BMW Service Action: Checking the Front Side Panel (SIB 41 03 21)

Introduction

This Service Information bulletin details a service action for affected BMW vehicles to inspect and address potential abrasion and damage to the front side panels. This issue may arise from relative movement between the front side panel and the wheel arch cover during driving, potentially causing damage to painted surfaces over time.

Vehicle Information

Situation

In affected vehicles, relative movement between the front side panel and the wheel arch cover can lead to abrasion and damage of the painted surfaces on the front side panels, depending on driving conditions.

Cause

The cause is identified as interaction between the wheel arch cover (fender liner) and the painted surface of the front side panel (fender).

Correction Procedure

Inspect the front side panels (fenders) for damage to the painted surface. Repair as necessary and replace the blind rivets for the fender liner with updated ones.

Damage Assessment and Repair Steps:

Damage Version 1: Scratches in the clear coat

Scratches in the clear coat, including matting of the clear coat over the entire area of the wheel arch liner, are permitted and require no additional repair beyond re-securing the fender liner with updated blind rivets.

Damage Version 2: Damage through clear coat and paint (not to metal)

Rework: Secure the fender liner away from the fender. Apply clear coat using P/N 51 91 0 419 748 to damaged areas. Allow clear coat to dry completely, then re-secure the fender liner with updated blind rivets. No further repair is necessary.

Damage Version 3: Damage through clear coat and paint down to the metal

Repair: The affected area requires repainting by a collision repair facility. After refinishing, reinstall the fender liner and secure with updated blind rivets. The collision repair facility should reference "Attachment to B41 03 21" for detailed repair instructions.

Detailed Repair Steps (Attachment to B41 03 21):

1. Identify and Remove Rivets: Locate and remove the three expanding rivets mounting the wheel arch cover to the front left side panel by punching through the locking pin.
2. Fold Back Wheel Cover: Fold back the wheel arch cover as shown in the procedure.
3. Clean Fender Area: Clean the fender using R2 PN 83 19 0 417 324 around the fender liner area for inspection.
4. Inspect for Damage: Examine the area for paint damage and corrosion. Clean the area with Wax and Grease / Silicone Remover if necessary.
5. Masking and Preparation: Tape and mask the area to be repaired and refinished, leaving approximately a ½ inch space from the outer edge for roll-back taping. Feather out the surface with P-500 - 600 grit to remove corrosion and prevent burn-through. Prepare the area up to the outer fender edge with P-2000 grit. Mask the fender edge with a minimum 1½ inch width roll-back tape for a soft paint edge.
6. Epoxy Primer Application: Coat bare metal areas with Epoxy Primer (ColorSystem 2K EP Primer Aerosol, 51912347989). Use a SATA Mini Jet or similar with a .08 fluid tip. Apply two thin, even coats, allowing for flash time between coats.
7. Basecoat Application: Apply basecoat using a SATA Mini Jet or similar with a .08 fluid tip. Point the spray gun inward away from the roll-back tape edge to maintain a soft edge. Blend out the basecoat.
8. Clearcoat Application: Apply clearcoat using a SATA Mini Jet or similar with a .08 fluid tip, maintaining the inward spray direction. If applying two coats of clear, pull the roll-back tape back another 1-2mm before the final coat.
9. Final Steps: After clearcoat flash-off, pull the roll-back tape back 1-2mm. Remove all masking tape. Bake according to the Clearcoat Technical Data Sheet. After cool-down, hand-polish the edges with fine polish.

Parts Information

Claim Information

Reimbursement for this Service Action will be via normal claim entry using the applicable work package information. Document paint damage with digital, time-stamped images of the affected front side panel surfaces and maintain this documentation in the Vehicle History File. BMW may request this documentation during claim review.

Repair Procedure Overview Table:

RO Invoicing for Claim Submission:

Defect Code: 0041090200

Description: G20 Checking and if necessary, reworking front side panel

Service Action - RO Line Item for Situations A, D, or F:

Service Action - RO Line Item for Situations B, or E:

Service Action - RO Line Item for Situation C:

Sublet - Scenario B, C or E (Bulk Materials, RO and Claim Comments Required)

Sublet Code: 4

Reimbursement: Up to $50.00 for repair-related bulk materials (Do not use BMW part numbers for claim submission). Reimbursement calculation is based on dealer net price plus center's handling.

Sublet - Situations D, E or F (Third-Party Front Side Panel Repair, RO and Claim Comments Required)

Sublet Code: 3

Reimbursement: For side panel(s) repair, refinish and materials (excluding BMW part numbers invoiced on RO and claimed with this sublet). Actual cost charged with no markup. Sublet amount must include discounts or allowances.

Note: Aftersales Area Manager (AAM) Field Authorization (FAS) is required.

Compare charged amounts against warranty rates for sheet metal and paint work. Obtain outside repair estimates for price comparison. Ensure repair cost estimates are customary, fair, and reasonable, and do not exceed the scope of the repair.

Questions Regarding This Bulletin