running board question
 

have a friend selling his x and before he does i'd like to take his rb's... he has a 2002 4.4 and i have a 2005 3.0 - any issues with that?

Yeah, make sure you get everything from him and give him all yours - front & rear wheel arches, door sills, supports underneath, attaching bolts, etc.

The wheel arches are dependent on the RBs so you just can't take his RBs and he can't just take your door sills -they go together.

Tips:
Be careful removing the 4 larger plastic expanding rivets underneath at each end of the door sills as you'll want to reuse them. FYI ... the expanding rivets that come with a new RB kit is too small. Of course, you're not buying a kit but thought its good info. to know.

You'll need to buy enough new plastic blind rivets (mostly for the wheel arches) to install for both his and your vehicles. Part #51717002953 and about 50 cts each at the dealer. (6 per wheel x 4) 24 x 2 cars = 48. (8 per door sill x 2) 16 x 2 cars = 32. 80 blind rivets total and buy a few extras in case of breakage.

I'd buy the plastic rivet gun from NAPA that makes it a lot easier:
NAPAONLINE®

When you remove the RBs be careful not to lose the small plastic inserts that help hold the wheel arches to the RB cover. You'll want to re-use them.

Be careful removing the plastic cover that hides the bolts on the RBs. If you damage it enough it won't stay clipped on again.

Here are installation instructions:
http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/BM...structions.pdf

Link to DIY:
http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/b...tallation.html

Good luck and search some threads to see what others have experienced. :thumbup:

Great write-up by TwinsPoppa. I just did the running board conversion on my 06 and the job is pretty straight forward. However you will need at least 4 more rivets than 24 for the aluminum running boards. So buy plenty. If you have a Northern Tool outlet they have a rivet gun that works for only 6.99. You have to drill out (just slightly) the largest screw in fitting to accept the BMW plastic rivets. Go for it and then add the aluminum pedals.

Thanks! :thumbup:

Yes, he'll need more than 24 blind rivets per car. Let me list it a bit clearer:

4 wheels @ 6 rivets each = 24 rivets
2 door sill covers/RB covers @ 8 rivets each = 16 rivets
Total blind rivets for just one car = 40 rivets

Can you clarify the location of the screw-in fitting that needs drilling out? I don't remember any screw in fittings but its been a while since I did the install on mine. ;)

The screw in fitting is not on the car but on the Northern Tool rivet gun. It is the hole that the plastic rivet slides into. As purchased the largest fitting is too small and needs to be drilled out just a little.

DOH!! :stickpoke :D

:rofl:

Hey TwinsPoppa,

Do you still have the link to install both the rb kit and leman flare kit?

Here is my DIY. How do I get Xoutpost to put this in the DIY section?

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...etter-diy.html

Thanks SlickGT1!!!

Ps: do you have spacers in the rear?