BMW 7 Series: Cover For Side Member At Rear (Rear Side Panel Removed)
Read contents of BODY, GENERAL.
Use only approved SPOT-WELDING APPARATUS for repairs.
The following new bodywork parts are required:
- Cover, side member, rear (component is included on new side panel part)
Removal
Open weld joints in area (1).

Fig. 357: Identifying Weld Joints Area
View from below:
Open weld joint (1).

Fig. 358: Identifying Weld Joint
View from inside:
Open weld joint (1).
Remove side member cover.

Fig. 359: Identifying Weld Joint
Preparation of new part
Detach side wall.
Open welded connections in area (1) and remove side member cover (2).

Fig. 360: Identifying Welded Connections Area And Side Member Cover
Installation
Install new part and weld.
NOTE: Apply repair welding spots in area of sill bottom edge to existing
welding spots
on new component/car. This is necessary because the adhesive between the
spot flanges acts as an insulator.
READ NEXT:
In the case of a partial replacement piece, a body component is cut at a
point described in the repair instructions.
A reinforcement plate is bonded in to ensure sufficient strength.
Reinforcement
Read contents of BODY, GENERAL.
STRIP DOWN VEHICLE
Observe new procedure for bonding and riveting (REPAIR STAGE 2).
Following new body parts are required:
Side frame, rear
Reinforcement plate, C-
Read contents of BODY, GENERAL.
Spot-weld bonding is used on this vehicle. Observe specific procedure See
SPOT-WELD BONDING
STEEL PARTS.
Remove or cover those vehicle components in the repair area
SEE MORE:
IMPORTANT: Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for raising the vehicle
IMPORTANT: Read and comply with notes on PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTROSTATIC
DISCHARGE (ESD PROTECTION).
Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.
Fig. 125: Identifying Rear Left/Right Ride-Height Sensor Plug Connections
Release nut (2)
General information
Depending on the equipment version, lighting
can be adjusted for some lights in the car's interior.
Switching on/off
The ambient light is switched on when the vehicle
is unlocked, and switched off when the vehicle
is locked.
If the ambient light was deactivated via iDrive, it
wi