51 31... Removing windows with an oscillating knife

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Follow safety instructions . See 51 00... SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON CARS WITH AIRBAG SYSTEMS or 72 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION for working on vehicles with airbag systems (risk of injury).

IMPORTANT: Handle sharp-edged tools with care (risk of damage to the head airbag and the window glass).

IMPORTANT: Follow the vehicle-specific repair instructions!
Always wear safety goggles and protective gloves for your own safety.
Cover the working area (side walls, roof-mounted aerial and if necessary interior equipment) with protective covers.
Tape off body with fabric adhesive tape (e.g. Tesa) in areas where the oscillating knife could damage the window glass or the paint.

Use suction cups (51 3 010) to lift out the window glass.

Always keep both suction cups dry and clean to ensure their optimum adhesion on the windscreen.

Secure window glass against falling out.

Fig 1: Lifting Window Glass Using Suction Cups (51 3 010)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Depending on the area of application, knife 1 or 2 is used.

Straight knife with adjustable thrust roller
U-shaped knife

Dimension (X) on the knife (1) can be adjusted individually, see vehicle-specific repair instructions.

NOTE: Sharpen knife blade before every use on a running machine with a grinding stone (even with new knife blade).

Fig 2: Identifying U-Shaped Knife Dimension

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing from the inside:

Guide knife carefully between body and window glass.

Run blade of knife parallel to glass.

Take care not to damage paintwork.

Cut through adhesive bead all the way around.

Pull window glass outwards to remove.

Fig 3: Removing Window Glass

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removal from outside:

Guide knife carefully between body and window glass.

Run blade of knife parallel to glass.

Take care not to damage paintwork.

Cut through adhesive bead all the way around.

Pull window glass outwards to remove.

Fig 4: Adjusting Knife Between Body And Window Glass (Outside)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cut through adhesive bead as closely as possible to window glass.

Body opening
Adhesive bead
Knife
Window

Fig 5: Identifying Body Opening, Adhesive Bead, Knife And Window
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.