm, part number 07 14 7 169 847

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Mark the side panel in accordance with the specified dimension "a" and cut

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Preparation of the reinforcement plate (bonded or welded) 

Some of the reinforcement plates are oversized

If applicable, it is necessary to replace reinforcement plates at the edges or cut them to size until the reinforcement plates are in tension-free contact with the outer skin

Adjust reinforcement plate (1) to fit in component (2) on vehicle

Make semicircular recesses (3) for the stud bolts (4)

Diameter of recesses: about 10 - 12 mm

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Secure the reinforcement plate with the plastic nuts (1)

Fit new part (2)

Make recesses (3) in the new part in a semicircular shape

Diameter of recesses: about 10 - 12 mm

Remove the reinforcement plate

Temperature sensor 

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Boded reinforcement plates: 

Width of joint between new part and component on vehicle about 5 - 8 mm (at least 30 mm flange width per side)

Welded reinforcement plates: 

Width of the joint between the new part and the component at the vehicle: about 2 - 3 mm

Grind bare metal in the area of the joint

Carry out the following step only with bonded reinforcement plates

Chamfer cutting edges (1) on joint by grinding

1. (2) Component on vehicle
2. (3) New part

If the cutting edges have not been sufficiently chamfered, there may be voids in the paintwork after painting

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Installation of the bonded reinforcement plate 

Clean all  bonding surfaces

Apply adhesive to the reinforcement plate in area (1)

Apply more adhesive in the radii to avoid air pockets

Apply additional adhesive to the outer skin around radii

Carefully slide reinforcement plate into component on vehicle and secure by plastic nuts (2)

Only screw the nuts a few turns

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Apply adhesive to the reinforcement plate bonding surface (1)

Apply more adhesive in the radii to avoid air pockets

Apply additional adhesive to the outer skin around radii

Fit new part (2)

Align new part to adjoining component and secure with gripping pliers

First tighten the plastic nuts at the radii

Only then tighten all plastic nuts in the flat areas

Tightening torque 41 14 1AZ .

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After adhesive has hardened: 

Grind off stud bolts and surplus adhesive flush

Paint area as specified in BMW Painting Handbook

Installation of the welded reinforcement plate 

Protect adjacent components from heat and flying sparks

Align new part to adjoining component and secure with gripping pliers

First tighten the plastic nuts at the radii

Only then tighten all plastic nuts in the flat areas

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Tightening torque 41 14 1AZ .

Weld the joints (2) between the plastic nuts (1)

Release plastic nuts (1)

Grind off the stud bolts so they are flush

Weld the joints (2) in the remaining areas

Grind the weld seam (1) so that it is flush

Set up area (1) and fill with multi-functional filler

Paint area as specified in BMW Painting Handbook

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