OEM running boards installed! well. almost
 

Picked up the set from BMW of Bloomfield in North Jersey since they have nice discount from the $750 list price on those than anyone else. The box was huge and would never fit in the trunk. I took out all the parts, laid them inside the X5 trunk and left the box at the dealership. Also picked up a set for E70. all fitted inside the trunk.
http://picasaweb.google.com/riegersh...48497607936866http://lh5.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2B...k/DSC03942.JPGhttp://lh5.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2B...k/DSC03942.JPGhttp://lh5.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2BqIQLS3I/AAAAAAAAC50/ZNkE61MxZUk/DSC03942.JPG

Had a nice weekend day, and the fun began!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2BqoQLS4I/AAAAAAAAC58/20uEStzHIcY/DSC03943.JPG


The stock fender flares and the factory black panels were held in place by plastic rivets. I took them off by pushing the center part in then pried out the rest with a flathead screwdriver.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2BsYQLS7I/AAAAAAAAC6U/NH21Zt0pQRs/DSC03946.JPG

Undo the bolts will get you this:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2BtoQLS9I/AAAAAAAAC6k/-kxnRAmugZU/DSC03948.JPG

Now the aluminum ones are attached with the included golden colored bolts. They need to be adjusted to accommondate the new fender flares, so no tighening yet.



http://lh3.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2BvoQLTAI/AAAAAAAAC68/giGmgzvCEPw/DSC03951.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2Bw4QLTCI/AAAAAAAAC7M/Ur5ljBehWF4/DSC03953.JPG

Fit the new fender flares , make sure everything lines up. no gaps. then tighen the bolts.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2ByYQLTEI/AAAAAAAAC7c/-d9sjk3sUSw/DSC03955.JPG


Attach the black panels to the underside of the new running boards using the supplied expand rivet. Those rivets went on easily by hammering down the center part.
Now install the thin plastic trim piece to hide the bolts, it will clip on at both ends. push in the rest with a little force.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2B2IQLTLI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/RNlWBx7xgJU/DSC03962.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2B3YQLTNI/AAAAAAAAC8o/YG5E5Xw5dFY/DSC03964.JPG


Now its time to secure the new fender flares to the car with the supplied plastic pop rivets. it was when I found out the Home depot rivet gun won't work with the plastic rivet BMW supplied! Lowes, Sears , autozone don't have it either. so make sure you order the gun ahead of time. I ordered one from Napa store, and it will get here tomorrow. Until then. this is what I have now.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2B5IQLTQI/AAAAAAAAC9A/HsWZPyFtHuA/DSC03967.JPG


http://lh3.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2B6oQLTTI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/jRkdV6OTyus/DSC03970.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/riegershop/SA2B9YQLTXI/AAAAAAAAC94/NccpzSb3i94/DSC03974.JPG




Enjoy!

Not sure why the pictures are not showing up. just click on the link then.

sounds like a difficult job when you are not a handy man

Very nice OEM running boards. Next step is to slap on some front and rear spoilers and you are ready to go.....

rp-x5,

You make it sound easy! I know it's not and know that I could not attempt it myself.

Good work. :thumbup:

:iagree: - accept for the front and rear spoiler.. I think a black X5 looks better with a silver skid plate in the front if you are going to add something. jus MO. I don't see the point of adding black 4.6 kit to a black X5 when the trim is black too. I think the X looks great with the running boards.I don't think there's anything else to do for exterior unless you are putting chrome exhaust tips or new wheels.. other than that.. GREAT LOOKIN X!

I just modified my standard rivet gun by drilling out the biggest rivet nipple (yup, thats what they are called) by about 1/64" and the plastic rivets fit just fine. The largest size stock rivets also work just fine after this mod as its really on a 1/64".

I have the brushed aluminium ones It took me around 45 mins per side and the most fiddly part is getting the aluminium part to line up perfectly and snap into the fender flares.

David

so how much did you pay from Bloomfield ??

thanks guys. The installation is really simple. I think everyone can do it. It took me about 3hrs from start to finish including chilling with neighbors when they saw me working. lol.

I will probably do the front skid plate plus the 4.6 rear. thinking of a wild idea of wrapping them in carbon fiber. Some 20" BBS wheels are coming in this weekend :)

Thats a good idea! I ordered the plastic rivet gun at NAPA for $26!

Excellent pics and notes.
You've just convinced me to do my own install - not that it sounded easy, just doable with some instruction.

Your pictures complement the pics in
http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/b...tallation.html
Wonder if there is some way to add them there as well - moderators?

OK - That's a great idea. If you do it.. post pics. (i think that's a given at this point).

$530, ordered through ebay. its the lowest I've seen so far.

I am sure you can do it. with some simple tools and a few hours of your time. you are saving yourself $300+ from the $Stealer. (thats what my local dealer quoted me for installation). I used that saving towards a car-pc project. lol

You said that you'd picked up an E70 version too? Will you be able to post pics and some instructions when you do that one as well?

Yes. I picked up a set for E70 at the same time. will do the installation and post up pics in a few days.

Very nice!! running boards are my favorite mod so far :thumbup:

just got the rivet gun from NAPA. and this thing works very well. Got all fender flares done in less than 10 mins. in case anyone needs to buy one. its the $25.99 one with the green handle for plastic rivets. www.napaonline.com

thanks! Your car is always an inspiration for me. :thumbup:

I think the 4.4 looks aweome with these running boards.......I've been throwing this around myself.......

Suspersprint with Xpipe - on order.
Suspension.......springs and shocks - next mod!

ok ok ...then Running Boards.... It may not be til August but I am definitely leaning this way! They look fagriggin awesome!

RR

Very Nice! I can't wait to get my running boards now!