4.8is aluminum running boards

[chris95559]

Hi,I've seen alot of threads on here stating that the wheel arch's must be changed when swapping to the OEM aluminum running boards. I just called a reputable BMW dealer in my area and the guy in parts told me that he's been selling them since they came out, that he checked his books and computer, and asked two guys that have installed many at the dealer and he stated you do not need to change the wheel arch's. He said all you need to do is swap out the running boards themselves. Can any body confirm this? I'm confused as to why people on here say you would need to replace them? I clarified with the guy at BMW that he was talking about a 4.8is and he said "yea I know, you have wider arches and 20" wheels". I'd like to purchase the $700.00 kit from BMW but want to make sure thats all i need as he said.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by chris95559

Hi,I've seen alot of threads on here stating that the wheel arch's must be changed when swapping to the OEM aluminum running boards. I just called a reputable BMW dealer in my area and the guy in parts told me that he's been selling them since they came out, that he checked his books and computer, and asked two guys that have installed many at the dealer and he stated you do not need to change the wheel arch's. He said all you need to do is swap out the running boards themselves. Can any body confirm this? I'm confused as to why people on here say you would need to replace them? I clarified with the guy at BMW that he was talking about a 4.8is and he said "yea I know, you have wider arches and 20" wheels". I'd like to purchase the $700.00 kit from BMW but want to make sure thats all i need as he said.

Well, if you researched it then you should know that whatever they're saying is incorrect - on more than one point.

1) Regardless, whether you have flared arches (4.6/4.8) or not (3.0/4.4), the fact is you need to replace your wheel arches to accommodate RBs.

EDIT: To clarify,that's why the RB kit comes with 4 replacement wheel arches - to accomodate the RBs. If you didn't need them, then why is it in the kit?! LOL!

2) How can you "just switch out RBs" if you don't have any to start with?! They are probably talking about the plastic door sill trim (which is not a RB).

3) They normally tell you the RB kit is not "compatible" with vehicles with flares and 20" wheels. Why? Because the RB kit doesn't come with FLARED wheel arches - like your 4.8 does.

Just go here and follow the last heading on the first post (4.6/4.8 – Aluminum Running Boards WITH Front and Rear Flares). Just disregard anything to do with the front flares.: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...explained.html

All you need to know is in there.

EDIT: Under that same heading look for the note on how to re-use your rear flares. That way you can just buy the RB kit - nothing else.

[chris95559]

thanks for your help! Do the front arches need to be replaced or just the rear? I know you explain how to reuse the rear but I don't have to do anything with the front?

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by chris95559

thanks for your help! Do the front arches need to be replaced or just the rear? I know you explain how to reuse the rear but I don't have to do anything with the front?

Yes, ALL your arches need replacing - even the rears.

When you re-use the rear FLARES you are not re-using your old arches. You remove the FLARES from the old arches and install them on the new arches from the kit.

The RB kit will come with 4 new wheel arches. You need to use all of them.

[chris95559]

ok i will reuse the flares from the rear on the new arches. What am i doing with the front? thanks again.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by chris95559

ok i will reuse the flares from the rear on the new arches. What am i doing with the front? thanks again.

Just replace them with the arches from the kit.