High-Voltage Vehicle Paint Booth Quick Reference
Posted on 9 April 2024When refinishing high-voltage (HV) vehicles, it is important to check for OEM paint booth temperature recommendations so that HV components do not get damaged in the heat.
Straightening And Heat: BMW/Mini
Posted on 24 January 2024A question often asked of the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team is, "Can heat be used to straighten?" Several OEMs provide steel repairability matrices that provide heating times and temperature limits based on the type of metal being repaired, while other OEMs have restrictions on using heat at all. Let’s see what BMW/Mini has to say.
48-Volt Mild Hybrid Systems: BMW
Posted on 16 November 2023Mild hybrid systems are not new. They were some of the first hybrid vehicles to be put into production. The 48-volt mild hybrid system is now becoming more common among some vehicle makers. What considerations are there for repairing a vehicle equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system? Let’s see what BMW has to say.
One-Time-Use Parts And Fasteners: BMW/Mini
Posted on 7 April 2023What is a one-time-use part, and how do you determine if a fastener, clip, or part can be reused? These are questions that we are confronted with in the collision industry quite a lot. The other big question is "Where do I find this information?"
Identifying The Correct Body Repair Manual: BMW/Mini
Posted on 26 January 2023Vehicle makers may group their body repair manuals (BRM) in several different ways. Sometimes the BRMs are grouped by a year range, some are listed as VIN specific, and others are arranged by a body code. Let’s take a look at BMW/Mini to see how they group their BRMs.
Locating OEM-Approved HV Tools: BMW/Mini
Posted on 20 January 2023When researching procedures for disabling a high-voltage (HV) vehicle, you may notice that many of the procedures require the use of specific tools. Some of them are OEM-specific tools or scan tools. Often identifying and locating where to purchase these specific tools can be difficult.
Refinishing Park Assist Sensors: BMW/Mini
Posted on 31 August 2022Park assist sensors are part of the park assist system, just one of many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) found on vehicles today. Damaged sensors are typically replaced and may require painting to match the vehicle. Vehicle makers often provide information on the painting of new sensors. Some vehicle makers do not recommend refinishing sensors with minor finish damage because excessive paint thickness may adversely affect the operation of the parkassist system. However, other vehicle makers allow refinishing and provide guidelines. Let’s see what BMW/Mini has to say.
BMW/Mini High-Voltage Technician Levels
Posted on 26 May 2022As 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, also comes unique safety concerns. Regardless of vehicle maker, high-voltage (HV) systems pose a threat of injury or death if not handled properly. Only personnel with the proper training, PPE, tools, equipment, and service information should perform work on the HV systems.
Where Do I Find Other Types Of Information In BMW/Mini?
Posted on 20 May 2021Navigating OEM websites can be challenging when searching for collision repair procedures, especially as no two OEM websites are alike. What happens when you need to find other types of repair information, such as, "What needs to be inspected after a supplemental restraints system (SRS) deployment", or "Does the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) require a scan tool or specialty tool?" Let's take a closer look at the BMW/Mini website.
Steel Spot And Plug Weld Nugget Size: BMW/Mini - UPDATE
Posted on 11 March 2021Did you know that some OEMs specify nugget size for spot and plug welds? This information is typically found within vehicle-specific repair procedures or can be found under general welding guidelines.Let’s see what BMW/Mini has to say.
OEM Emergency Response Guides
Posted on 25 February 2021Are you looking for OEM emergency response guides (ERGs)? The Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team has located these guides and either houses them on the RTS website, provides links to webpages that house them, or provides articles with instructions on how to locate them.
BMW/Mini: Who Requires Or Recommends MIG Brazing?
Posted on 17 February 2021In Europe, MIG brazing has been required or recommended on a widespread basis for several years. In the U.S., MIG brazing is not as common but is becoming more prevalent. As the RTS team is researching MIG brazing information, we are putting together a series of articles that identify OEM-specific MIG brazing recommendations and requirements for vehicles in the U.S. Let’s see what BMW/Mini has to say.
Who Requires Or Recommends MIG Brazing? UPDATE
Posted on 25 November 2020In Europe, MIG brazing has been required or recommended on a widespread basis for several years. In the U.S., MIG brazing is not as common but is becoming more prevalent. As the RTS team is researching MIG brazing information, we are putting together a series of articles that identify OEM-specific MIG brazing recommendations and requirements for vehicles in the U.S.
Calibration Research Tips: BMW/Mini Calibration Information Table
Posted on 20 October 2020While searching for information on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on an OEM repair information site, you may come across unique calibration procedures or events. These events can vary by year and model, even within a particular make. As the RTS team has been researching these systems, we have been identifying these atypical circumstances. In order to help you better understand them, we are putting together a series of articles that with the repair and calibration of ADAS. Let’s take a closer look at BMW/Mini calibration requirement information.
BMW Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE
Posted on 10 April 2020BMW has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning. The statement applies to All vehicles equipped with on board diagnostics II (OBD II).
ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
Posted on 14 January 2019Since advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), scanning, and calibration first started becoming relevant, members of the collision repair industry have required as much knowledge as possible on these subjects. I-CAR’s Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team continues to be on the leading edge of research and education. Our goal is to help communicate information to the industry, and a great way to do this is through Collision Repair News articles.
BMW/Mini: Repair Stage 3
Posted on 26 December 2018In 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.
BMW/Mini: Repair Stage 2
Posted on 19 December 2018In 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 2.
Locating ADAS Information: BMW/Mini
Posted on 18 September 2018As a collision repair technician, there is one part of a service manual that houses all of the information you would ever need…right? This is not the case with modern vehicles. You may be required to look in numerous manuals to find the information required to safely repair the vehicle.
BMW/Mini: Repair Stage 1a
Posted on 16 July 2018In 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 1a.
BMW/Mini: Importance Of Reading Procedure Hyperlinks
Posted on 28 June 2018When it comes to repair information, no two vehicle makers are the same. Which is why it's critical to understand what you are reading in the repair procedure. Many OEMs provide links within the repair procedure that expand on what needs to be completed. Often, some related procedures may appear missing because they have to be accessed via a link within the main procedure. Let’s take closer look at BMW’s repair procedures.
Additional Calibration Requirements: BMW/Mini
Posted on 17 August 2017The addition of the OEM Calibration Requirements Search to the RTS portal was a big step for the collision industry. While this new feature has been well received, there has been some confusion about what is included in the search tool. The OEM Calibration Requirements Search is designed to provide information on the calibration requirements that are needed for vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This includes systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and collision braking.
It does not include occupant classification systems (OCS), steering angle sensors, battery disconnects, or other calibrations/initializations required, when not related directly to ADAS. Let’s take a look at what additional items may require calibrations/initializations on BMW/Mini vehicles.
Body Construction And Material Repair Guidelines: BMW/Mini
Posted on 12 July 2017What is the MPa of the front lower rail? What is the outer uniside made of: steel, aluminum, or composite? Can heat be used to straighten or is it cold straightening only? What are the repair limitations? These are just some of the questions that the RTS team fields on a daily basis.
As we know, today’s vehicles can be constructed from a wide variety of materials. Knowing if the OEM provides information on body construction materials and repair guidelines is a crucial step in providing a complete, safe, and quality repair. Let’s see what BMW/Mini has available to us.
Structural Sectioning Procedures: BMW/Mini
Posted on 6 June 2017Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the sectioning procedure? Most OEMs allow sectioning to outer body panels and the front and rear rails. Sectioning reinforcements is not as common, as most reinforcements are replaced at factory seams.
Parts are made from various materials including HSS, UHSS, aluminum, and carbon fiber. These parts also have complex designs to collapse or transfer collision forces in a specific manner. Introducing a sectioning joint to many of these parts will alter how the part reacts to those collision forces. For this reason, sectioning a part is only allowed if supported by vehicle maker repair information. Let’s see what BMW/Mini says about structural sectioning.
Corrosion Protection Guidelines: BMW/Mini
Posted on 23 May 2017A 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.
BMW/Mini New Repair Site
Posted on 14 March 2017If you have used the BMW/Mini repair information website since the first of the year, you may have noticed a message. This message was stating the BMW/Mini was transitioning from WebISTA to AIR for the delivery platform to find repair information. WebISTA has been removed from the BMW site as of March 1st. Let’s check out the new AIR platform and how to navigate it.
BMW Forward Facing Camera Replacement
Posted on 20 January 2017When advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are replaced after an accident, there may be some fine print that you don’t want to overlook. BMW/Mini has some interesting requirements after the KAFAS or forward facing camera is replaced, that the customer needs to be aware of.
Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: BMW/Mini
Posted on 5 January 2017Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what BMW/Mini recommends and where this information can be found.
BMW/Mini Glass Replacement Requirements
Posted on 20 October 2016The role of the windshield is a lot more complex than simply allowing a view of the road ahead. It is considered a structural part of the vehicle as it contributes to the strength of the roof and A-pillars. The windshield helps to manage collision energy and has become an integral part of several advanced safety systems.
It is commonly asked, "What is required when replacing a windshield?" With this question in mind, we will be presenting a series of articles that highlight some of the requirements from the various OEMs. As always, it is important to read through each vehicle-specific procedure to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.
Collision Information Website Access: BMW/Mini
Posted on 2 October 2016Why do I need a subscription to an OEM website if I have full subscription access to the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) portal? This is a question received on a regular basis through Ask I-CAR. Let’s take a look at why and how to purchase an OEM subscription.
Always Follow Vehicle Maker Procedures
Posted on 7 July 2016We often receive Ask I-CAR inquiries asking: “what does I-CAR recommend?” Many times these questions are in regards to sectioning, straightening, or part replacement/attachment methods. Our first response is always:
Restraints Wiring Repairs
Posted on 23 May 2016Over 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.
Step-By-Step: Accessing BMW/Mini Repair Information
Posted on 9 March 2015Per your requests, we are adding step-by-step instructions on how to access the vehicle maker repair information to complement our how-to-videos on the OEM Information pages. Easily reference this article by clicking the link under the video on the BMW OEM Informationpage and/or Mini OEM Information page.
Mini Cooper - What's In A Name?
Posted on 20 February 2015How familiar are you with the model line for Mini? They are all considered Mini Coopers, but there's a little bit more to it than that.
Weld-Through Primer Requirements On The OEM Technical Information Matrix
Posted on 28 August 2014Let's continue our breakdown of the columns in the OEM Technical Information Matrix. The eighth column calls out if the vehicle maker requires the use of weld-through primer on flanges in preparation for welding.
Collision Repair Attachment Methods, Description, And Equipment Requirements Information On The OEM Technical Information Matrix
Posted on 13 August 2014Let's continue our breakdown of the columns in the OEM Technical Information Matrix. The seventh column calls out if the vehicle maker has information in regard to the recommended attachment method and the equipment required for complete, quality, and safe repairs.
Is There a Procedure for Disassembling a Service Assembly?
Posted on 19 June 2014The fourth column in the OEM Technical Information Matrix, Partial Service Part/Assembly Replacement Procedures at Factory Seams, can get a little tricky without further clarification. For the most part, this is a column that I-CAR is still researching published OEM information to get the answers to. The question is: Does the vehicle maker have procedures for replacing a partial service part or assembly at factory seams?
What's A BMW/Mini Engine Support?
Posted on 7 May 2014When it comes to repair information, vehicle makers use a wide variety of terminology for replacement parts. All of the different names can be confusing, especially when repairing a variety of vehicle makes and models.
The I-CAR OEM Technical Information Matrix - What Is It, And How Does It Help The Collision Industry?
Posted on 6 May 2014Do you know what vehicle makers have collision repair information available? Do you know where you can go to find that out?
The Aluminum Difference
Posted on 9 December 2013What's Iowa Got To Do With It?
by Jason Bartanen
We've seen a lot of changes in vehicle technology over the years. With each of these changes come new challenges and new opportunities. When the unibody vehicle was introduced, repair professionals were required to change their approach to collision repair, from damage analysis through the repair process. With the introduction of GMA (MIG) welding, additional requirements for repairs included new training and equipment. And passive restraints systems presented a completely different type of challenge, involving electronics and diagnostics.
Bonding And Rivet Bonding Technology On Steel BMW Vehicle Parts
Posted on 26 April 2012As BMW Groups' vehicle construction technology advances, so does the repair process required to fix them properly. Conventional welding, which has been used primarily in BMW Groups' repair processes in the past, is slowly becoming the secondary method to bonding and rivet bonding technology. BMW currently recommends primarily using bonding and rivet bonding to replace exterior body panels, structural parts, and sectioning specific locations in conjunction with VIN-specific repair procedures. Changes in recommended repair procedures affect all current production models. This does not mean that all models, and all parts, are affected though. Consulting VIN-specific repair procedures should always be the first step in the repair process. The same is true for Mini and for Rolls-Royce vehicles (see Figure 1).
