Official Bmw running board installation guide

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

You can do that if you have time. But 4.8is does not come with flared arches on fronts. You have to buy them.

I don't like the look of the front arches. The rears are the only ones needed for the running board install, so they are the only ones I would refer to in a DIY. Front arches would be a whole different DIY, IMO.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by powers1

Why do you edit all your posts?

Hows the ARBs installation coming along?

I dunno- I figure if I find more information about something I've already answered, there's no reason to add confusion to future readers. I also don't particularly care about my post count, so if I can get the information across in as few entries as possible, it will convey the correct message as quickly as possible.

And no. I have made ZERO progress since Sunday on the RB's! Work has kept me bz! Also, I have had my trusty ole 3.0 to zip around in, so I haven't exactly had the motivation. I have other excuses like rain, but I will keep those to myself!

I'll get 'em, I'll get 'em!

[TwinsPoppa]

Propellerhead and others,

Did you see this thread below?

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...explained.html

It explains about what parts you need, based on what you want to end up with. The normal RB kits don't come with wheel FLARES (as has been said prior). They are the normal flat plastic trim and are called wheel ARCHES.

If you want to install the flares for the rear, front or both you need to buy the proper flared parts that are for use with RBs.

As you found out (and many before me have done it too), you can reuse the rear flares if you want to save some money.

As long as you're dealing with OEM parts, it should be a piece of cake.

Also, here is another thread with more info. you might find useful.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-question.html

If you need further help, let me know.

Good luck!

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

As you found out (and many before me have done it too), you can reuse the rear flares if you want to save some money.

As long as you're dealing with OEM parts, it should be a piece of cake.

If you need further help, let me know.

Thanks! I found your thread on how to make the flares fit a little later than I might have liked, but it was nice to see I wasn't blazing any new trails. It WAS a piece of cake. I didn't take the time to make a template and cut the holes to precise sizes like you did. I really appreciate your help!

Once I saw one of the little dremelled out holes with a bit of a 'miss mark,' I was resolved that all I needed to do was get it 'close.' In fact, I found that the little clips provide enough pressure that you could actually adjust the flare if necessary. Removing the factory flare from the other side confirmed that this was far from an exact science at the factory. The whole flare retrofit process took less than 10 mins per side. And that with an ailing Dremel that wanted to be held in just the right way.

In fact, I finished the install today and took a pic or two of the little holes from the factory. Let's seeee....



See the miss mark below? Like they manually cut it and started a bit soon!



I have since uploaded some pictures from the assembly portion of this retrofit. The factory flare, removed from the wheel arch:



A close up of a peg. (You can see where the clip notches on):



The factory flare clipped on to the new wheel arch (You can see where the hole can be larger than the clip. As long as the clip has something to clip TO and put pressure against, it's all good):



I have pics from the running board install, I will get those sized and posted, soon. For now, see the finished product and the results of nearly 20 hours of work in my OCD thread!

[powers1]

Nice close up pics,should help a lot people who never seen the clip system in the flares.

[Bmwe5320023.0]

I made the mistake of not removing the plastic trim, thinking all I needed was the running boards.
Will have to go back and get those trim pieces.
I removed the running boards from 4.4 for my 3.0