FixVault

41 05... Removing And Installing Rivet Heads

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required: 

72 1 210

IMPORTANT: Lay out protective mats to protect the interior against swarf from the drilled-out rivets and damage.
Lay out protective mats in the relevant working area:
  • Dashboard
  • Entrance area
  • Passenger compartment
Fig 1: Identifying Protective Mats
G08476085Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Described for folding pack holder for head airbag: 

Drill off rivet plate down to rivet shank with a 10 mm twist drill bit.

Fig 2: Drilling Off Rivet Plate To Rivet Shank Using Drill Bit
G08476086Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Described for grab handle holder: 

Drill off rivet plate down to rivet shank with a 10 mm twist drill bit.

Fig 3: Locating Drill Bit On Grab Handle Holder
G08476087Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cut off blind rivet shanks down to sheet metal as level as possible.

Fig 4: Cutting Off Blind Rivet Shanks Down To Sheet Metal
G08476088Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Deburr remaining rivets with nipper pliers.

Fig 5: Cutting Remaining Rivets Using Nipper Pliers
G08476089Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: 

Apply primer to paintwork damages on side frame.

Special tool 72 1 210 for collecting rivet remnants.

Shank (1) of special tool is flexible and can be adapted to the relevant body contours.

NOTE: Insert butyl in collecting tray (2) to secure rivet remnants against falling out.
Fig 6: Identifying Shank And Collecting Tray
G08476090Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert special tool 72 1 210 through bore hole in body next to attachment points.

Position special tool from rear on rivet head in cavity.

NOTE: A second person will be needed to help hold the special tool on the rivet head during the driving-out operation.
Make sure collecting tray is correctly fitted on rivet head.
Fig 7: Positioning Special Tool From Rear On Cavity Rivet Head
G08476091Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Drive out stem with hammer and 6 mm punch.

Carefully feed special tool out of body so that rivet head does not fall out of collecting tray.

NOTE: If the rivet falls out of the collecting tray into the side frame when the special tool is fed out, this area must be generously filled with foam.
For details of procedure for filling cavities with foam, see further operations.
Use cavity preservation (refer to BMW Parts Department) for foam filling.
Cavity foam (refer to BMW Parts Department) can also be used if necessary.

Fit tube to foam can.

Push the hose in through the pillar holes.

Fill cavity with a filling material.

WARNING: Empty foam can completely onto cardboard and after hardening dispose of foam and can in residual waste.

Can may burst if not completely emptied.

Fig 8: Identifying Foam Can
G08476092Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Overview of rivet gun: 

Riveting of gas generator housing and holders for folding pack with rivet gun (refer to BMW Workshop Catalogue).

The interchangeable head is changed for the different work operations.

Riveting of gas generator housing with:

  1. 17/36 nosepiece and short shank

    Riveting of holders for folding pack:

  2. 17/40 nosepiece and long shank
    Fig 9: Overview Of Rivet Gun
    G08476093Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.