Please help me decide - Running Boards

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by X5Newb

Where are you guys finding OEM RBs for around $500??? The X5 Accessory book I have (which is old my dealer told me when I went in there to get some stuff) shows the RBs are nearly $800

My girlfriend is 5'0" and was already looking to use the stock bits as a step, which I don't think it was really intended to be so I'm thinking this might be a required mod for me.

Also, where would be a good place to get the rivet gun mentioned as being needed for the install? Any advice on brand/model to get?

Contact Craig Hacker of BMW of Bloomfield, NJ ([email protected]). Should be able to get the RBs for $499 + $70 shipping (maybe less). I suggest if you want other items (I got front flares too) to order them the same time - no extra shipping charges. Really, any dealer items you can get for less.

This is the rivet gun you need:
http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...tion=Rivet+Gun

Good Luck!

[TaMbALoLoNg]

Twins, I got the 295's. It's a sweet set up man, i'm stoked. I'm stuck with 2 extra 275's now though, hmmm what to do.

[X5Newb]

Aha! OK, I see now there are two sets of running boards you can get.

81 11 0 021 342 ($660 in my accessory book) Black non-slip that can work with the fender flares (front flares: 82 11 021 340, rear flares: 82 11 021 341)

51 71 0 017 315 ($795 in my accessory book) Brushed Aluminum that will NOT work with the fender flares

I'd like to get the mud flaps and it appears the front flaps aren't compatible with the fender flares (perhaps because they extend out/down enough that you don't need them?). Hmmmm ...

Anyone have the aluminum running boards without flares on (what I guess are called) pre-facelift X5?

The note on realoem is interesting to, says the aluminum RBs aren't compatible with 20" wheels: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...=51&fg=95&hl=1

[NOVAX5]

first of all, find a dealer that could do $500 for a alu. running board kit. why would you want the flares? those are for bigger and staggered wheels in 4.6is, 4.8is models. if you have those models you will need to purchase the fender flares seperately since the fender arches come with the running board dont' work with the flares. almost everyone that has the 3.0i version dont have the fender flares including the facelift, they use the ones come with the kit. except for those that choose to add fender flares for the look. anyway, X5newbie, list your x model and year it is easier for us to be on the same page next time around.

[TwinsPoppa]

X5newb ... you have a pre-facelift 2002, 4.4, right? Stock that model does not come with wheel flares only wheel arches.

So, all you need is to order part #51710017315 (Aluminum Footboard Retrofit Kit). The kit will include aluminum RBs as well as the 4 new wheel arches that you need too. Well, besides the rivet gun if you need that too.

Don't pay any attention to that note about not working for cars with 20" wheels - they will.

[X5Newb]

Cool, thanks all! Sorry about forgetting to put info on what model I have, that sure as hell would help, lol

I have a feeling X5World is going to cause me to spend a lot of money, just like 318ti.org did ... God help me

[TaMbALoLoNg]

Yeah!! but you're gonna luv your X5 even more...Show pics when your project is completed ok.

[sleepless]

OEM ....... the other one is over priced and its really not functional .......

[X5Newb]

$560 shipped to me for the OEM aluminum RBs, pretty good I think I've just spent a bunch of money on the X though, so it'll have to wait.

[Philly X5]

looks like OEM running boards is my next mod...