8/23/25, 4:50 AM

41 07 25_CRACKING SOUND FROM THE REAR WHEEL ARCH PANEL

SIB 41 07 25
CRACKING SOUND FROM THE REAR WHEEL ARCH PANEL
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2025-08-20

THIS REPAIR IS MOBILE FRIENDLY
THIS REPAIR IS REMOTE SOFTWARE UPGRADE (RSU) FRIENDLY

MODEL
E-Series
G20
G22
G23
G26
G42
G80
G82
G87

Model Description
3 Series Sedan
4 Series Coupe
4 Series Convertible
4 Series Gran Coupe
2 Series Coupe
M3 Sedan
M4 Coupe
M2 Coupe

Production Date

August 1, 2019 – December 12, 2024

Note: G26 BEV vehicles are NOT affected!

SITUATION
While driving on a smooth and/or uneven
road, a “cracking” sound is heard from the
rear wheel arch area (highlighted in orange)
on either the right or left side.
Note: See attached video BV 41 03 25.

Red arrow is pointing to the area of where the
sound is occurring (with the wheel arch
panel installed (highlighted in orange;
driver’s side shown)).

Red circle indicates the area of where the
sound is occurring (without the wheel arch
panel installed (highlighted in orange)).

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41 07 25_CRACKING SOUND FROM THE REAR WHEEL ARCH PANEL

CAUSE
The wheel arch support panel may slightly overlap the side frame connection under certain circumstances.
Tensile and compressive loads can cause movement between the panels resulting in a “cracking” sound.

CORRECTION
Rework the rear upper section of the left and/or right-side wheel arch panel.

PROCEDURE
1. Remove the left and/or right wheel and
wheel arch trim panel (highlighted in
orange) following repair instructions listed in
ISTA/AIR 51 71 041.

2. Remove the luggage compartment floor
covering (highlighted in orange) following
the repair instructions listed in ISTA/AIR 51 47
101.

3. Remove the left and/or right-side trunk
wheel arch trim panel (highlighted in
orange) following the repair instructions listed
in ISTA/AIR 51 47 151.

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4. Remove the insulating pad (highlighted in
orange in the photo).

5. Drill an elongated hole (1) of approximately
15 mm in length into the left and/or right
wheel arch panel (transparent photo B for
reference).
Important note: Maintain a distance of 4
mm to the spot weld (2)!
Note: Wheel arch panel thickness is 1mm.

6. Weld the elongated hole (1). The two panels
underneath must be welded to the wheel arch panel.

Important Note: Before welding and/or
grinding, make sure to review and
follow repair instructions listed in
ISTA/AIR.
41 04 100
41 02 300
41 05 701
41 05 321
41 05 202
1. For the existing elongated holes (2), weld
the front sheet metal edge to the panel
underneath.
1. Grind the weld seam on the elongated hole
(1).

1. Clean the area and paint it using primer.
1. Vehicle can be reassembled, and repair can be verified.

PARTS INFORMATION
No parts are needed.

CLAIM INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks.

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Repair Code:

41 07 25_CRACKING SOUND FROM THE REAR WHEEL ARCH PANEL

4114030100

Rear wheel arch Cracked / broken / torn off

Diagnosis
Labor Operation
41 00 009*

Description
Eliminating body noise (Work time, Plusposition or Main
work as applicable)

Labor Allowance

Diagnosis Worktime Flat Rate (Plusposition)

2 FRU

Diagnosis Worktime Flat Rate (Main work)

3 FRU

WT FRU

Or:
00 58 500*
Or:
00 58 000*

Only one Main work flat rate labor operation code can be claimed per workshop visit. If you are using a Main
labor operation code for another repair, then only claim the work time Plusposition type labor operation
allowance that applies.
When work time labor operation code 41 00 009 applies to your center and it includes Main work, then claim
the Plusposition code(s) that apply to any other clamed repairs.
(*) 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.

And, with the diagnosis above that applies to your center together with the work below that was performed.
Sublet Repair – Rework the Rear Upper Section of the Left and/or Right-Side Wheel Arch Panel
Repair (Third Party CCRC/Approved Auto Body Shop)
Third-Party

Description (Associated work)

Sublet Allowance

Sublet Code 3

Rework the rear upper section of the left and/or right-side wheel
arch panel repair (Third-party sublet invoice, excluding the
applicable BMW part number(s) that are to be invoiced on the
RO for inclusion with the claim submission)

See below

Note: Aftersales Area Manager (AAM) Field Authorization (FAS) is not required.
Invoice the Rework the Rear Upper Section of the Left and/or Right-Side Wheel Arch Panel repair order at
the actual cost charged with no handling or markup. The sublet amount must also include any discounts or
allowances.
The appropriate charge for the necessary repair work procedure is determined by comparing the charged
amount against the corresponding amount that is based on your warranty rates.
Prior to performing the repair, calculate your center’s repair cost and then obtain outside repair estimate(s)
for price comparison purposes.
Enter the third-part repair cost in sublet and itemize the amount claimed on the repair order and in claim
comment section.
It is your center’s responsibility to review the repair cost estimate prior to the repair being
performed. This will help ensure that the amount requested for the paint finish work is consistent
with what is normally recognized as customary, fair, and reasonable. Also, it must not exceed the
scope of the repair work that is described in this bulletin.

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FEEDBACK REGARDING THIS BULLETIN
Technical Feedback
Warranty Feedback
Parts Feedback

To submit feedback for the technical topic 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 03 25

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