DIY fender flares question . . . - Page 2

BCA · #11 03-23-2011, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

I was unable to get the front rivet on each one in with the tires on - riveter would not fit between the tire and flair, but only that one rivet on each side - maybe my rivet tool is slightly bigger, got it from the local auto parts store. It would fit with the old wheels on, so I would suggest putting the flairs on before you put on the larger tires just in case.

It's possible to get them all in if your rivet setter looks like the one that jcmd2003 posted above (with the green handle). You just need to park your X on a slightly angled surface like a driveway so that the suspension compresses on one side. You will then be able to get the gun in on the opposite side (the side where the wheel is lower). Then move the car and do the same thing to get the opposite side. I posted this a while back in one of the older fender flare threads if you want to search for it...

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TorontoKhan · #12 03-23-2011, 08:36 PM

Thank you AEGGROUP, I too would like to have professionals install them. I would pay $100/120 with my eyes closed to get them installed, but the problem in Canada is, everything is x3 here. e.g. I was quoted $1000 for flares, and was also told I wouldn't be able to install them without the running boards, so another $600 for the running boards, by a BMW dealer. Even tho I know for sure we don't need running boards to install these flares.

aeggroup · #13 03-23-2011, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TorontoKhan

Thank you AEGGROUP, I too would like to have professionals install them. I would pay $100/120 with my eyes closed to get them installed, but the problem in Canada is, everything is x3 here. e.g. I was quoted $1000 for flares, and was also told I wouldn't be able to install them without the running boards, so another $600 for the running boards, by a BMW dealer. Even tho I know for sure we don't need running boards to install these flares.

You don't need a dealer to install flares. It's easy job for professionals and any trusted body shop can do it. Running boards...I don't know about running boards, but when I look at my other pic - I don't think you need it to have flares. The best way is to go to the nearest dealership and find out.

TorontoKhan · #14 03-23-2011, 10:44 PM

Yup, been to a dealership, same that told me I would need running boards in order to install the flares and pointed out the brand new 2011 X5 to SA that it didn't have them and he had no answer other than that the ones I am getting maybe replicas lol.

Well I am hunting in Toronto to see if someone know how to do them other than the dealers, hopefully I will find someone than putting my inexperienced hands on it.

BTW that's a very nice ride you got there. What tires are these if I may ask? and how's the comfort/handling level on these?

X54TH · #15 03-23-2011, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TorontoKhan

Yup, been to a dealership, same that told me I would need running boards in order to install the flares and pointed out the brand new 2011 X5 to SA that it didn't have them and he had no answer other than that the ones I am getting maybe replicas lol.

Well I am hunting in Toronto to see if someone know how to do them other than the dealers, hopefully I will find someone than putting my inexperienced hands on it.

BTW that's a very nice ride you got there. What tires are these if I may ask? and how's the comfort/handling level on these?

I live in Toronto as well. I have a great mechanic that I use for my BMW's. I just had a rear fender flare replaced and he did it in 15 mins. My guy was a mechanic at Budds for 13 years and at Mississauga for 2 years. He's awesome...extremely affordable as well as knowledgable. PM me and I can give you he's details. Did you find any extended wheel flares in Toronto? I'm getting some 19" M rims staggered and I'm not sure if I can get away with the basic ones I have, so I maybe in the hunt for some as well.

blue dragon · #16 03-23-2011, 11:54 PM

If you want someone to install the flares in Toronto, go see Rocco at RMP motors. I'm in Pickering (just outside Toronto), and I did mine myself. I still have the tool if you want to borrow it. PM me if you do.

X54TH · #17 03-24-2011, 12:00 AM

Where did you get your extended flares?

Abyss · #18 03-24-2011, 04:37 AM

I just did mine last week without removing the wheels. I used a trolley to jack each corner up to get a bit more clearance. The rivet for front arches are longer the rear arches. I could not punch the old one out. The trick is to use cordless drill with the smallest drill bit to drill the center out. I drilled it for like 10mm then the old rivet can just easily pull out. Don't worry it will not damage the car as long as you only drill the center of the rivet.

Once I figured out drilling is the trick it takes no time to install it. To me it is just as changing wiper blade.

blue dragon · #19 03-24-2011, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X54TH

Where did you get your extended flares?

I bought them from Pacific BMW. I'm in the US often, so I just had them shipped to my mailbox there.

aeggroup · #20 03-24-2011, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TorontoKhan

BTW that's a very nice ride you got there. What tires are these if I may ask? and how's the comfort/handling level on these?

Thanks for the compliment. Tires are Lexani LS4000..non Run Flat. It's much smoother than Run flats. Unfortunately, my car has 3rd row seats, so the only bad point is I don't have a room for spare tire and have to carry an air pump in case I'll get flat tire.

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