Installing extended wheel flares

[nwilliams]

I did a search and read numerous threads on the extended wheel flares for the X5 but none really went into detail on the difficulty level of this DIY. I'm thinking of doing it since my dealer offered the package for $400 and said the install would be an additional 2-3 hours of labour which seems long in my opinion? Can anyone comment on the what's involved time wise and difficulty if I do this myself.

Thanks

[wch X5]

It's pretty easy as long as you have the rivet tool. Make sure you get the rivets with the flares.

I just did it this weekend - see this post:

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

[eyeguy]

I did this 2 weeks ago too - took only an extre hour or so alongside installing my new summer 214 wheels with Vredestein tires. Definitely get the rivet tool for about $15. The fronts are a bit of a pain in the A$$ at the ends to avoid breaking a plastic tab on the old outgoing fender, but the car itself was not damaged and the replacements fit and install like a dream. Looks much better -

BTW, how does one get the little ends from the old rivets, which are destroyed, out of the frame? Some of the ends were lost from the main rivet piece and fell internally. They don't make any noise, it's just irritating knowing they are in there....

[nwilliams]

Thanks....I'll pick up a rivet tool and get this done!

[x5mad]

Shouldn't take any longer than 30-60 mins with the rivet tool. Piece of cake with it. I didn't have the tool and ended up having broken ends fall into the body too. Annoying at first but don't even think about it now as it doesn't make any sounds or rattle.

Your dealers qoute for labour is daylight robbery. I think with each oem parts installation manual there is an estimated labour time set by BMW. I'm sure there is a detailed how to been posted a while back with estimated time.

Make sure you buy the correct rivet tool though, I went to every local store that sells rivet tools and no one had the correct one so I ended up letting the dealer do mine as they also did my aero kit for a reasonable price.