2022-2023 BMW X1 Taillamp Gap Paint Abrasion TSB

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin SIB 41 05 23 to address a potential issue with the taillamps on certain 2022-2023 BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicles (U11 E-Series) manufactured between August 2, 2022, and August 31, 2023. This bulletin, which is Revision 1 and replaces SI B41 05 23 dated January 2024, outlines a procedure to inspect and correct the gaps around the taillamps to prevent damage. The update includes revised parts information.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2022-2023 BMW X1 models may observe signs of paint abrasion on the vehicle's body or tailgate. This contact between the taillamps and the adjacent tailgate or side panels can cause paint to wear away. Over time, this abrasion can lead to the formation of corrosion in the affected areas. This issue can manifest on either one or both sides of the vehicle where the taillamps meet the surrounding body panels.

Diagnosis

To diagnose this condition, technicians will measure the gaps between the taillamps' housing and the adjacent tailgate or side panels. The diagnostic process begins with inspecting the inner taillamps on the tailgate for correct gap dimensions. A key diagnostic step involves attempting to insert a small strip of writing paper between the diagonal part of the taillamps housing and tailgate.

If the paper "If the paper CAN be inserted in the gap between the inner taillamps housing and tailgate," the taillamp gap is considered acceptable. However, if the paper "If the paper CANNOT be inserted in the gap between the inner taillamps housing and tailgate," it indicates an insufficient gap that requires further inspection and potential repair. This diagnostic method is applied to both inner and outer taillamps.

After removing any contacting taillamps, the underlying paint surface is cleaned with R2 cleaner (Part Number 83 19 0 417 324) and inspected for abrasion. The critical inspection area is typically 5mm inward from the top edge of the panel, as illustrated in the bulletin's diagrams showing specific chafe mark locations (e.g., "Chafe mark 1," "Chafe marks 2, 3," or "Chafe marks 4, 5, 6").

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure for the 2022 BMW X1 taillamp gap issue involves a series of steps to correct the gap and address any resulting paint damage. The process begins with measuring the gaps for both inner and outer taillamps.

For inner taillamps, if the 2022 BMW X1 taillamp gap is too small, the taillamp(s) are removed according to specific repair instructions found in ISTA/AIR 63 21 279/281 and/or 63 21 285. The exposed tailgate paint is then cleaned with R2 cleaner and inspected for abrasion. Depending on the severity of the paint damage, different actions are taken:

• Minor Abrasion: If there is no abrasion of the clear coat or base color, or if only minor abrasion dulls the clear coat, no paint touch-up is needed. The process continues to the next step.
• Primer Visible: If the clear coat or base color is abraded to the point where the primer is visible, the area is touched up with a matching touch-up paint stick (refer to ETK for part number). The process then continues.
• Significant Damage: If the paint is not only damaged/abraded but also shows bubble formation (lifting) or rust, the damaged area must be repaired, and the entire tailgate repainted. After repainting, the process continues.

Following any necessary paint repair, a strip of clear abrasion tape (Part Number 41 00 9 644 448) is applied along the edge pressing, between the transition of the tailgate upper section to the lower section. This tape must be positioned 3mm inward of the edge pressing, pressed firmly for maximum adhesion, and extended parallel to the edge, wrapping along the radius where it changes horizontally. These steps are then repeated for the other inner taillamp. Finally, the inner taillamps are reinstalled.

The same inspection and repair process is then applied to the outer taillamps. If the outer taillamps are found to be contacting the side panels, they are removed using instructions from ISTA/AIR 63 21 275/277 and/or 63 21 283. The side panel paint is cleaned and inspected for abrasion, and any damage is addressed as described for the tailgate. Finally, the outer taillamp(s) are reinstalled and adjusted to achieve a gap of 1.1 mm.

Required Parts and Materials

To perform the necessary repairs for the 2022 BMW X1 taillamp gap issue, technicians may require the following parts and materials:

• Adhesive film kit: Part Number 41 00 9 644 448. One kit can repair 7 vehicles; order quantity 1 rounds up to a quantity of 7 sets. This is sublet as needed.
• Cleaner R2 (500 ml): Part Number 83 19 0 417 324. This is sufficient for approximately 100 vehicles and is sublet as needed.
• Touch-up paint stick (aka paint pen): Refer to the Electronic Parts Catalog (ETK) for the appropriate part number. One stick is typically sufficient for about 10 vehicles, depending on the repair performed. This is sublet as needed.
• Bayonet fitting: Part Number 63 21 5 A0D F03*. This part is used if needed.
• Left rear light seal (tailgate): Part Number 63 21 5 A4C 4F6*. This part is used if needed.

Important Warnings

BMW emphasizes specific guidelines for technicians regarding this Service Action. It is crucial to note that "Based on the age of the affected vehicles when this Service Action was released and when it will be generally performed, contrary to the repair instructions for this repair situation, the bayonet fittings and seals must only be replaced if their condition requires it." This prevents unnecessary part replacements.

Furthermore, if a consequential paint finish repair is required, technicians are mandated to identify and record the exact area that needed attention. Examples include specific chafe marks (e.g., "Chafe mark 1," "Chafe marks 2, 3," or "Chafe marks 4, 5, 6"). This detailed information must be included in the technician's repair order notes and the claim comment section for proper documentation and reimbursement. The bulletin also notes "THIS REPAIR IS MOBILE FRIENDLY."

Claim Information and Labor Operations

Reimbursement for this Service Action will be processed via normal claim entry. The applicable work package information and associated work flat rate labor operation codes must be used. If a third-party paint finish repair is required, corresponding sublet codes should be used.

Repair Code: 0041250200, which covers "U11 Checking gap dimension of rear lights (tailgate, side panel) and reworking if necessary."

For vehicles already in the workshop, the