Official Bmw running board installation guide

sprite007 · #1 05-01-2009, 07:53 AM

Hi,

wondering if anyone still have this document lying around? The link in the tips diy section for the installation no longer works.

Thank you all.

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mrbmwx5 · #2 05-01-2009, 09:01 AM

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...tallation.html

sprite007 · #3 05-01-2009, 09:38 AM

I got it already..i was specifically referring to the link in that doc.

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/BM...structions.pdf

If anyone needs it, i have it.

PropellerHead · #4 03-14-2011, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprite007

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/BM...structions.pdfIf anyone needs it, i have it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrbmwx5

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...tallation.html

I looked at both of these 'guides' and found them utterly useless. The first one in the 'Tips and Tricks' was completely useless. Either whomever did the 'DIY' didn't actually DIY it, or he just left out every tip and/or trick that could have made this usefull.

The link for BMWMotorsports.org has changed. Instructions are now located HERE. At least IT shows what rivets go where and correctly cites a tool as a 'rivet gun' rather than a 'rail gun.' Play Quake much?

But even THAT BMW doc does not tell you key things about this install. Did you know you need a Dremel? *I* needed one. Where are all the pics? We get a couple shots of the missing rivets and then BOOM! Install done. That's not a DIY! That DIY should read:

Step 1: Take X5 to shop
Step 2: Beg mechanic to allow a couple pictures.
Step 3: Write check.
Step 4: Post DIY

Anyway, sorry for the rant. I'll make my own pics as I Dremel and install this week. I'll probably even include some narrative about what it REALLY takes to install these damn things. I will tell you this: They LOOK great!

powers1 · #5 03-14-2011, 06:25 AM

I been Installing these for years ,never needed a dremel.Very easy ,straight forward installation.
Bmw tech doc is easy to follow and does tell you all you need in a simplified way.
Cant wait to see your DIY and why you need the dremel?

LeMansX5 · #6 03-14-2011, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powers1

I been Installing these for years ,never needed a dremel.Very easy ,straight forward installation.
Bmw tech doc is easy to follow and does tell you all you need in a simplified way.
Cant wait to see your DIY and why you need the dremel?

I have done it and no dremel needed.

mrbmwx5 · #7 03-14-2011, 08:07 AM

+2 no dremel needed.

PropellerHead · #8 03-14-2011, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powers1

Cant wait to see your DIY and why you need the dremel?

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.

powers1 · #9 03-14-2011, 10:51 AM

I think Lemans is also a 4.8is!I also thought there were still 2 kits.One being specifically for the 4.6/4.8is with the flares wheelarch trim already in the kit!
At the end of the day ,all that matters is that you got the job done and you are happy with it,as well as having the extra satisfaction of having done it yourself..
Well done.Congrats on your new mod

PropellerHead · #10 03-14-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powers1

At the end of the day ,all that matters is that you got the job done and you are happy with it,as well as having the extra satisfaction of having done it yourself..
Well done.Congrats on your new mod

Thanks!

You read me like a book! Though the job is only 1/2 done as I have to complete the driver's side and install the rivets on the passenger wheel trim. It DOES feel good to have them installed. After seeing the kit and how easy it is to install, I would have done it much sooner to my 3.0 had I known. I think the boards look awesome on ANY color, but I really like the look on dark colors.

It also gave me a chance to clean underneath the trim pieces and the running boards. But I promise- I did not wax!

Edit:
You got me curious. This is what pulls up on BMWUSA's site. Can anyone with a 4.8is confirm that this was the same kit ordered? I *think* it's referencing the OE fender flares that tack on to the wheel trim and are larger than the stock 4.8is trim. I would LOVE to see an install doc for THOSE things.

Edit 2:

Got more curious STILL. The part from the Ebay auction coincides with the BMWUSA part:

I even ASKED the seller on Feb 26!

No instructions were included, BTW:

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