Side frame and door pillars

In this manual: Side frame and door pillars
General information on preservation measures — 1Body cavity sealing — 1Body corrosion protection — 1Body repair instructions — 1Support members — 1Luggage compartment floor — 1Wheel wells — 1Side frame and door pillars — 1Roof outer skin — 1Dash cowl — 1Front trim panel — 1Rear trim panel — 1Side panels — 1Front side doors — 1Rear side doors — 1Front lid — 1Rear lid — 1Other flaps — 1Body special tools — 1General information — 1Handling brake fluids — 1Brake testing and bleeding — 1Front brakes — 1Rear brakes — 1Master brake cylinder — 1Brake lines — 1Brake booster — 1Electrical components/wear indicator — 1Parking brake — 1Mechanical/hydraulic components — 1Electronic components — 1Brakes — 1Front brake — 1Pedal mounting block — 1Brake pedal with linkage — 1Clutch pedal with linkage — 1Accelerator pedal actuation — 1Pedals — 1Specified grease — 1Propeller shaft, general — 1Propeller shaft assembly — 1Center console assembly — 1Front propeller shaft — 1Propeller shaft — 1Propeller shaft complete — 1Front axle repair instructions — 1Front axle suspension — 1Front sub-frame — 1Struts with rubber mounts — 1Wheel bearings and stub axle — 1Spring strut — 1Spring with suspension — 1Stabilizer bar — 1Front axle gearbox — 1Output shaft — 1Front axle — 1General information on high temperature multi-purpose grease — 1Rear axle repair instructions — 1Final drive with cover — 1Final drive mounting — 1Output shafts — 1Rear sub-frame — 1Control arms and struts — 1Axle mounting — 1Wheel bearings — 1Shock absorber — 1With suspension — 1Stabilizer bar — 1Rear axle — 1General information on final drive oil — 1Approved final drive oils for front and rear axle final drives with and without limited slip or viscous coupling — 1Final drive oil for bmw m1 motorsport coupe — 1Operating fluids as of 11/2015 — 1Brake pad replacement reminder — 1Emissions maintenance reminder — 1Maintenance service reminder — 1Tire pressure monitor system reminder — 1Description — 1Troubleshooting — 1Ignition wires, spark plugs — 1Ignition coil — 1Electronic switching or control units — 1Preheating relay — 1Preheater plugs — 1Alternator with drive and mounting — 1Controller — 1Starter with mounting — 1Starter lead — 1Engine wiring loom — 1Oil pressure/oil temperature/oil gauge — 1Switches and relays — 1Engine electrical system — 1Cabin air filter — 1Cabin air filter applications — 1Operating fluids - air conditioning and heating — 1Air conditioner refrigerant — 1Refrigeration oil — 1Note, overview components climate control — 1Heater with operation — 1Auxiliary. heater with control elements — 1Nozzles and outlets — 1Microfilter — 1Air conditioning, leak detection — 1Ac housing/evaporator, switching elements — 1Compressor — 1Condenser and dryer with lines — 1Heating and air conditioning — 1Front axle repair instructions — 1Front axle suspension — 1Front sub-frame — 1Struts with rubber mounts — 1Wheel bearings and stub axle — 1Spring strut — 1Spring with suspension — 1Stabilizer bar — 1Front axle gearbox — 1Front axle — 1General information on high temperature multi-purpose grease — 1Integrated suspension systems repair instructions — 1Front control and suspension elements — 1Rear control and suspension elements — 1Electrical components — 1Electronic damping force adjustment — 1Integrated suspension systems — 1Approved hydraulic fluids — 1Rear axle repair instructions — 1Final drive — 1Final drive with cover — 1Final drive mounting — 1Output shafts — 1Rear sub-frame — 1Control arms and struts — 1Axle mounting — 1Wheel bearings — 1Shock absorber — 1Springs with suspension — 1Stabilizer bar — 1Rear axle — 1General information on final drive oil — 1Approved final drive oils for front and rear axle final drives with and without limited slip or viscous coupling — 1Final drive oil for bmw m1 motorsport coupe — 1Operating fluids as of 11/2015 — 1Electronic chassis alignment — 1Mechanical steering gear — 1Steering gear with servo unit — 1Steering arms, tie rods, steer. damper — 1Steering column — 1Steering wheel — 1Steering wheel for airbag — 1Pump and oil supply — 1Steering and wheel alignment — 1Wheels — 1Disc wheels (rims) — 1Tires — 1Wheels with tires — 1Tire mounting paste — 1Engine mounting — 1Transmission suspension, automatic. transmission — 1Engine and gearbox suspension — 1Transmission in general — 1Transmission case, oil sump — 1Extension housing, bearings, seal — 1Mechanical attachments — 1Hydr/el control components/elements — 1Oil pump — 1Shift valves, parking lock — 1Torque converter — 1Automatic transmission — 1Automatic transmission fluid for zf-transmission GA8HP45Z / GA8HP50Z / GA8HP70Z / GA8HP90Z / GA8P70H / GA8P75H / GA8HP75Z — 1General information on automatic transmission fluids — 1Approved automatic transmission fluids for initial fillings and correcting fluid levels — 1Checking transmission fluid level — 1Transmission fluid change intervals (if applicable) — 1Transfer case, general — 1Transfer box — 1Transmission shafts — 1Transfer box special tools — 1Transfer box in general (atc 45l) — 1Transmission in general — 1Bearing in housing, sealing ring — 1SELF-DIAGNOSTICS DTCS — 1
~10min read
  • Replace A-pillar, outer left
  • Replace B-pillar with reinforcement on left
  • Replace B-pillar, outer left
  • Replacing A-pillar with reinforcement on left
  • Replacing A-pillar with reinforcement on the left (with side member attachment)

Replace A-pillar, outer left

Procedure OBSERVE 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.

Following new body parts are required :

  • (1) A-pillar with entrance
  • (2) Carrier support, outside
Body+and+Frame

Removal: Mark severance cut in accordance with dimension and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only.

Dimension a = approx. 100 mm from 6 mm diameter hole.

LOOSEN spot-welded adhesive joints in area (1).

Open welded connections in area (2).

Remove partial section of carrier support.

Body+and+Frame

Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified dimensions and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only for following severance cuts.

Dimension a = approx. 600 mm from 20 mm diameter hole.
Dimension b = approx. 450 mm from roof edge.

Body+and+Frame

Open welded connections in areas (1).

Open spot-welded adhesive joints in area (2) Release and remove A-pillar from cavity sealing (3).

Preparation of new part: Mark severance cuts on new parts according to severance cuts on vehicle and sever.

Prepare REINFORCEMENT PLATES at severance cuts.

Installation: Apply sealant to cavity sealing .

Install and weld new parts and reinforcement plates.

Body+and+Frame

Install new part and reinforcement plate and weld in designated area (1).

Body+and+Frame

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
Body+and+Frame

Removal:

Body+and+Frame

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).

Body+and+Frame
Body+and+Frame

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:

Body+and+Frame

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).

Body+and+Frame
Body+and+Frame

Apply sealant to cavity sealing .

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

Replace B-pillar, outer left

Procedure OBSERVE repair stage 3!

Read contents of BODY, GENERAL.

Use only an approved SPOT-WELDING APPARATUS for repairs! Following new body parts are required (see OVERVIEW OF CONSUMABLES):

  • (1) A-pillar with entrance
  • Shaped part, B-pillar bottom outside
Body+and+Frame

Removal:

Body+and+Frame

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. 180 mm from center point of Ø 20 mm hole.

Open welded connections in areas (1).

Release A-pillar 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.

Installation:

Body+and+Frame

Apply sealant to cavity sealing .

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

Replacing A-pillar with reinforcement on left

Procedure OBSERVE 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.

Following new body parts are required :

  • (1) A-pillar with entrance
  • (2) Middle side frame
  • (3) Carrier support, outer wheel arch section
  • Shaped part A-pillar, top, outer
  • Shaped part A-pillar, bottom, outer
Body+and+Frame

Following CONSUMABLES are required:

Body+and+Frame

Removal: Mark severance cut in accordance with dimension and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only.

Dimension a = approx. 120 mm from hole Ø 6 mm.

LOOSEN spot-welded adhesive joints in area (1).

Open welded connections in area (2).

Remove partial section of carrier support.

Body+and+Frame

Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified dimensions and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only for following severance cuts.

Dimension a = approx. 420 mm in front of hole Ø 20 mm.
Dimension b = approx. 450 mm from roof edge.

Body+and+Frame

Open welded connections in areas (1).

Open spot-welded adhesive joints in area (2) Release A-pillar outer skin from cavity sealing (3) and remove.

Mark severance cut (1) as pictured and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only.

Open welded connections in area (2).

Body+and+Frame

Open welded connections in area (1).

Remove reinforcement (2).

Body+and+Frame

View of passenger compartment.

Open welded connections (1).

Open bonded connection in area (2).

Body+and+Frame

Open weld joint in area (1).

Body+and+Frame

Roughly mark severance cut (1) as pictured and cut.

Remove metal section (2).

Body+and+Frame

Open welded connections (1).

NOTE: The welded connections are replaced by bonded rivet connections.

Loosen welded connections using BELT SANDER.

Body+and+Frame
Body+and+Frame

Open welded connections in areas (1).

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

Release welded connections in areas (1) and (2) and remove reinforcement (3).

NOTE: Welded connections in the area (1) are replaced by bonded rivet connections.

Body+and+Frame

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.

Detach welded connections.

Remove reinforcement (1) and side member attachment (2).

NOTE: The reinforcement (1) is used for installation.

Body+and+Frame

Detach welded connections (1) and take off reinforcement (2).

NOTE: The reinforcement must be installed as a separate component for access reasons.

Mark further severance cuts in accordance with vehicle and cut.

Body+and+Frame

Fit reinforcement (3) in combination with A-pillar reinforcement.

Drill three Ø 6.8 mm bore holes for bonded rivet connections in the designated area (1).

Prepare new part in areas (2) for plug/spot welding.

Body+and+Frame

Adjust and secure A-pillar and reinforcement with alignment bracket or universal fixture.

In areas (1), introduce 2 holes of Ø 6.8 mm for adhesive rivet connection.

For drilling the holes, use TWIST DRILL 6.8 X 156 mm.

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

Body+and+Frame

Remove new parts and deburr bore holes.

IMPORTANT: Structure bonding! OBSERVE preparation of bonding surfaces.

Installation: Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.

Apply adhesive to bonding surfaces.

Install reinforcement (3).

Rivet new part in designated area (1) using N1 blind rivets and plug-weld in designated areas (2).

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Avoid applying too much heat to adjacent adhesive area (1).

Body+and+Frame
Body+and+Frame

Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.

Apply adhesive K1 to bonding surfaces.

Apply sealant to cavity sealing .

Install and secure new reinforcement part for A-pillar and reinforcement plates with alignment bracket or universal fixture.

Weld new part in the areas (2).

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

Weld new part in the areas (1).

Body+and+Frame

In designated areas (1), rivet new part with N1 blind rivets.

NOTE: Use RIVET HEAD EXTENSION for this process.

Body+and+Frame

Weld new part in the areas (1).

Body+and+Frame

Install reinforcement (2) and weld in designated area (1).

Body+and+Frame

Install carrier support section and weld in designated area (1).

Body+and+Frame

Replacing A-pillar with reinforcement on the left (with side member attachment)

Procedure OBSERVE 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.

Following new body parts are required:

  • (1) A-pillar with entrance
  • (2) Middle side frame
  • (3) Carrier support, outer wheel arch section
  • Shaped part A-pillar, top, outer
  • Shaped part A-pillar, bottom, outer
Body+and+Frame

Following CONSUMABLES are required:

Body+and+Frame

Removal: Mark severance cut in accordance with dimension and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only.

Dimension a = approx. 120 mm from hole Ø 6 mm.

LOOSEN spot-welded adhesive joints in area (1).

Open welded connections in area (2).

Remove partial section of carrier support.

Body+and+Frame

Mark severance cuts in accordance with specified dimensions and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only for following severance cuts.

Dimension a = approx. 420 mm in front of hole Ø 20 mm.
Dimension b = approx. 450 mm from roof edge.

Body+and+Frame

Open welded connections in areas (1).

Open spot-welded adhesive joints in area (2) Release section of A-pillar outer skin from cavity sealing (3) and remove.

Mark severance cut (1) as pictured and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only.

Open welded connections in area (1).

Body+and+Frame

Open welded connections in area (1).

Remove reinforcement (2).

Body+and+Frame

View of A-pillar interior.

Open welded connections (1).

Open bonded connection in area (2).

Body+and+Frame

Open weld joint in area (1).

Body+and+Frame

Roughly mark severance cut (1) as pictured and cut.

Remove metal section (2).

Body+and+Frame

Open welded connections (1).

NOTE: The welded connections (1) are replaced by adhesive rivet connections.

Body+and+Frame
Body+and+Frame

Open welded connections in areas (1).

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

Mark severance cut in accordance with dimension and cut.

IMPORTANT: Cut outer panel only.

Dimension a = approx. 120 mm from bulkhead.

Release welded connections in areas (1) and (2) and remove side member attachment with reinforcement.

Body+and+Frame

NOTE: The welded connections in areas (1) are replaced by adhesive rivet connections.

Preparation of new part: Open welded connections (1) and remove reinforcement.

Mark severance cut (2) in accordance with severance cut on vehicle and cut.

NOTE: The reinforcement (1) is used for installation.

Body+and+Frame

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

Prepare REINFORCEMENT PLATES at severance cuts.

Adjust A-pillar to fit with alignment bracket or universal mount and secure.

In areas (1), introduce 9 holes of Ø 6.8 mm for adhesive rivet connection.

For drilling the holes, use TWIST DRILL 6.8 X 156 mm.

Body+and+Frame

In areas (1), introduce 2 holes of Ø 6.8 mm for adhesive rivet connection.

Remove new parts and deburr bore holes.

Body+and+Frame

IMPORTANT: Structure bonding! OBSERVE preparation of bonding surfaces.

Installation: Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.

Apply adhesive to bonding surfaces.

Apply sealant to cavity sealing .

Install new A-pillar and reinforcement plates with alignment bracket or universal mount and fix.

Rivet new part in the areas (1).

Body+and+Frame

Rivet new component in area (1).

If possible move rivets from vehicle interior to the outside.

Weld A-pillar.

Body+and+Frame

Install further new parts and reinforcement plates and weld in place.

REPLACING A-PILLAR WITH REINFORCEMENT, RIGHT

The work is identical to replacing the A-PILLAR WITH LEFT REINFORCEMENT.

REPLACING OUTER RIGHT A-PILLAR

Operation is identical to replacing OUTER LEFT A-PILLAR.

Test yourself

A quick BMW X3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.