Wheel arch extension retrofit

[14thbmw]

Thanks to Paul for posts 3 and 4!

I completed this job today. Total time under two hours, and I did it the "long" way (removed wheels).

Couple of observations:

1. I used the tool Paul posted in #3 and bought it cheap at Harbor Freight. Cheapest option I found, and I figured this would be a one-job tool so didn't buy for longevity.

2. On the front arches, at the front of each, there are two hex-head body screws that attach the trim. I think these are 8mm but I had a 5/16 socket at hand and it worked fine. When replacing, don't overtighten these.

3. The rivets took a lot more force to push the center pin out than I expected. I used a nail set with a claw hammer after the rubber mallet just produced frustration. Once pushed in, the screw trick worked easily to wiggle out the old rivets.

4. The top center rivet on each front wheel was a bugger to get in. I used an awl to open the hole, which seemed to fill in with a tar or body goo of some sort. Once opened, I quickly inserted the rivet and all was good.

5. I have body trim tools and expectetd to need them for removal, but the old arches pulled away pretty easily with some force/jerking.

6. On the rears, note that each of the body clips (white) has a rubber gasket. Some stayed on the car, others came off with the clip. So, the tip is to be sure they are matched going back on.

7. To my questions above, the kit does fit the 2013 X5 5.0i XDrive. I thought it would but couldn't confirm it anywhere, including with a call to the dealer, so I bought it to try it. I had bought another kit from an eBay seller that didn't fit, and he took it back with a full refund and great service. The one I used is a factory kit and cost a bit over $300 plus shipping.

8. Torque on the wheel lugs is 101 lb-ft and I set that then drove a couple of miles and rechecked it.

Anyone need some skinny arches?

Thanks to those who have contributed to this thread - it made the job much easier for me!

[e70msportmia]

Originally Posted by 14thbmw

Thanks to Paul for posts 3 and 4!

I completed this job today. Total time under two hours, and I did it the "long" way (removed wheels).

Couple of observations:

1. I used the tool Paul posted in #3 and bought it cheap at Harbor Freight. Cheapest option I found, and I figured this would be a one-job tool so didn't buy for longevity.

2. On the front arches, at the front of each, there are two hex-head body screws that attach the trim. I think these are 8mm but I had a 5/16 socket at hand and it worked fine. When replacing, don't overtighten these.

3. The rivets took a lot more force to push the center pin out than I expected. I used a nail set with a claw hammer after the rubber mallet just produced frustration. Once pushed in, the screw trick worked easily to wiggle out the old rivets.

4. The top center rivet on each front wheel was a bugger to get in. I used an awl to open the hole, which seemed to fill in with a tar or body goo of some sort. Once opened, I quickly inserted the rivet and all was good.

5. I have body trim tools and expectetd to need them for removal, but the old arches pulled away pretty easily with some force/jerking.

6. On the rears, note that each of the body clips (white) has a rubber gasket. Some stayed on the car, others came off with the clip. So, the tip is to be sure they are matched going back on.

7. To my questions above, the kit does fit the 2013 X5 5.0i XDrive. I thought it would but couldn't confirm it anywhere, including with a call to the dealer, so I bought it to try it. I had bought another kit from an eBay seller that didn't fit, and he took it back with a full refund and great service. The one I used is a factory kit and cost a bit over $300 plus shipping.

8. Torque on the wheel lugs is 101 lb-ft and I set that then drove a couple of miles and rechecked it.

Anyone need some skinny arches?

Thanks to those who have contributed to this thread - it made the job much easier for me!

Thanks for the detailed instructions. Would you happen to know how many rivets I need for this job? I am buying my flares used so I need to purchase a new set of rivets. I know that there are 2 different sizes, just don't know how many I need.

Look forward to this mod.

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by e70msportmia

Thanks for the detailed instructions. Would you happen to know how many rivets I need for this job? I am buying my flares used so I need to purchase a new set of rivets. I know that there are 2 different sizes, just don't know how many I need.

Look forward to this mod.

... uuhh, look at the ones on your car and count?

Rears are different than the front ...

[e70msportmia]

Originally Posted by basora

... uuhh, look at the ones on your car and count?

Rears are different than the front ...

Thanks for the great advice, I thought maybe someone might know off the top of their head... I know the backs are bit longer than the front.

When I figure it out I will throw on here for future reference with part numbers.

[PAX5]

For pictures, see - BMW E70 X5 xDrive48i N62 4.8L Exterior Body Fender Flares - 51770421056 - Wheel Arch Extension Kit - ES#130853