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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
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Article validated in 2020