Quick question:Whats the order to remove the black exterior plastic stone guard trim?

Estroil 4.8is · #1 03-20-2006, 08:58 AM

I'm looking to have the black plastic pieces painted to match the Sterling Silver body color. A body guy that I know will be doing it on the side. Since this is my only vehicle right now. I need the X for the week days, so he will be doing a few parts every weekend.

Mainly I just wanted to know how they over-lap. I'm installing a hitch soon so I figured that would be a good opportunity to have him spray the back bumper. But I was wondering will I have to remove the rear bumper again to remove the rear arces? Likewise with the front bumper. Does the front have to come off to get the front arces? Lastly does the running boards come off after the arces? Hope you can follow this

Thanks for any tips on removal of the parts as well, Rob

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IFlyX5 · #2 03-20-2006, 11:10 AM

The wheel fender arches (front + rear) are separate from the bumpers. They are held in place a a few plastic blind rivets and you do not have to remove the bumpers before you can remove these.

The two lower fender arches on each side of the X5 (where they meet the running boads - front and rear) must be removed before the running boards can be taken off the body. To re-install the running boards, you will need some plastic blind rivets and expanding rivets (which can be bought at your local stealer - they stock plenty of these).

If you need the part #'s for the plastic rivets, visit the online OEM website (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do) or just PM me.

jst2878 · #3 03-20-2006, 12:14 PM

I just did this same operation. You need to take off the running boards FIRST before the rear fenders can be detached. The front fenders will come off a little easier. You will need a total of three differnt types of fasteners. Plastic rivets, a push pin anchor fastener, and another pushpin fastener that is bigger in diameter and has a head on the pin. Each piece is around fifty cents each. Look real hard for the one fastener that is attaching the rear fender and running board.

Estroil 4.8is · #4 03-20-2006, 04:17 PM

Thanks guys this helped out quite a bit. Looks like 4 weeks and the X will be done, front, rear, side, and side.

asawadude · #5 03-20-2006, 09:28 PM

Silver_5 -

Can you ask your body guy what he's doing to prep the black trim pieces for paint? How many coats of primer, # of sessions to sand the primer, how many coats of paint and clear?

Regards, Mike

Estroil 4.8is · #6 03-21-2006, 08:17 AM

Sure he is suppose to stop by next week and take a closer look at it. I'll let you know then, Rob

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