HELP !

[finestre]

This is probably not very technical but I am sure someone here will know the answer................

I am trying to remove my screen but I am unable to get the bolt on the left side height adjuster out. Excuse the technical jargon but the bit that the bolt screws into is just turning making it impossible to get the bolt out. It looks like it is an insert that has broken off but I can't grip it to stop it turning due to the gap between the instruments and the other side of the screen adjuster being about as wide as Kate Moss and being round there is nothing to lever it with.

Any ideas?

Hope you understand the description !

 

[MikeO]

The bolt screws into a threaded collar set into the plastic. This collar has come loose.

The easy solution is to drill the bolt out and then use another bolt and a nut on the other side. This happened to me with both rear bolts in Feb last year. Shouldn't take more than 5 minutes to drill it & replace it.

If you want, you can then buy a new 'spacer' from BMW - but my nut and bolt solution is still working fine 43k miles later...

Mike

 

[finestre]

Mike

Scuse me if I am being a bit thick but if I try to drill the bolt, wont it just turn as it is now?

 

[MikeO]

No it won't - trust me, I did it twice...

Mike

 

[finestre]

Mike

I am really stupid, but I can't picture how the bolt will get drilled out, without gripping the collar - which I don't seem to be able to get access to. When you say "drill" do you mean as in a drill bit? I am reall ynot technical minded - sorry!

 

[MikeO]

No worries. Get an electric drill and a high speed twist drill bit, slightly larger than the 'torx' socket on the bolt in question. Put the drill bit into the socket (using the socket as a guide to keep it centred) and, pressing onto the drill, squeeze the trigger. The bolt will try to spin, but will be unable to due to the pressure you're exerting on the body of the drill. The head of the bolt will soon come off, then you can take the remainder of the bolt, and the collar, out through the back.

It takes longer to describe than to do - give it a go...

Mike

 

[finestre]

I see!
Will give it a go. Thanks Mike

 

[finestre]

Mmmm

Not one of your better suggestions Mike.

The heat build up on the screw caused the plastic around it to melt and still the screw stayed in place, now wedged into a groove in the melted plastic !

I've now go the screw out via hacksaw and brute force and a rather scratched screen.

Not your fault mate - it was worth a try but others beware please.

 

[MikeO]

Poo.

Can't understand it - drilled 2 out in about 2 minutes with no snags. Sorry...

Mike