OEM running boards installed! well. almost

[rp-x5]

Picked up the set from BMW of Bloomfield in North Jersey since they have nice discount from the $750 list price on those than anyone else. The box was huge and would never fit in the trunk. I took out all the parts, laid them inside the X5 trunk and left the box at the dealership. Also picked up a set for E70. all fitted inside the trunk.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2BqIQLS3I/AAAAAAAAC50/ZNkE61MxZUk/DSC03942.JPG

Had a nice weekend day, and the fun began!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2BqoQLS4I/AAAAAAAAC58/20uEStzHIcY/DSC03943.JPG


The stock fender flares and the factory black panels were held in place by plastic rivets. I took them off by pushing the center part in then pried out the rest with a flathead screwdriver.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2BsYQLS7I/AAAAAAAAC6U/NH21Zt0pQRs/DSC03946.JPG

Undo the bolts will get you this:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2BtoQLS9I/AAAAAAAAC6k/-kxnRAmugZU/DSC03948.JPG

Now the aluminum ones are attached with the included golden colored bolts. They need to be adjusted to accommondate the new fender flares, so no tighening yet.



http://lh3.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2BvoQLTAI/AAAAAAAAC68/giGmgzvCEPw/DSC03951.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2Bw4QLTCI/AAAAAAAAC7M/Ur5ljBehWF4/DSC03953.JPG

Fit the new fender flares , make sure everything lines up. no gaps. then tighen the bolts.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2ByYQLTEI/AAAAAAAAC7c/-d9sjk3sUSw/DSC03955.JPG


Attach the black panels to the underside of the new running boards using the supplied expand rivet. Those rivets went on easily by hammering down the center part.
Now install the thin plastic trim piece to hide the bolts, it will clip on at both ends. push in the rest with a little force.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2B2IQLTLI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/RNlWBx7xgJU/DSC03962.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2B3YQLTNI/AAAAAAAAC8o/YG5E5Xw5dFY/DSC03964.JPG


Now its time to secure the new fender flares to the car with the supplied plastic pop rivets. it was when I found out the Home depot rivet gun won't work with the plastic rivet BMW supplied! Lowes, Sears , autozone don't have it either. so make sure you order the gun ahead of time. I ordered one from Napa store, and it will get here tomorrow. Until then. this is what I have now.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2B5IQLTQI/AAAAAAAAC9A/HsWZPyFtHuA/DSC03967.JPG


http://lh3.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2B6oQLTTI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/jRkdV6OTyus/DSC03970.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2B9YQLTXI/AAAAAAAAC94/NccpzSb3i94/DSC03974.JPG




Enjoy!