51 31... Window glass removal with wire pull handle

2011 BMW M3 2D Convertible, StandardSECTION 51 31... Window glass removal with wire pull handle

Special tools required: 

  • 2 150 267
WARNING: Follow safety instructions  . See 51 00... SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON CARS WITH AIRBAG SYSTEMS  or 72 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION for working on vehicles with airbag systems (risk of injury).
Always wear safety goggles and protective gloves for your own safety.
Attention! 
Handle sharp-edged tools with care (risk of damage to the head airbag and the window glass).

Attention! 

Follow the vehicle-specific repair instructions!

Protect inner and outer working area (body, trim panels, cables etc.) against damage.

Depending on the area of application, a SEPARATING CORD  can also be used as an alternative to wire.

Using the separating cord prevents any damage to the body.

Do not pull the separating cord over any sharp edges (risk of tearing)!

Used tool: 

  • Wire pull handles
  • Dashboard protection
  • Wire starter (special tool 2 150 267)

Use suction cups (51 3 010) to lift out the window glass.

Always keep both suction cups dry and clean to ensure their optimum adhesion on the windscreen.

Secure window glass (if necessary with adhesive tape) against falling out.

Fig 1: Lifting Window Glass Using Suction Cups (51 3 010)
G09893921Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pulling cutting wire into vehicle: 

  • Grip wire with pliers.

    (If access is difficult: using wire starter 2 150 267, feed wire through adhesive bead.)

  • Wire end (1) must be bent towards window glass.
  • Heat wire end (1) and use it to pierce adhesive bead (2).
  • Pull approximately half of the wire into the passenger compartment.
    Fig 2: Identifying Heat Wire End And Adhesive Bead
    G09893922Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
NOTE: When using the separating cord, always pull it in using the wire starter 2 150 267.

Using wire starter: 

Bend wire end approx. 10 mm and insert in notched tip.

Pierce wire starter with uniform pressure through adhesive bead, wire end (bent part) must be positioned on window glass.

Fig 3: Identifying Wire Starter
G09893923Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Attach wire pull handles: 

Feed in cutting wire (1) in cutting handle (2) and clamping element (3) as illustrated.

Move back cutting handle (2) over clamping element (3) and trap wire end (4).

Danger of injury! 

Wire end (4) must not protrude out of cutting handle (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Wire, Handle And Clamping Element
G09893924Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cutting handle (2) can be secured with suction cup (5) to the vehicle window or body during each of the work operations. This prevents damage to the paint.

Fit second wire pull handle to other wire end.

Perform repair work with the aid of a second person.

Cutting wire (4) must be guided in cutting direction at an acute as possible angle (>45°) to adhesive bead (1).

Cut through adhesive bead (1) by pulling cutting handle (2) and at the same time providing counter support with cutting handle (3).

Pull back cutting wire (4) with cutting handle (3) and make sure that cutting wire (4) is always held under tension.

Cut through remaining adhesive bead in the same way.

Fig 5: Identifying Handle, Cutting Wire And Adhesive Bead
G09893925Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.