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41 07 22_CRACKING SOUND FROM THE TOP OF B-PILLAR

SIB 41 07 22
CRACKING SOUND FROM THE TOP OF B-PILLAR

2024-08-27

This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B41 07 22 dated April 2024.
What’s New (Specific text highlighted):
Two models removed.

☐

THIS REPAIR IS MOBILE FRIENDLY

MODEL
E-Series
F97
G01

Model Description
X3 M Sports Activity Vehicle
X3 Sports Activity Vehicle

SITUATION
While driving the vehicle on normal roads at
10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from
the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.
Note: Please see attached video V41 02 22.

CAUSE
Movement of the sheet metal layers at the Bpillar(s).

CORRECTION
Drill a 6-8 mm hole through the first three sheet metal layers.

PROCEDURE
Verify that a cracking sound from the B-Pillar is heard. If yes, identify if on the left/right side or both, then
proceed to step 1.
1. Remove the headliner and B-pillar trim panel following repair instructions in AIR/ISTA (51 44 001) and (51 43
148).

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2. Using a permanent market (aka “Sharpie”),
draw a line across the highest point of the two
keyholes.

3. Starting from the center line you have
drawn, draw another line vertically upward (17
mm in length).

4. The top end of the vertical line, defines the
exact position of the rework.

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5. Using a weld spot drill bit, drill a hole with a
diameter of 6-8 mm through the first three
sheet metal layers.

6. Measure the depth of the bore hole to
ensure that all three sheet metal layers have
been drilled through correctly.
Note: The rework might not be effective
if the bore hole is not deep enough.
Drilling the bore hole to deep might
weaken the structure excessively
(should be avoided).

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7. To ensure proper welding connection, the
paint and corrosion protection around the
drilled hole must be carefully sanded off.
Seal the hole using MIG/MAG (metal inert
gas/metal active gas) process.
Note: Make sure that all four sheet metal
layers are completely connected before
welding.

8. Using a suitable prying tool, spread the
sheets apart to the left and to the right of the
weld spot area. This forces the sheets
together.
Apply cavity spray to the entire area.
9. Clean and grind the welding surface to
create a flat, smooth, and burr free surface.
Then seal the entire area again with corrosion
protection and paint.
Note: The paint protection applied to
this area does not have to be an
exterior quality finish.

10. Reassemble the vehicle and verify the repair.

PARTS INFORMATION
As needed, materials and small parts, such as fluids, lubricants, one-time use screws, nuts, and seals, which must
be replaced or installed according to the ISTA repair instructions/ETK, must be selected from the Electronic Parts
Catalog, or other approved BMW resources, according to the respective vehicle type. Invoiced these items
separately under the repair Defect Code listed in this bulletin

CLAIM INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks
as described below.
Defect Code:

4121003900

B-pillar Unpleasant noises

A. Diagnosis and Accessing the Interior B-Pillar(s)

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Labor Operation
51 44 001

Description
Removing and installing/replacing headlining (Includes
removing the top B-pillar trim panel) (Main work)

Labor Allowance
Refer to AIR

Or:
51 44 501
And, as needed:
41 00 009*
Or:
00 58 500*

Removing and installing/replacing headlining (Includes
removing the top B-pillar trim panel) (Plusposition)

Refer to AIR

Verify the cracking sound at the B-Pillar(s) (Work time)

WT

Diagnosis Worktime Flat Rate

2 FRU

If you are using a Main labor code for another repair, use the Plus code labor operation 51 44 501 instead of 51 44
001.
Refer to AIR for the corresponding flat rate unit (FRU) allowances.
And,
B. With “A” Above: Workshop Repair Complete - Repairing One or Both Sides
Labor Operation
41 99 000*

Description (Work time}
Setup and drill (# 2 to # 6) (Identify left/right or both)
Clean, weld, grind welded surface flat/smooth (# 7)
Re-clean the affected surface area (# 8)
Apply corrosion protection and paint to the affected surface
area (# 8)

Labor Allowance
WT

Work time labor operation codes 41 00 009, 00 58 500 and 41 99 000 are not considered Main labor operations.
And, as needed:
C. Sublet – Bulk Materials (RO and Claim Comments Required)
Sublet Code
4

See the sublet
reimbursement
calculations below

Reimbursement for the repair-related bulk materials (Do not use the
BMW part numbers for claim submission)

Sublet reimbursement calculation for claiming the applicable repair-related bulk materials (BMW part numbers) is at
the dealer net price amount for the proportional quantities used plus your center’s handling.
Enter this material cost in sublet and itemize the amount on the repair order and in claim comment section.
Or:
D. Combination Repair: Workshop “A,” Third-Party “B” with Sublet “C” as applicable
With Item “A:”
Labor Operation
Not Appliable
Or:
41 99 000*

Description (Item B - Work time}
Third-Party performs all of item “B”

Labor Allowance
N/A

Third-Party performs only some portions of item “B”

WT as applicable

And, for the:
Third-Party Repair (Mobile Welding Service, CCRC or an Approved Body Shop)

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Sublet Code
3

41 07 22_CRACKING SOUND FROM THE TOP OF B-PILLAR

See the sublet
reimbursement
calculations below

Reimbursement for third-party welding and applicable mechanical
work/labor, and their directly related bulk materials (excluding any
required BMW part numbers to be used/invoiced on the repair order
and claimed per the repair instruction/ETK/AIR)

Invoice the item “B” third-party performed repair work on the repair order at the actual cost charged with no handling
or markup. The sublet amount must also include any discounts or allowances.
Prior to having the third-party perform the repair work, determine the appropriate charge for performing the
“necessary repair-related work procedures” by comparing their estimated repair cost against the corresponding
amount that is based on your warranty rates.
It is your center’s responsibility to review the estimate to ensure the amount requested for perform this
repair work is customary, fair, and reasonable. Also, it must not exceed the scope of the repair work that is
described in this bulletin.
Third-Party “B” Work: On the repair order and in claim comment section, please itemize what portions of the
item “B” work the third-party performed and the corresponding sublet amount.
Center-related bulk materials (That apply to item “A” and to your center’s portion of item “B”): Claim this as
outlined in “C” and itemize the claimed sublet amount on the repair order and in the claim comment section.
*Based on which one applies to your center, please refer to SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20 for the applicable procedure
for documenting, claiming, and explaining, on the RO and in the claim comments, your diagnosis work time (WT),
job/repair work time (WT), and the vehicle repairs your center performed, unless otherwise required by State law.

FEEDBACK REGARDING THIS BULLETIN
Technical Feedback
Warranty Feedback
Parts Feedback

To submit feedback for the technical topics of this bulletin: Submit your feedback
in the rating box at the top of this bulletin
To submit feedback for the CLAIMS section of this bulletin: Submit an IDS ticket
to the Warranty Department, or use the chat available in the Warranty
Documentation Portal
To submit feedback for the PARTS section of this bulletin: Submit an IDS ticket
to the Parts Department

Supporting Materials
Videos
41 02 22

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