Forum Discussion

Maine-iacs's avatar
Maine-iacs
Explorer
Aug 14, 2015

Check your pop rivets!

Like most 5ers, the sheet metal abutting the hitch, which forms the underside of the bedroom, is made of sheet metal panels which are screwed and pop riveted in place.

Just happened to look up at the panels last night and noticed half the pop rivets had sheared off. In thinking about it, the rivets are aluminum I think and the metal is constantly flexing during travel so it's not really too surprising. Spent $11. on a pop rivet set and an hour later all was well.

Just for your enlightenment! :)
  • Did you replace them with more aluminum rivets or did you go with stainless steel rivets?
  • Went to the local auto parts store for a pop rivet tool. Cost $11. and included several different sizes of rivets. Insert fat end in existing hole, squeeze handle on tool and you're done. Suspect the brand name was El Cheapo but if they drop out they're easy enough to replace.