Open Rivet Connectors (M3 Base, M3 Competition, M3 Competition M xDrive, M3 CS)

Different rivet types are used on BMW vehicles

1. Opening blind rivets: 
   1. 1.1 Loosening blind rivets (N1, N2, N7, N8, N9 and N10): 

      Grind off blind rivet head with a belt or angle grinder. Do not grind off base material. Remove rivet remnants with a drift punch

   2. 1.2 Opening blind rivets (N3 and N6): 

   Drill out blind rivet head with a 5 mm dia. drill bit. Do not damage base material. Remove rivet remnants with a drift punch

2. Opening punch rivets: 

1. 2.1 Opening punch rivets by extraction: 

   This procedure is used on the reduced-weight aluminum front end

   Recommended tools and equipment:

   • Stud welding apparatus (refer to Service Information 5 03 03 975) with gas bottle containing inert gas (82 % argon, 18 % CO)
   • Stainless steel stud (sourcing reference via BMW Parts Department image board aluminum and steel/bonding and welding)
   • Universal riveting tool (refer to Service Information 5 03 03 975)

   Grind off paint and dark gray coating of punch rivets

   Position bolt centrally on the rivet and weld on vertically. The area in which the bolts are welded on should be between the two grounding terminals. Position both terminals, if possible, on the top of the panel on which the rivet is located

   Extract bolt with welded-on rivet using universal riveting tool. Use a large plastic nose piece if not otherwise specified in the repair instructions. Check plastic nose piece prior to use for wear

   Plastic nose piece must rest on sheet metal all round; if necessary, grind off plastic noise piece in collision area

   Do not push riveting tool forcefully onto special-steel bolts

   Do not use riveting tool to bend special-steel bolts

   Pay particular attention to central positioning of the bolt when using the small plastic mouthpiece

   Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions for use

2. 2.2 Opening punch rivets by drilling out: 

Drill out rivets with a 6 mm dia. carbide drill bit

Punch rivets can be drilled out on both sides. When drilling from the protruding rear, spot-drill the rivet shank only and remove the rest with a rivet punch

Use a punch to remove punch rivet remnants in the aluminum (risk of corrosion)

Clean vehicle to remove shavings (risk of corrosion)