Corrosion Protection Guidelines: BMW/Mini

Details Posted on 23 May 2017 | Share:

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A key factor in collision repair is making long-lasting repairs. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas of corrosion protection are disturbed. This creates corrosion hot spots that left untreated will lead to corrosion and potentially a repair failure. However, there are certain precautions that can be taken to safely and properly restore the corrosion protection throughout the repair process. OEMs often give specifications on restoring corrosion protection. These specifications generally include seam sealer, adhesives, foam fillers, and cavity waxes. Let’s take a look at what BMW/Mini says.

Information on corrosion protection can be found in the vehicle-specific body repair manuals under Repair Instructions ➤ 41 Body ➤ 41/00 Body ➤ Corrosion Protection document. BMW/Mini specifies:

• their own brand of corrosion protection materials including cavity wax, seam sealer, and foam. Information on BMW/Mini specific corrosion protection material can be found in the Overview of consumables (Electronic Parts Catalogue).
• the use of special tools for applying corrosion protection. Per the BMW/Mini repair manual: “Required tools can be found in the Aftersales Assistance Portal (ASAP) ‐ Service/Technology ‐ Workshop Equipment (Start BMW) ‐ Shop Workshop Equipment...”
• the use of cavity wax for steel. Per the BMW/Mini repair manual: “New sheet-metal parts or cavities, weld seams and folds formed by new sheet-metal parts must be sealed with cavity protection agent after being painted.”
• "new steel doors and lids must be sealed with cavity protection agent after painting"
• the use of cavity wax for aluminum is recommended. Per the BMW/Mini repair: "after straightening or welding on aluminum cavities affected, seams and folds formed from new sheet metal parts or extruded profile must be sealed with cavity protection agent after being painted."
• "new aluminum doors, lids, and side panels are not sealed with cavity protection agent."

Always follow OEM repair procedures for all repairs. Failure to follow corrosion protection guidelines can lead to premature failure on a repair. Using the proper corrosion protections will ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

For additional BMW/Mini information, check out the following pages:
BMW OEM Information
Mini OEM Information

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:

• Collision Information Website Access: BMW/Mini
• Corrosion Protection Guidelines
• Step-By-Step: Accessing BMW/Mini Repair Information

Related I-CAR Courses

Course BMW Collision Repair Overview

Course Corrosion Protection

Course Seam Sealer