Dash - Warped Above Center Vent
Group 51Body Equipment
Bulletin Number
51 08 94 (4129)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
September 1995
Product Engineering
This Service Information bulletin supersedes orange S.I. 51 08 94 (4129) dated March 1994, which should be removed from your S.I. binder and discarded.
SUBJECT:
Dash Warping Above Center Vent
MODELS:
E36 except 318ti
Situation:
On 1994 and 1995 model year E36s the top of the dash may warp above the center air vent, leaving an uneven gap between the dash and the vent assembly.
A metal stiffener has been molded into the dash to align the curvature of the dash with the center vent housing. This stiffener was phased into production during week 7/95 on Munich-produced four-door models and week 20/95 on two-door models. Spartanburg-produced cars have had a stiffener in place since the start of production. An add-on stiffener is now available to repair warped dashboards in cars produced prior to the production change.
Note:
Since the production dashboards have the stiffener molded in, replacement dashboards in inventory must be checked with a strong magnet to determine if they are the latest type.
Any replacement dashboards without the molded-in stiffener must have the add-on stiffener installed prior to installation.
Parts Information:
The adhesive system required for this repair is a combination of Loctite Black Max used in conjunction with Loctite Prism Primer 770. These products are available through Loctite Industrial Products distributors, such as large bearing supply houses. If you have difficulty finding a distributor in your area, call Loctite at (800) 338-9000 and order Part No. 24410. A special kit will be sent to you via UPS, COD. The contents of each kit are:
2 Bottles of Black Max - 38050 ($14.50 ea.) $29.00
1 Bottle Prism Primer 770 18396 $7.54
UPS COD charge $4.75
UPS shipping charges to your locations will be added to the invoice.
The stiffener kits, consisting of a stiffener and rivets, are available under the following part numbers:
Two-door models 51 45 8 211 883
Four-door models 51 45 8 211 881
The special drill used in the procedure will be sent out under the Automatic Tool Shipment Program.
Procedure:
Remove the center vent assembly.
Note:
On 1995 models the thumb wheel control is connected to a bowden cable, which must be disconnected behind the under dash trim.
Clean the inside area of the dash where the stiffener will go with a clean rag and alcohol. Remove any excess foam that prevents the stiffener from seating properly. Apply a light coat of primer to the area in front of the lip where the stiffener will go, and allow to dry for about one (1) minute.
Apply a bead of adhesive to the stiffener as shown below. Do not use primer on the stiffener.
Place the stiffener (2) inside the dash directly in front of the lip on the dash.
Put a piece of metal strap (1) on top of the dash, and clamp both pieces in place. Do not over tighten the clamps so that the outer skin of the dash is damaged.
Insert drill bit, part number 90 88 6 000 002, through the holes in the stiffener and drill through the plastic structure of the dash.
Note:
The drill bit can be easily turned with a 1/4 socket and rachet wrench. Be careful not to penetrate the outer skin of the dash.
Pop rivet the stiffener in place using the pop rivets provided, and reinstall center vent.
Warranty Status:
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Car Limited Warranty.
Defect Code: 51 45 90 32 00
Labor Operation: 00 51 095 94 Models
Labor Allowance: 10 FRU
Labor Operation: 00 51 096 95 Models
Labor Allowance: 12 FRU
Parts Allowance: 51 45 8 211 883 Qty=1 Stiffener Kit 2-door models
51 45 8 211 881 Qty=1 Stiffener Kit 4-door models
Sublet Allowance: $5.00 (primer and adhesive)