Notes on Running Board Install

[fln8tive]

Got them done! They REALLY make a difference. Second one took 1/3 the time of the first one...Some notes that might help...I went to ACE Hardware and bought the riveter and removed the tip. Also picked up two sizes of plastic panel fasteners and some 3/16 aluminum rivets. Forget drilling the rivets, too slow, just use a nail set and a rubber mallet. Takes two or three taps. I used a gasket scraper to pry under the rivet caps and draw them out. When first attaching the side skirt, start in the center, work outward, and do what the BMW pdf says: "turn the hexagonal screws two or three times". Any more and the wheel arches won't slide behind. For the rivets closest to the bottom/front rear wheel arch I used the push-panel fastener, it was easier than trying to tweak the riveter at an angle. My parts bag had no expanding rivets in the kit, so the larger ACE fastener was used in place (rubber mallet!) of the expanding rivet for the bottom of the wheel arches. I think it is actually more secure than the stock fastener. To secure the front wheel arch to the aluminum side skirt I used an aluminum rivet for strength. Pictures to follow....

[X5Jay]

Good job & thanks for the tips! Looking forward to the pics!

[AutoXer]

Congrats! Show us the pix!