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.
BMW/Mini Bonding Instructions
Special tools required:
- 2 357 309
Attention!
Conform with safety regulations! (See INFORMATION ON HAZARDS And SAFETY AT WORK ).
1. Brief overview of surface preparation
1.1 Structure
| Material (surface condition) Type of repair |
Preparation |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (used part) Repairs on front end/rear end Example: Replacement of engine mount or front wheel arch |
|
| Aluminum (new part) Repairs on front end/rear end Example: Replacement of engine mount or front wheel arch |
|
| Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (new part) Bonding new parts to the body with adhesive K1. Example: Replacement of rear wheel arch |
|
| Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (used part) Bonding new parts to the body with adhesive K.1 Example: Replacement of B-pillar |
|
| Sheet steel (used part and new part) Partial replacement of components Example: Replacement of B-pillar or rear wheel arch |
|
1.2 Outer skin (without roof outer skin)
| Sheet steel (used part) Adhesion for outer skin component Example: Replacement of rear quarter panel or tail panel |
|
| Sheet steel (new part) Adhesion for outer skin component Example: Replacement of rear quarter panel or tail panel |
|
1.3 Roof outer skin
| Material (surface condition) Type of repair |
Preparation |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (new part) Adhesion for roof outer skin |
|
| Sheet steel (primer undamaged) Adhesion for roof outer skin |
|
| Sheet steel (primer damaged) Adhesion for roof outer skin |
|
| Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (used part) Adhesion for roof outer skin |
|
| Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (new part) Adhesion for roof outer skin |
|
2.1 The following general conditions are applicable to all bondings:
- The working temperature of glue cartridge must be more than 18°C.
- Object temperature, vehicle and new parts, at least 15°C.
- Read the vehicle-specific repair instructions to determine the thickness and positioning of the adhesive bead.
- After applying the adhesive, check whether an adhesive component has emerged at the back of the glue cartridge. If yes, break off the bonding procedure. Clean new part. Use new glue cartridge.
- Join components and secure in position.
- Remove excess adhesive. Do not use solvent cleaning agents.
2.2 Surface preparation (structural):
2.2.1 Flame-coating (aluminum):
- Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.
- Remove oxide layers or paint from bonding surfaces using a stainless steel wire brush or sandpaper with 120 graining.
- Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.
Allow cleaned surfaces to dry for approx. 5 min.
Bonding surfaces must be completely dry.
- Flame spray the surface:
Go over the bonding surfaces slowly with the flame.
Avoid flaming with the blue part of the flame.
Condensation water appears on the area that is still uncoated. The condensation water in the line of the flame must evaporate completely.
Directly after flaming, coat the still hot bonding surfaces (approx. 50°C) with primer. P1
Prime with a brush, cotton or similar item.
Allow the coated surfaces to dry for approx. 5 minutes.
2.2.2 Surface preparation (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic new part):
This surface preparation is applicable to new Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic parts.
Remove coarse dirt from the bonding surfaces using solvent cleaner R2.
Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.
Sand bonding surfaces with non-woven abrasive S1.
Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.
Let cleaned bonding surfaces dry for at least 2 min.
Bonding surfaces must be completely dry.
Activate bonding surfaces with Betawipe 4800.
Let activated bonding surfaces dry for at least 2 min.
Bonding surfaces must be completely dry.
2.2.3 Surface preparation (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic used part):
This surface preparation applies to the B-pillar area at the top.
Attention!
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic component not damaged!
Components must be replaced if showing signs of damage.
Remove coarse dirt from the bonding surfaces using solvent cleaner R2.
Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.
Grind off adhesive residue to a thickness of approx. 0.5 mm.
Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.
Let cleaned bonding surfaces dry for at least 2 min.
Bonding surfaces must be completely dry.
2.3 Surface preparation (outer skin (without roof outer skin)):
The procedure is described here; See BONDING ON PAINTED/PRIMED SURFACES .
2.4 Surface preparation (roof outer skin):
2.4.1 Surface preparation of roof frame and convertible top bow from sheet steel:
Cut back adhesive remnants (1) with scraper 2 357 309 to a minimum of 0.5 mm.
Primed surface must not be damaged.
Smaller damage to 5 mm or scratch marks can be ignored.
In the event of larger damage to primer (greater than 5 mm), proceed as follows:
Clean damaged area with cleaning agent R1.
Apply adhesive K5 to the bare areas with a spatula or a brush. Apply a uniformly thin layer (max. 0.5 mm).
The roof outer skin can be bonded after a curing period of 24 hours.
The adhesive flange area must not be painted over when the roof frame is being repaired or renewed.
2.4.2 Surface preparation of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (used part):
Remove coarse dirt from the bonding surfaces using solvent cleaner R2.
Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.
Cut back adhesive bead with scraper 2 357 309 to a minimum of 0.5 mm.
Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.
Let cleaned bonding surfaces dry for at least 2 min.
Bonding surfaces must be completely dry.
2.4.3 Surface preparation of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (new part):
Prepare the surface as described under point 2.2.2.
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.