Expanding rivet tool

[rayxi]

Anyone know if there is a special tool for removing the expanding rivets found on some of the body parts? I'm about to install the running board kit on my X5 and the last time I had to remove similar rivets on my 330xi it was a pain.

[rangerfan]

A drill works best. Drill out the middle and the puppies just fall out.

[bimmerfan]

There is a tool for it and I believe it can be purchased from your local dealer. I do not know the BMW Part # or the cost but I have read threads where people refer to it and recommend purchasing it.

[IFlyX5]

Or you can use a small Philips head screwdrive (or nail) and a hammer/mallet to drive the core out. In the case of the lower part of the standard black plastic running boards, don't tap the core in too much or it'll fall in the the rocker panel. Tap it in enough so you can use a pliers to remove the rivet (or cut off the rivet head remove the core).

[rayxi]

Thanks for the responses.

I think there are 2 kinds of rivets being discussed here. There are the expanding rivets that have a flat head on them and there are the blind rivets that do not have a head on them. I may have the terminology mixed up but there are definitely 2 kinds.
I think the blind rivets are meant to be punched out and discarded but the expanding rivets with the heads could potentially be reused if removed properly. A new set of rivets come with the running board kit so I'm not concerned about reusing the old ones but I would still like to remove them easier without scratching the body parts. This was an issue when I had to remove some plastic covers in the trunk of my 330 to install clear tail lights.

I'd do a search but I don't even know what the tool would be called. I may try to make one.

[IFlyX5]

I was referring to the expanding rivets (not the blind rivets that go around the wheel well) in my reply post.