3 Series E46 316i (M43TU) SAL
41 00 ...
Notes on repairs of aluminium parts
The repair of aluminium components is comparable to the repair of steel ones.
Due to the design-related increase in panel thickness of 1.2 ... 1.4 times relative to steel, the material is convenient to
handle and work with.
In the following section, attention is drawn to the differences involved in working with aluminium and steel.
2.0 Parts identification
Material can be identified clearly by using a magnet.
Note:
In addition, the Service Information bulletins draw attention to differences.
Externally, there is virtually no way to distinguish aluminium parts of a vehicle from steel parts.
2.1 Finishing
Special tools should be used for finishing operations.
Always clean tools contaminated with metal particles.
Refer to the relevant section of the Repair Instructionsfor information about the finishing of components.
2.2 Knocking out dents
Special measures
Reason
Work with wood, aluminium and plastic hammers.
Note:
Do not use tools with sharp edges.
Avoid elongation and cracking.
Press out dents from behind center of dent and smooth
with gentle blows from behind.
Note:
With slight, small dents (e.g. hail damage) this is
possible without damage to the paintwork.
Avoid material buildup.
When reshaping pointed, sharp-edged dents, only apply
heat to severely distorted areas (gas burner).
Note:
From just 200
°
C (slight brown discoloration of paint
surface), desired level of convertibility is reached.
Avoid local compaction and excessive elongation.
Do not heat or overheat large areas!
On uncoated panels, insert thermocouple pins to check
temperature at a distance of two finger-widths from the
flame.
Draw in protruding material at 150
°
C...200
°
C.
Note:
With dents which can only be accessed from outside,
no procedure can at present be recommended. In this
event, if cracking occurs, the component must be
replaced.
Avoid irreparable damage to the component (distortion).
2.3 Replace
Special measures
Reason
RA Notes on repairs of aluminium parts
BMW AG - TIS
19.01.2013 13:55
Issue status (12/2007) Valid only until next DVD is issued
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