Body - Wind Noise In The A-Pillar Area
SI B51 11 09Body Equipment
August 2009
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B5 111 09 dated April 2009.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Wind Noise from the A-pillar Area
MODEL
F01, F02 (7 Series)
SITUATION
A higher-than-expected level of wind noise above approximately 70mph may be present on some vehicles. The noise is most noticeable from the area of the window, A-pillar, or outside mirror.
CAUSE
^ Turbulence in the airflow over the body of the vehicle
^ Air passages in the mirror and door assemblies
CORRECTION
Seal off selected areas of the mirror and door assemblies.
1. Inspect the front bottom edge of the door seal (1). If any gap exists between the seal and adjacent trim strip (2), remove the seal and properly seat it back onto the door.
2. Inspect the fitment of the door. The leading edge of the door (1) should not protrude at all past the trailing edge of the fender (2). If the door protrudes at all, adjust the door per Repair Instruction REP 41 5...
3. Inspect the seal between the front and rear doors (1) to determine whether any voids or areas of poor sealing exist. Also inspect the consistency of the gap between the rear trim on the front door and the front edge of the rear door (2). If either gap is inconsistent or poorly sealed, adjust the trim slightly rearward per REP 51 32 420. The adjustment may also require a minor adjustment of the door striker.
4. Inspect the door seal (1) between the leading edge of the door (2) and the trailing edge of the fender (3). If the seal is not installed correctly (loose, bulging from the gap, etc.), it should be removed and reinstalled.
5. If the roof trim strip (1) is wavy or loose, especially near the windshield (2), remove and reinstall it.
6. Remove the door panel per Repair Instruction REP 51 41 000. Locate the 2 voids in the window guide at the ends of the horizontal portion of it (arrows). These passages are in the corners of the window guide, where the horizontal part of the guide meets the vertical part.
7. Apply a strip of Butyl to each of these voids (front void depicted) and smooth it to completely fill the void.
8. Identify the 2 stamped cutouts on the inner door structure (1). These are immediately in front of and behind the inner belt molding (2). Fill each of these 2 openings completely with Butyl.
9. Remove the fastener on the bottom of the mirror housing, and pull down the protective cover (1). Apply a strip of Butyl (2) to the leading edge of the cover, on top of the existing foam strip.
10. Remove the mirror cap per Repair Instruction REP 51 16 041. Apply a strip of Butyl to the length of the mirror cap as shown (1). Apply a 10 mm length of Butyl to area (2).
11. [NEW]Open the door window and pull the window guide (1) out of its channel in the upper rear part of the front door. Install a foam B-pillar seal to this area as shown.
12. [NEW] Pull the door handle and identify the handle seal (1). Replace this seal by removing the lock cylinder (left side) or dummy plug (right side) per a portion of Repair Instruction REP51 21 125.
NOTE:
Removing the lock cylinder does not require removing the entire door latch carrier.
13. Inspect the outside door handle to ensure it is properly seated to the door. If a gap exists, remove and reinstall the door handle per Repair Instruction REP 51 21 170.
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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