BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual: Replace B-pillar with reinforcement on left

Procedure OBSERVE repair stage 3! Read contents of BODY, GENERAL.

Use only approved SPOT-WELDING APPARATUS for repairs! Place vehicle on straightening bench.

Following new body parts are required :

• (1) Side frame, outer
• (2) Middle side frame
• Shaped part, B-pillar bottom outside
• Shaped part, B-pillar bottom inside

Removal:

Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified dimensions and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only for following severance cuts.

Dimension a = approx. 180 mm after center point of Ø 8 mm hole.
Dimension b = approx. 175 mm from edge of roof frame.
Dimension c = approx. 105 mm from Ø 20 mm hole.

Open welded connections in areas (1).

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

View, B-pillar passenger compartment.

Open welded connections in area (1).

Mark severance cut in accordance with dimension and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only.

Dimension a = approx. 50 mm below previous severance cut.

Open welded connections in areas (1).

Release B-pillar reinforcement from cavity sealing (2) and remove.

Preparation of new part: Mark severance cuts on new parts in accordance with severance cuts on vehicle and cut.

Prepare REINFORCEMENT PLATES at severance cuts.

Adjust new parts and reinforcements plates with alignment bracket or universal mount.

Installation:

Apply sealing compound to cavity sealing .

Install new part and reinforcement plate with alignment bracket or universal fixture and weld in designated areas (2).

NOTE: When installing the B-pillar reinforcement new part, the panel thickness of the missing B-pillar outer skin must be taken into consideration depending on the straightening system manufacturer.

Weld new part in area (1).

Apply sealant to cavity sealing .

Install new part and reinforcement plate and weld in area (2).