Aluminium Running Board Install in DC Area?
 

Has anyone in the DC area done the aluminium running board install themselves and would be will to assist me with an install?

Picked them up today from Passport BWM in Marlow Heights. Usually they are a rip-off when buying part and accessories, but after a few choice words with Dirk the parts manager, he agreed to offering the lowest prices he could afford to take (yeah right). Anyway, I got the board kit for $650. Which I didn't think was bad considering they were in stock, so I didn't have to wait 3 or 4 days to get them or pay additional shipping and handling.

Anyway, anyone willing to help?

If you decide to have someone else install it, Gary at Einstein's Motors in College Park did mine. I think he charged me for 2 labor hours.

I know you need a plastic rivet gun for that install...do you have one?

Do you recall what the total cost for installation was? 2 hours labor charge seems about right, but at what hourly rate?

Would probably be easier and less of a headache to have someone else do it anyway.

No, I don't have a rivet gun yet. I was reading in the thread that you can get them at a Napa Parts store. I will look for one this weekend.

I have done it and with right tools it should not take you more than hour and half.

Don't remember what the total cost of installation was, but I think the hr rate at the time was $65. However that was 2+ years ago, and not sure if he's raised the price since. You'll probably have to call him or any other BMW independent mechanic.

i did mine in about 4hrs but thats because it was december 31st it was cold and started to rain so i had to run around like a chicken without its head but on regular sunny warm day 2hrs with all right tools and i'd say an extra pair of hands wouldnt hurt

The install looks very simple. Read over the installation in the Articles section. Toughest part will be drilling out the old plastic rivets. Give it a try!! Go buy the plastic rivet gun.

If you run into any problems throw a post on here and like the ole Bat Signal your questions will be answered!! I did my steering wheel in about 45 minutes no problem by going by the instruction in the Articles section.

it is infact very easy and right to the point... as for drilling out the rivets i wouldnt worry about the drilling, just get a centrepunch or a thin screwdriver and with a hammer boom boom they are out. one thing you want to note however is that on each side and the very end front and rear there is 1 rivet for a total of 4 which are pull out not push in rivets and those you will need because the kit does not come with those at least mine didnt and i had to get them from the $tealer

Hey guys, I got the kit and I've printed the directions. I'll be getting the rivet gun next week as I'll be out of town this weekend. I don't have any doubt that I'll be able to get this done w/o the dealer or professional installer. But the real purpose of my post was to sollicit the actual physical help from someone locally who'd done the install before.

Thanks for everyone's input. Did the install Sunday afternoon. Took all of an hour to do both side. Small/narrow phillips head screwdriver and the center pins of the old rivets just push out. 4 big rivets on each end of old running board pulled out and reused.

Will post before and after pictures once all the mods on my current list are complete.

Thanks again