Splash Guard Removal 2012 E70

[bhuang1103]

Hello,

I am planning to remove the splash guard to check for coolant leaks. I read there are rivets??? Anyway, can someone who has done it advise on the tools required to remove the splash guard and if rivets are required the part number.
Thanks a million in advance. I would rather have everything ready.

[andrewwynn]

I only remembered 8mm head screws maybe a weird extra oddball but the best way to find out is look for a good YouTube video or the part on realoem.com.

[Attacking Mid]

If you're referring to the "splash guards" that line the wheel well, then yes, there are plastic rivets holding them in place. You need to drill out the center of the rivets to remove them, and you need a plastic rivet "gun" to install the new ones. A simple solution is to buy the plastic rivet gun kit from Harbor Freight. It comes with some rivets and one size included works okay on the E70 IIRC ( https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-r...ets-97757.html ). Otherwise, you want part no. 07142151750. I keep them on hand, but in a cheaper, aftermarket brand.

I also have an E53 that uses similar, but different part no. rivets. They are not close enough to substitute, so I also keep those on hand.

AM.

[ard]

Originally Posted by Attacking Mid

If you're referring to the "splash guards" that line the wheel well, then yes, there are plastic rivets holding them in place. You need to drill out the center of the rivets to remove them, and you need a plastic rivet "gun" to install the new ones.
AM.

Agree the rivets are up imn the wheel wheel


I just used a wire cutter (dykes) to snip them. To install, just some hand tools to tension them and trim. (didnt feel like I was gonna do enough plastic rivets to buy the tool)

[andrewwynn]

Most of those rivets are the type that you push the center in to release.

Under belly splash guard what I think is the topic here though. I think it only uses screws.


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[newb2bimmer]

The wheel well splash guard use single use rivets. I don't see how you can possibly reuse them especially if they are old. If you buy the generic 3 size set for $12 and the tool $16 in Harbor Freight it works perfectly.

https://www.harborfreight.com/90-pie...ent-67611.html

[Attacking Mid]

The underbody splash guards on my 2010 E70 are more time-consuming than any other BMW I've owned. Fasteners are a combination of 8mm and Phillips screws plus 10mm nylon nuts. Additionally, there are the round plastic "fasteners" that connect to the side molding. Reinstalling can be a bit of trial/error as you figure out which parts overlap on top of the other. Perhaps they improved that situation on the LCI models?

AM.

[bhuang1103]

Thank you AndrewWynn. I finally got to the job and only one tool was needed. 4 front screws came out and the rest stayed on the splash guard. Must be different for each year E70s. I even had a rivet popper ready.

And LOL, the coolant is leaking from the water pump. I am now wondering if I just need a gasket/O ring or do I need to replace the entire thing, which is way too expensive. Off to the part number research....

Leak rate is app 1 quart per 150mi.....

[andrewwynn]

Which motor? The n55 motor, there are no gaskets. O-ring on the hoses. Dry everything and maybe even add some UV dye to confirm the exact leak source.

If your lucky it's just a leak at a hose o-ring or thermostat.

"Pics or it didn't happen". (upload some with the leak shown)

I took apart one once post mortem and think that was a destructive tear down.

[bhuang1103]

Hi Andrew Wynn,

Thanks for the quick reply. The engine is N55. Water pump number is 11519455978 from RealOEM. I see two halves held together by 3 screws and apparently one leak is from the two halves interface. Small leak from the hose to the water pump.