Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Straightening Outer Shell
- "Cold" straightening: Press dents out from their center and smooth in an inwards direction with gentle taps.
In the case of small, soft dents (hail and parking damage), this is also possible without damaging the paintwork. This work requires a special tool (refer to Service Information 5 04 98 328) and a trained worker.
- "Hot" straightening: Heat dents in their central point only with a gas flame until bright red hot. Then quench the material with a wet cloth.
- Stud welding can be used in the case of damage where access is only possible from one side. Weld on the stud in the middle of the damaged area. The steel pin or shim is driven out using a hammer until the depression is removed. The stud, pin or shim is then ground or twisted off.
- Avoid cracking.
- Avoid hardening and overstretching.
- Avoid heating and overheating the outer shell over large areas.
- If, after steel parts have been straightened, the surface shows no dents larger than 2 mm, these dents may be touched up with knifing filler.
Dents larger than 2 mm must be treated with filling solder.
NOTE: Only applicable within the European Union!European used-car regulations prohibit the use of tin containing lead in motor vehicles introduced after 01.07.2003!
- For safety vehicles, follow the special notes and information in the repair instructions.
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.