Hrmmm Maybe this all boils down to my having the 4.8is.

Either because the current kits come with rear trim pieces that do not have the necessary flares over the rear wheel arches for the larger 4.8is rear bumper- OR- Because I was sold (or asked for) the wrong part from the dealer.

I *thought* I had ordered the wrong parts until I removed the spring clipped flare from one of the factory pieces. I found it looked as if someone in South Carolina crudely Dremeled six little slots to accommodate the flare. There was even a little 'miss' mark' on one of them and NONE of them were the same size! It's the same basic part on any X5, it just has this lil flare literally tacked on. The spring clips pressed onto the factory wheel arch allow enough pressure to align the part while hold it on. The flare meets the larger rear bumper piece on the 4.8.

Syoo with that little bit of encouragement, I used the factory piece as a template and Dremeled six little slots. Then I pushed the 4.8is fender flare from the factory over the wheel arch trim of the new parts and held it on using the old clips. It lines up PERFECTLY and looks like it is supposed to, but nowhere have I found that little tidbit of information.

I'll get pics soon.