This tool did the trick

https://m.harborfreight.com/hand-riv...ets-97757.html

I had this same question when I was doing my running boards a few years ago. OK, it turns out it was like SEVEN years ago. :yikes: I described what I needed to my mechanic friend and said, I dunno what they call those things, but I am looking for one to finish the job so I can drive.

He said, yeah. We have those. We call 'em pliers. :nanana:

I was like, wait, whut? :confused: Sure enough. After a few tries, you can pull on the plastic pin and snug the rivet down to the indention on the pin by hand. Then all you need to do is snap the pin off. I did this for the front and rear wheel wells and finished the job.

My bracket gasket failed last night after a dribbling for some time now, gonna be attempting to tackle this sometime in the next week or so, X5 is down in the mean time

Thanks for the write up!

Luckily mine was performed by the dealer in 2017 by the PO. But for those who have done it, how hard or easy is it to remove the PS pump on the 4.8is? On NEWTIS it seems very simple and too good to be true lol:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...supply/OMU23nc

Just two bolts/screws holding this thing? I saw a youtube of a PS pump removal on a 4.4i and seemed like a headache due to some inaccessible bolts.

The p/s pump is not the only thing that needs to come off.

Yes I'm aware of that, I'm trying to diagnose a PS noise issue that I'm having and been looking for removal photos/videos/DIYs but the 4.8is pump is different from the regular N62/M62 so I was just asking.

Got it. Then yes its only 2 bolts. 4.8is should be the same as the 4.4 n62. Same engine just diferent interior stuff.

The pump is completely different, servotronic vs non-servotronic but if it just two bolts I guess I'll tackle this myself to replace the pump.

What do you mean. Pliers? Seriously grab the tip, tight against the base of rivet, needle nose pliers, and spin them. The river will snap off when it is maxed out. No need for a special tool.

Trying to be fancy with a special tool!! It’s all good, I figured it out.