4.8is Flares Fell Off... WTF??? Please HELP!

[cruzin420]

As you all know, I recently purchased a 04' 4.8is.... I had the dealer throw in the aluminum running boards for free. Anyways, As i was getting out of the car today, I opened the rear, drivers side door to get my bag, and i accidently bumped in to that rear, left side flare... and the freakin thing fell off. I looked on the backside of the flare, and all i saw was dried up glue.... Now WTF!!!!!!!!! So i went to the other side and tried tugging on the right side flare....Same thing happened. It fell off!!!

Let me back track real quick. Prior to me buying the car, I told the dealership that I would only buy it if they threw in the aluminum running boards for free. DEAL!!! However, they told me that the boards do not fit 4.6 or 4.8 models... Basically, X5's with flares do not work in conjunction with the running boards. So I was like...WTF... I know ive seen them before in person and on this kick butt forum. So i insisted that they put them on. DONE.... When I came back to the dealership after they had installed the boards, My guy tells me that he was right. The boards are not made for X5's with flares. They had to "Tweak" it out in order for the boards to fit. At that point I didnt want to argue with the guy. I had my X, and it had the boards.... Excellent!!!! Then the above metioned happened. What do you guys think???? Are they full of crap or do the boards really "Dont Fit"? If so, Any suggestions I can take back to dealer in order for them to install it correctly. Did they just install new 4.4/3.0 plastic wheel well coverings that connect to the boards and then cut off my existing flares and just glue them on or what? I dont know what to think...Please help a Brutha out!!!!

[jpm4.8is]

The boards fit...IMHO they did a lousy job!!!

[X5Boston]

Both my friend and I got the 4.6is when it debuted, We both ordered running boards and they fit perfectly. According to the dealer, they "are a pain in the ass to install properly." In fact, both took over three hours to get on correctly. Sounds like the dealer messed up and used glue to cover up their mistake.

[AutoXer]

The dealer probably tried to put the original 4.6/4.8 flares on with the running board. That's why they don't fit right. They have another wheel flare that will fit perfectly. They don't know what they are doing, take it back and have them do it right.

They also should not be glued on, there are rivets for that. Bad job all the way around!

Check out the part numbers in this thread:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...=running+board

[dvs]

its not only rivits for the flares. there are holes that the flares are supposed to go into the bumper then secured with clips.

i had to cut my own holes out since i mounted my flares to my original 4.4i bumper.

glue is not recommended but i can see why it was used, its not an easy task and takes time...

[cruzin420]

Thanks AutoXer!!!! I appreciate all your responses.... Just so i get it right, there is still extra pieces needed to make the running boards work with a 4.8is???? They need alternate fender flares for a 4.6/4.8is when installing running boards?

[dvs]

think i misunderstood your post..
was #5 the part that fell off?

[cruzin420]

Yes... But not the entire piece. Just the acutal flare. The bottom piece that slides in with the running boards are still intact. Everything is still intact with the vehicle.Just the stupid Flare that sits on Piece #5 fell off. I thought that piece #5 had everything intact...including the flare. I dont know if they cut it off or what....

[AutoXer]

Originally Posted by cruzin420

Thanks AutoXer!!!! I appreciate all your responses.... Just so i get it right, there is still extra pieces needed to make the running boards work with a 4.8is???? They need alternate fender flares for a 4.6/4.8is when installing running boards?

Yes, the ones that come with the kit and the ones on the car does not fit with the running boards. There are alternate parts that will. Good luck.

[Eurosport]

looks like they did an ooops of an install