2022-2023 BMW X1 Taillamp Paint Abrasion Service Action

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin SIB 41 05 23 to address a concern in certain 2022-2023 BMW X1 (U11) Sports Activity Vehicles. This service action focuses on potential contact between the vehicle's taillamps and the surrounding tailgate or side panels. This contact can lead to paint abrasion and, over time, the formation of corrosion on the body of the vehicle or tailgate.

The issue of BMW X1 taillamp abrasion can occur on either one or both sides of the vehicle. This bulletin provides a detailed procedure for technicians to inspect and, if necessary, repair affected vehicles, ensuring the longevity of the vehicle's paint finish and preventing rust.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2022-2023 BMW X1 models may notice signs of paint abrasion where the taillamps meet the tailgate or side panels. This abrasion is a direct result of insufficient gap clearance, allowing the components to rub against each other during normal vehicle operation. If left unaddressed, this can progress to visible corrosion on the vehicle's body or tailgate.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

To diagnose the BMW X1 taillamp abrasion issue, technicians are instructed to measure the gaps between the taillamp housings and the tailgate or side panels. A key diagnostic step involves attempting to insert a small strip of writing paper into the diagonal gap area of both the inner and outer taillamps.

If the paper can be inserted, the taillamp gap is considered acceptable. However, if the paper cannot be inserted, the gap is too small, indicating a potential for contact and requiring further action. The procedure specifies checking both inner and outer taillamps for this condition.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure outlined in SIB 41 05 23, identified by repair code 0041250200, involves several detailed steps depending on the severity of the paint abrasion. This process ensures that the BMW X1 taillamp abrasion is properly addressed.

1. Inner Taillamp Inspection and Removal:

• Technicians first inspect the inner taillamp housing on the tailgate for the correct gap dimension, specifically checking the diagonal area. This inspection is performed on both inner taillamps.
• A small strip of writing paper is used to test the gap. If the paper can be inserted, the taillamp is considered okay. If the paper cannot be inserted, the gap is too small.
• If the gap is too small, the inner taillamp(s) are removed following repair instructions found in ISTA/AIR 63 21 279/281 and/or 63 21 285.

2. Paint Surface Cleaning and Inspection (Inner Taillamps):

• The paint on the tailgate where the inner taillamp sits is cleaned using R2 cleaner.
• The area is then inspected for paint abrasion, focusing on a critical area 5mm inward from the top edge.

3. Damage Assessment and Repair (Inner Taillamps):

• Condition A (No Abrasion or Minor Clear Coat Dullness): If there is no abrasion or only minor dullness of the clear coat, no paint touch-up is needed. The technician proceeds to apply protective tape.
• Condition B (Clear Coat or Base Color Abraded, 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. After drying, protective tape is applied.
• Condition C (Damaged/Abraded with Bubble or Rust Formation): For more severe damage, including bubble formation under the paint (lifting) or rust, the damaged area must be repaired, and the entire tailgate repainted. Following repainting, protective tape is applied.

4. Application of Abrasion Tape (Inner Taillamps):

• 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's upper and lower sections.
• The tape is positioned 3mm inward from the edge pressing and firmly pressed for maximum adhesion.
• The tape is extended to be parallel to the edge pressing, with the lower end wrapping along the radius of the edge where it changes horizontally.
• Steps 1-5 are repeated for the other inner taillamp.

5. Inner Taillamp Reinstallation:

• The inner taillamps are reinstalled after the tape application.

6. Outer Taillamp Inspection and Removal:

• The outer taillamps are checked for gaps to the side panels using the same paper strip method as described for the inner taillamps.
• If the paper cannot be inserted, the outer taillamp(s) are removed following repair instructions in ISTA/AIR 63 21 275/277 and/or 63 21 283.

7. Paint Surface Cleaning and Inspection (Outer Taillamps):

• The side panel paint where the outer taillamp sits is cleaned with R2 cleaner and inspected for abrasion.
• Damage assessment and repair (Conditions A, B, C) are performed similarly to the inner taillamps.

8. Outer Taillamp Reinstallation and Adjustment:

• The outer taillamp(s) are reinstalled.
• The gap to the side panel is adjusted to 1.1 mm.

This comprehensive approach ensures that both the immediate issue of contact and any resulting paint damage are addressed, preventing future BMW X1 taillamp abrasion and corrosion.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform the inspection and repair for the BMW X1 taillamp abrasion, specific parts are required:

• 41 00 9 644 448: Adhesive film kit v (one kit can repair up to seven vehicles)
• 83 19 0 417 324: Cleanser R2 (500 ml)
• Refer to ETK: Touch-up paint stick (also known as a paint pen, depending on the repair performed; one stick can be used for multiple vehicles)
• R2 cleaner: Used for paint surface preparation.
• ISTA/AIR: BMW's diagnostic and repair instructions system, referenced for taillamp removal procedures (e.g., ISTA/AIR 63 21 279/281, 63 21 285, 63 21 275/277, 63 21 283).

Warranty Information

Reimbursement for this service action is handled via normal claim entry using applicable work packages. The main repair code for this service action is 0041250200.

Workshop Inspection - No Repair is Necessary:

• Work Pkg #1: Labor Operation 00 75 726 - Check the gap dimension of all rear lights (not in combination with follow-up work). Labor Allowance: 3 FRU.
• Work Pkg #2: Labor Operation 00 75 188 - Check the gap dimension of all rear lights (not in combination with follow-up work). Labor Allowance: 5 FRU.

Workshop Inspection - Repair is Necessary:

• Work Pkg #3: Labor Operation 00 75 727 - Check the gap dimension of all rear lights (always with follow-up work, referring to Attachment 1 or 2). Labor Allowance: 1 FRU.
• Work Pkg #4: Labor Operation 00 75 189 - Check the gap dimension of all rear lights (always with follow-up work, referring to Attachment 1 or 2). Labor Allowance: 3 FRU.

Additional work procedures, including paint finish repairs, are detailed in B410523 Attachment 1 Workshop Repair Complete and B410523 Attachment 2 CCRC_Auto Body Shop Repair. Alternative Mobility Solution (AMS) expenses for vehicle owners are also reimbursable under Sublet Code 2. For bulk materials, Sublet Code 4 is used, but BMW part numbers should not be used for claim submission for these materials.

Important Warnings / What Owners Should Know

BMW has provided specific instructions and warnings regarding this service action:

• Pre-Delivery Action: Dealers are instructed to perform this procedure on all affected vehicles before customer delivery. If a customer has already taken delivery, the procedure should be performed the next time the vehicle is in the shop.
• Mobile Friendly Repair: This repair is designated as