BMW/Mini: Repair Stage 3

Submit a new collision repair question here!

BMW/Mini: Repair Stage 3

In this series, we will be highlighting the four different BMW Repair Stages. Though not each of the stages may apply to a particular repair, it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with each. The stages are located in vehicle-specific body repair manuals under 0 Contents of Body, General - Repair Method section (see Figure 1). Let’s take a closer look at the additional information available in Repair Stage 3.

Repair Stage 3 focuses on “Repairs that are carried out by bonding and riveting with the use of a straightening bench or welding.” As with the prior repair stages, this section is applicable to BMW, MINI, and BMWi models.

The specific repair techniques covered are:

Straightening aluminum components in structure - “Reshaping or heating extruded profiles and cast parts is not permitted!”
Straightening steel components in structure - “High-strength and super-high-strength steel plates as a rule cannot be reshaped.” Additional limitations to straightening can also be found in this location.
Removing the damaged part - this section provides various links on how to remove welded, brazed, riveted, and bonded on panels. Here you will also locate the recommended tools and precautions for grinding on steel and aluminum parts.
Sectional repair - here you will find the detailed procedure on how to construct a reinforcement plate (bonded) or reinforcement plate with stud bolt (bonded or welded). Vehicle-specific procedures will specify which will be needed, depending on the repair.
Installing new parts - this area provides comprehensive information on:

consumables and adhesives
the recommended tools and equipment needed for installing various rivets
bonding on painted / primed surfaces
welding steel components
cavity sealing
EMC screws

Being diligent with reading and understating the complete procedure is vital to completing a safe and quality repair.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
Additional Reference Information: BMW
BMW/Mini: Importance of Reading Procedure Hyperlinks
BMW/Mini: Repair Stage 1a
BMW/Mini: Repair Stage 2
Collision Information Website Access: BMW/Mini
Step-By-Step: Accessing BMW/Mini Repair Information

Related I-CAR Courses

Toyota/Lexus/Scion Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning July 28, 2016
As the industry continues to ask if pre- and post-repair system scanning is necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.
Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Position Statements January 09, 2019
Are you wondering if a particular OEM or organization has a published position statement on pre-repair and post-repair scanning? We have compiled a list of most of the position statements…
MIG Brazing What Is It, Why Should I Use It? June 02, 2014
Why MIG Brazing? It is widely known that GMA (MIG) welded; fully galvanized steel will lose some of its properties, including corrosion protection, due to the heat created during welding.…
Typical Calibration Requirements for Blind Spot Sensors October 19, 2016
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system…
Restraints Wiring Repairs May 23, 2016
Over the past few months, we've been sharing OEM position statements on restraints wiring repairs. Now we're bringing them all together in one place for easy reference.
Typical Calibration Requirements for Forward Radar Sensors October 12, 2016
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system…
OEM Linking Pin: 2015 Ford F-150 Outer Box Side Replacement Options - UPDATE August 07, 2015
The method for replacing the outer box side on the 2015 Ford F-150 has been a popular area of discussion, and many people are asking, "What are my options and…
Typical Calibration Requirements for Park Assist Sensors October 31, 2016
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system…
Mazda I-ELOOP Overview January 27, 2014
Beginning model year 2014, Mazda has introduced a regenerative engine braking system called i-ELOOP, short for "Intelligent Energy Loop." In this system, a capacitor is used to store electrical energy…
I-CAR Best Practice: Recycled Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges July 21, 2017
Periodically, I-CAR Repairability Summits are held to bring together collision industry stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop collision repair processes and best practices for repair of late-model, collision damaged…

NATEF, AYES Merge Into ASE Education Foundation May 13, 2021
In case you missed it, the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) merged to become the ASE Education Foundation.
Repairer Driven News: Rivian R1T And R1S Construction Materials May 11, 2021
Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article on the Rivian R1T electric truck and R1S electric SUV that are slated to be available summer 2021.
Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE May 10, 2021
A simple bumper repair on a modern vehicle may not be as simple as it seems. New technologies like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced driver assistance…
Ford/Lincoln Bumper Cover Repairability Position Statement May 10, 2021
Ford/Lincoln released position statements on May 3rd, 2021, about repairing bumper covers on vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Understanding Hybrid And Electric Vehicle Names May 07, 2021
As more hybrid and electric vehicles appear on OEM sales and service information sites, it can be difficult to determine what type of vehicle it is. This is partly because…
Airbag Timing May 04, 2021
Supplemental restraints systems (SRS) are complex, sophisticated safety systems in today’s vehicles. Properly repairing SRS after a collision is crucial to the safety of the vehicle occupants.
HV Safety And Tools Presentation At Collision Hub World Fair May 03, 2021
I-CAR’s Dirk Fuchs and Scott VanHulle presented on the tools and safety aspects for repairing high-voltage (HV) vehicles during the Collision Hub World Fair.
Hyundai Releases Additional Body Repair Manuals April 30, 2021
Hyundai has body repair manuals (BRMs) available for some 2021 models.
Volkswagen High-Voltage Technician Levels April 29, 2021
As electric-only, hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles are increasing in sales, they are becoming more commonplace in repair facilities. Along with the unique powertrains that come with these vehicles,…
Audi High-Voltage Technician Levels April 29, 2021
As electric-only, hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles are increasing in sales, they are becoming more commonplace in repair facilities. Along with the unique powertrains that come with these vehicles,…

2021
- May 2021 (7)
- April 2021 (16)
- March 2021 (21)
- February 2021 (15)
- January 2021 (14)

2020
- December 2020 (15)
- November 2020 (17)
- October 2020 (14)
- September 2020 (14)
- August 2020 (12)
- July 2020 (20)
- June 2020 (16)
- May 2020 (14)
- April 2020 (21)
- March 2020 (12)
- February 2020 (14)
- January 2020 (14)

2019
- December 2019 (15)
- November 2019 (20)
- October 2019 (25)
- September 2019 (20)
- August 2019 (22)
- July 2019 (23)
- June 2019 (21)
- May 2019 (19)
- April 2019 (21)
- March 2019 (21)
- February 2019 (21)
- January 2019 (18)

2018
- December 2018 (19)
- November 2018 (19)
- October 2018 (17)
- September 2018 (16)
- August 2018 (23)
- July 2018 (21)
- June 2018 (21)
- May 2018 (19)
- April 2018 (20)
- March 2018 (23)
- February 2018 (17)
- January 2018 (21)

2017
- December 2017 (16)
- November 2017 (16)
- October 2017 (19)
- September 2017 (20)
- August 2017 (21)
- July 2017 (19)
- June 2017 (23)
- May 2017 (21)
- April 2017 (15)
- March 2017 (20)
- February 2017 (12)
- January 2017 (13)

2016
- December 2016 (9)
- November 2016 (14)
- October 2016 (21)
- September 2016 (11)
- August 2016 (11)
- July 2016 (8)
- June 2016 (13)
- May 2016 (11)
- April 2016 (12)
- March 2016 (14)
- February 2016 (11)
- January 2016 (6)

2015
- December 2015 (10)
- November 2015 (8)
- October 2015 (12)
- September 2015 (10)
- August 2015 (12)
- July 2015 (11)
- June 2015 (10)
- May 2015 (8)
- April 2015 (10)
- March 2015 (9)
- February 2015 (11)
- January 2015 (12)

2014
- December 2014 (15)
- November 2014 (9)
- October 2014 (12)
- September 2014 (10)
- August 2014 (11)
- July 2014 (13)
- June 2014 (9)
- May 2014 (14)
- April 2014 (9)
- March 2014 (6)
- February 2014 (1)
- January 2014 (28)

Hyundai	Does Hyundai have a sectioning procedure available?
Kia	Does Kia have a sectioning procedure available?
Chevrolet	Does Chevrolet have a warning against sectioning when there is no procedure?
Honda	What does Honda say about repairing damaged airbag system wiring harnesses?
BMW	Can I-CAR send me BMW repair procedures?
Hyundai	Does Hyundai have part replacement procedures available?
Honda	What does Honda say about straightening front lower rails?
Mercedes-Benz	Can I-CAR send me Mercedes-Benz repair procedures?
Subaru	Do you have to replace a front passenger airbag on a Subaru even if the airbag did not deploy? The repair information seems to indicate that it should.
Nissan	Is there a wiring repair procedure for the airbag connector?

BMW/Mini: Repair Stage 3

Related I-CAR Courses

Top Ten Vehicle Specific Questions

Top Ten I-CAR Specific Questions