Running Boards & Flares Explained
 

First, this is not the end-all/be-all for running boards and flares, etc. For example, I didn't list parts for 4.6/4.8 spoilers/diffusers - there's already an article on this.

I did this to help answer most of the common questions. Another thing, I took some liberties on some things like the amounts of blind rivets you may need. If it is part of a kit, I listed what BMW says comes with the kit. Also, I renamed some items so that its easier to identify what is what.

Later, I will add pics and diagrams so you can see what they look like installed.

I may add more later when I have time - like the black RB and other related items.

Please let me know if I missed something or listed some incorrectly. I'm not perfect! :D

Lastly, I wanna say it was a BITCH to format this post! LOL!

How to use this guide:
Just look for the heading with your model and what you want to end up. It will explain what you need to achieve that package. Pay attention to the NOTES for each configuration.


3.0/4.4 – Aluminum Running Boards ONLY.

NOTE: 51710017315 = Brushed Aluminum Running Board Retrofit Kit (contents below).

Running Board Retrofit Kit Instructions


Part Number ------ Description -------------- QTY
07 11 9 915 093 -- HEX BOLT WITH WASHER ----- 18
51 11 1 944 537 -- EXPANDING RIVET ---------- 20
51 71 7 002 953 -- BLIND RIVET -------------- 26
51 71 8 267 301 -- CLIP --------------------- 4
51 71 8 402 333 -- WHEEL ARCH, FRONT LEFT --- 1
51 71 8 402 334 -- WHEEL ARCH, FRONT RIGHT -- 1
51 71 8 402 335 -- DOOR SILL COVER, LEFT ---- 1
51 71 8 402 336 -- DOOR SILL COVER, RIGHT --- 1
51 71 8 402 337 -- WHEEL ARCH, REAR LEFT ---- 1
51 71 8 402 338 -- WHEEL ARCH, REAR RIGHT --- 1
51 71 8 403 077 -- FOOTBOARD, LEFT ---------- 1
51 71 8 403 078 -- FOOTBOARD, RIGHT --------- 1
51 71 8 408 677 -- FOOTBOARD COVER, LEFT ---- 1
51 71 8 408 678 -- FOOTBOARD COVER, RIGHT --- 1


3.0/4.4 – Front Flares and 4.8 Style Rear Flares (NO Running Boards).

NOTE: No Retrofit Kit available. You must buy all the pieces separately.

Part Number ------ Description ------------------------- QTY
51 11 1 944 537 -- EXPANDING RIVET --------------------- 6
51 11 7 073 517 -- MOUNTING PARTS SET (REAR SUPPORTS) -- 1
51 12 7 046 919 -- REAR SUPPORT BUMPER TRIM, LEFT ------ 1
51 12 7 046 920 -- REAR SUPPORT BUMPER TRIM, RIGHT ----- 1
51 71 7 002 953 -- BLIND RIVET ------------------------- 30
51 71 7 049 867 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT LEFT ------- 1
51 71 7 049 868 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT RIGHT ------ 1
51 71 7 049 869 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR LEFT -------- 1
51 71 7 049 870 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR RIGHT ------- 1


3.0/4.4 – Aluminum Running Boards WITH Front Flares and 4.8 Style Rear Flares.

NOTE 1: Must buy RB Retrofit Kit (51710017315). Also, get the additional parts below which will REPLACE the wheel arches in the RB Retrofit Kit with FLARES.
NOTE 2: If you already have RBs, then you ONLY need the the parts listed below and 26 Blind rivets (51717002953).
NOTE 3: The Front and Rear Flares are DIFFERENT for vehicles with or without RBs.

Part Number ------ Description ------------------------- QTY
51 11 7 073 517 -- MOUNTING PARTS SET (REAR SUPPORTS) -- 1
51 12 7 046 919 -- REAR SUPPORT BUMPER TRIM, LEFT------- 1
51 12 7 046 920 -- REAR SUPPORT BUMPER TRIM, RIGHT------ 1
51 71 7 051 035 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR LEFT -------- 1
51 71 7 051 036 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR RIGHT ------- 1
51 71 7 051 037 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT LEFT ------- 1
51 71 7 051 038 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT RIGHT ------ 1


3.0/4.4 – LeMans Special Edition Style Front and Rear Flares Retrofit Kit (NO Running Boards).

NOTE: 51710398335 = LeMans Special Edition Front and Rear Flares Retrofit Kit (contents below).

Install Instructions for LeMans SE Retrofit Kit (Thanks PeteM)

Part Number ------ Description ------------------------- QTY
01 29 0 402 662 -- TEMPLATE FOR REAR SUPPORTS ---------- 1
51 11 1 944 537 -- EXPANDING RIVET --------------------- 6
51 11 7 073 517 -- MOUNTING PARTS SET (REAR SUPPORTS) -- 1
51 12 7 148 517 -- REAR SUPPORT BUMPER TRIM, LEFT ------ 1
51 12 7 148 518 -- REAR SUPPORT BUMPER TRIM, RIGHT ----- 1
51 71 7 002 953 -- BLIND RIVET ------------------------- 30
51 71 7 049 867 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT LEFT ------- 1
51 71 7 049 868 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT RIGHT ------ 1
51 71 7 049 869 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR LEFT -------- 1
51 71 7 049 870 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR RIGHT ------- 1
51 71 8 219 511 -- BLIND RIVET ------------------------- 2


3.0/4.4 – Aluminum Running Boards WITH LeMans Special Edition Style Front and Rear Flares Retrofit Kit.

NOTE 1: Must buy the RB Retrofit Kit (51710017315) and LeMans Special Edition Front and Rear Flares Retrofit Kit (51710398336 - contents listed below).
NOTE 2: If you already have RBs, then you ONLY need the LeMans Special Edition Front and Rear Flares Retrofit Kit (51710398336).
NOTE 3: The LeMans Special Edition Front and Rear Flares Retrofit Kits are DIFFERENT for vehicles with or without RBs.

Part Number ------ Description ------------------------- QTY
01 29 0 402 662 -- TEMPLATE FOR REAR SUPPORTS ---------- 1
51 11 1 944 537 -- EXPANDING RIVET --------------------- 6
51 11 7 073 517 -- MOUNTING PARTS SET (REAR SUPPORTS) -- 1
51 12 7 148 517 -- REAR SUPPORT BUMPER TRIM, LEFT ------ 1
51 12 7 148 518 -- REAR SUPPORT BUMPER TRIM, RIGHT ----- 1
51 71 7 002 953 -- BLIND RIVET ------------------------- 30
51 71 7 051 035 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR LEFT -------- 1
51 71 7 051 036 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR RIGHT ------- 1
51 71 7 051 037 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT LEFT ------- 1
51 71 7 051 038 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT RIGHT ------ 1
51 71 8 219 511 -- BLIND RIVET ------------------------- 2

3.0d LeMans Blue Special Edition came with aluminum running boards and front/rear flares standard. These flares are the same as the retrofit kit sold when buying optional 20" wheels. The rear flares are different from the 4.6/4.8 rear flares.
http://thumbnails15.imagebam.com/286...2628593519.gifhttp://thumbnails2.imagebam.com/2860/bf397e28591685.gifhttp://thumbnails16.imagebam.com/286...8528593520.gifhttp://thumbnails2.imagebam.com/2860/baf0c428591687.gifhttp://thumbnails11.imagebam.com/286...b428591686.gif

4.6/4.8 – Front Flares ONLY (NO Running Boards).

Part Number ------ Description ------------------------- QTY
51 71 7 002 953 -- BLIND RIVET ------------------------- 14
51 71 7 049 867 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT LEFT ------- 1
51 71 7 049 868 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT RIGHT ------ 1


4.6/4.8 – Aluminum Running Boards WITH Front and Rear Flares.

NOTE 1: Must buy the RB Retrofit Kit (51710017315) and the additional parts below which will REPLACE all your wheel arches.
NOTE 2: The Front and Rear Flares are DIFFERENT for vehicles with or without RBs.
NOTE 3: If you already have RBs, then you ONLY need the Front Flares below and 14 Blind Rivets (51717002953).
NOTE 4: If you only want to add RBs, and no front flares, then just buy the rear flares below (If you don't want to re-use your old ones - NOTE 5).
NOTE 5: You can choose to save money by re-using your REAR 4.6/4.8 Flares. See this thread: How to re-use rear flares


Part Number ------ Description --------------------- QTY
51 71 7 051 035 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR LEFT ---- 1
51 71 7 051 036 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR RIGHT --- 1
51 71 7 051 037 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT LEFT --- 1
51 71 7 051 038 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT RIGHT -- 1

Thanks jose for tutoring me on this stuffs. LOL

You're welcome! :D

This was a pain to cross-reference and double-check on realoem.com and the BMW ETK.

Hopefully, this will cut down on having to answer the same questions all the time about running boards and flares. :rofl:

:lmao:

Beautiful work! Attach pictures and post that sucker on the home page, pulleeeze.!

Wow, thanks Twins. That was a lot of work to put together, I'm sure all the members appreciate it, I certainly do.

I have intentions eventually of installing flares to my X, therefore I will be following item 3 being: 3.0/4.4 – Aluminum Running Boards WITH Front Flares and 4.8 Style Rear Flares.

I have one little question please. Will the fact that I have rear mud flaps installed already require deleting them or can they be left on post installation of flares ??

You're welcome!

I'm not positive but its a good bet you can't keep your mud flaps. The rear support bumper trims (lower parts of the rear flares) need to be installed where the mud flaps are attached.

Thanks, I thought that might have been the case. When all said and done the flares win hands down as far as improving the overall look of the X. Plus I'm not into off roading whereby I'd need the flaps for mud n stuff.

some body out there have the mud flaps that dont need it?
i properly can cut/chop and try to fit it with the 4.6/4.8is rear bumper supports

Now you got me thinking. Why not have both ?? In answer to your query mrbmw I'd have to say no for the moment. I'm interested in seeing the outcome if you have a go. I might try a bit of photochop first, see what it looks like.

Hey Twinspoppa - do you want to include the BMW installation instructions for the flares? Let me know.

Sure and thanx ahead of time! Any contributions are welcome! :thanks:

All contributors will be properly acknowledged and hopefully this will be accepted as an article for the homepage once its submitted. :thumbup:

I'm looking for pic contributors. Obviously, I can use some of my pics but it would be nice to have different ones. Also, I don't have every model X ya know! :stickpoke :rofl:

You want me to post them in this thread or send them to you direct?
Also as pdf's or jpegs?

If it's not a problem, could you send both versions to me directly. It'll save me some time. ;)

Wonderful explanation!!!! Thanks for taking the time to do this for everyone's benefit......

Unfortunately..... I am now getting the urge to spend money on these mods!!! #@!#?^%$!!!

No problem. We all know how many times we get asked these questions ... not that this is gonna stop it but it'll help a little.

Well, it's not my fault ... you've known about them for quite some time now! :D :rofl:

so do I need flares to get running boards? :D j/k

Why I oughta ... :gunner: :smackass: :police: :D :rofl:

Hey Twinspoppa, do you have any pictures showing the differences between the regular front / rear flares and the LeMans special edition front / rear flares?

I thought I posted pics of the Lemans version? Is it not showing up now? The only difference is the lower part of the rear flare - AKA bumper support trim. Another is that comes as a kit. I don't know of any retrofit flare kit for the 4.6/4.8 type. The Lemans retrofit kit is also supposed to be for those people who buy the optional 20" wheel sets from BMW.

As a matter fact, I recently got a hold of the actual install instructions for that kit. I'll be posting a link soon. For you though, I'll email it to ya! :stickpoke :rofl:

EDIT: Look here. This guy just posted and happens to have the Lemans Kit:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...els-clean.html

Hey Twinspoppa, man am I confused! The link shows a guy's X5 with rear flares and no 'is diffuser (since he's got a 4.4), but as far as I can tell the flares look EXACTLY the same as the ones you have. Do you have the Le Mans version?

Twinspoppa,

Nice detailed explanation...Just one question, which ones would fit an 02 E53 X5 3.0d euro ?

Boy you ARE confused today! :rofl:

The LeMans kit is ONLY flares no rear diffuser like the 4.6/4.8, no front bumper/valance panel/spoiler either.

Look carefully at my pics and that link - at the lower part of the REAR flares. See how it wraps UNDER the wheelwell? The 4.6/4.8 does not do that it just goes straight down. If you put it on w/o the rear diffuser from the 4.6/4.8 it wouldn't look quite right. Thats the only piece thats different from any other 4.6/4.8 lower bumper support trim.

That retrofit kit is really for people who are NOT gonna put the rear diffuser from the 4.6/4.8 but want flares and still not look like its missing something.

Still confused? Tell me no, please? :D :rofl:

All the 3.0/4.4 options would fit, year does not matter. As a matter of fact there's no difference, as far as fitment, between ANY X model. Its just that I broke it down based on your model (meaning base model you're starting with) then what you want to end up with. That option will tell you what you need taking into consideration what you have already installed.

So, if you have a 3.0d look at the 3.0/4.4 options and pick what you want to end up with.

For example:
If you want to end up with the LeMans type flares AND RBs then go to the section "3.0/4.4 – Aluminum Running Boards WITH LeMans Special Edition Style Front and Rear Flares."


Now lets say you ALREADY have RBs now, you STILL go to this section because thats what you want to end up with. Thats why I have notes under each section for each possible variation. For example, for that section you would pay special attention to NOTE #2 (see below):


NOTE 1: Must buy the RB Retrofit Kit (51710017315) and LeMans Special Edition Front and Rear Flares Retrofit Kit (51710398336 - contents listed below).

NOTE 2: If you already have RBs, then you ONLY need the LeMans Special Edition Front and Rear Flares Retrofit Kit (51710398336).

NOTE 3: The LeMans Special Edition Front and Rear Flares Retrofit Kits are DIFFERENT for vehicles with or without RBs.


NOTE #1 would be for people that don't have anything installed currently. So, they need to get all the stuff.

NOTE #3 is just a warning that part#s, for each part or kit, are based on if you have RBs or not. So, if you don't want to end up with RBs - you're in the wrong section, obviously!

So, does that clear it up a little more? Please don't be afraid to ask.

Pretty clear. Let me tell you what is confusing as written..

1. Are you are saying that the only difference with the LeMans kit is that the rear flares wrap underneath a non-diffuser bumper? B/C the write up seems to imply that the LeMans kit has a different FRONT as well as rear flare when you say "LeMans Special Edition Style Front and Rear Flares"

2. Is it correct to say that if you have an 'is model (obviously with rear diffuser) you CANNOT use the LeMans kit?

3. There seem to be 2 options for people with 3.0/4.4 models that do not have the rear diffuser of the 'is models. Those options are the 4.8 style flares OR the LeMans flares. What you should point out is that if you do not have the diffuser, the 4.8 style flares will look stupid (I am correct) and you should install the LeMans flares unless you plan on eventually installing the diffuser which in that case you need to install the 4.8 style flares because the LeMans flares will be incompatible (assuming #2 above is correct as written). Are these true statements?

Thank you for your comments. See above. :D

Great write-up, Thanks!

Thanks for the clarifications. I agree with your point # 2, better not without knowing for certain.

Can you also post the link to the 4.6/4.8 spoilers/diffusers in your 1st post.

I may be able to contribute some pics of the rear diffuser, mounting parts set, and the install instructions and template for the arches and rear support trim (no-RBs). I bought these parts last year, but haven't installed them yet...still missing some rivets and haven't bought the Rivet guns (the rear mounting parts seem to need a metal rivet gun). Perhaps you could include those two items (plastic & metal rivet guns) to the list.

Sounds good! Especially any original BMW documentation (PDF, scanned, etc.) that someone has from past installs would be great!

Pics pics pics .. yeah definitely. I have no idea whats in those mounting parts kit (maybe they're not worth it?) so that would be nice. Template would be good in case someone just gets the parts and it doesn't come with it. I'll load it up and post links for all this stuff eventually.

Rivet gun ... Thats a good idea .. don't know why I didn't think about it already. BTW ... clarify something. Does the instructions call for metal rivets or you're just saying it needs a rivet gun - not actually a METAL rivet gun.

I was actually trying to stay away from the whole 4.6/4.8 conversion/kit as keeping the RB & flare combinations straight is work enough. :rofl:

Too many projects at the same time .... ayayai.

Thanks again for contributing to X5world!

In the small bag of goodies (mounting set) for the fender flare and bumper support trim (lower flares), there are some metal rivets included that will most likely require a metal rivet gun to install. The parts are needed to properly install the lower flares to the bumper cover (only after holes/slots are cut and drilled out of the plastic using templates)

I'll compile a bunch of pics/pdfs and send a PM to you so that you can recompile on this post. Thanks.

Hmm, that's a shame as that means if you already have the plastic rivet gun you need to get a metal rivet gun, right?

I wonder if you can use plastic rivets instead of the metal ones. Then you'd have to see if the plastic rivets are the correct size as the metal ones ... hmmm. :dunno:

Hi there my x does have rb's and i hace the chance of getting decond hand arch extensions but they are off an x that didnt have rb's. Would it be possible to fit these to my car.

Paddy you're killin me! The answer is no. However, I have heard (rumor) that people have tried to modify them to fit. I imagine it would NOT look too good. I would pass on it. Get the proper flares that's made for your RBs.

Good Luck!:thumbup:

The guy that has them said i can have them for free. But them again im hopefully buying his alpina rims off him. Ill take them and see what they are like.

Okay, didn't think this through but somehow that FREE got me thinking!

1) Front Flares: Somehow separate the front flare/extension off those and re-attach to your existing wheel arches - no problems with RBs since they're your wheel arches.

2) Rear Flares: Again, re-use the rear flare/extension off those and re-attach to your existing wheel arches. See this link: How to re-use rear flares

The lower bumper trim supports should go on w/o any modifications.

Wow .. see they might just workout afterall! :D

If you do use them please update us and post pics. Everyone is learning here everyday!

Good luck! :thumbup:

Cheers ill give it a go if i get them.

UK people - please help with "Lemans" style flares
 

Okay, was in another thread and availability of the Lemans style flare retrofit kit came up. The original thread is here:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...heels-off.html


Here are some related posts from that thread:

Elmo ... a few clarifications:

The name "LeMans flares" and "LeMans Special Edition Front and Rear Flares Retrofit Kit" are not officially from BMW. I just used that as I wasn't sure what to call it to differentiate it from 4.6/4.8 flares.

BMW officially calls it "Flared Wheel Arch Retrofit Kit". That is just the flares. Below is a link that describes the LeMans Blue SE X5 and also packages like Sport Plus, Premium and Climate. As far as I know, the SE X5s and those packages were NOT available in the USA.

Special Edition BMW X5 Models

So, my original question still stands regarding the availability of the LeMans style retrofit kit:

1) Guy at dealer just did not know the part#
2) Its not available in the USA
3) Its available through special order but he just did not know the part#
4) Its been discontinued so not available anywhere.

UK X5 owners - Is the retrofit kit still avaliable currently?

Anyone can shed some light on these or elmos question about the mudflaps with lares?

Hi Jose,
I was trolling through ebay (Aust.) today and came across something that reminded me of you and the above question. It appears that their is an oem mud guard to go with the flares (middle and bottom RHS). Interesting thing is that the appropriate mud guard to go with flares looks nothing like what I have.

Also the flares on the 2nd X with the yellowed out number plate look completely different to yours and others, what gives ??

First, the X with the yellowed out plate is the same as in my first post under 3.0/4.4 – Aluminum Running Boards WITH LeMans Special Edition Style Front and Rear Flares Retrofit Kit.

See the last link on my post before your post. It will explain about the Euro only Special Edition X5s.

Second, those pics of the mudflaps look like they are rubber mud guards that were added. I don't know if those are OE or not. I have never seen them. I've only seen the kind that you have. So, yet ANOTHER mystery to be solved :rofl:

The mudflaps with the flares look stupid, but thats just my opinion lol.

:thumbup: Has anyone bought the parts and can comment on the pricing? Going to call my SA in the morning to get a general breakdown and place the order. Going with Lemans Kit! Very nice write up.

3.0/4.4 – Aluminum Running Boards WITH Front Flares and 4.8 Style Rear Flares.

NOTE 1: Must buy RB Retrofit Kit (51710017315). Also, get the additional parts below which will REPLACE the wheel arches in the RB Retrofit Kit with FLARES.
NOTE 2: If you already have RBs, then you ONLY need the the parts listed below and 26 Blind rivets (51717002953).
NOTE 3: The Front and Rear Flares are DIFFERENT for vehicles with or without RBs.

Part Number ------ Description ------------------------- QTY
51 11 7 073 517 -- MOUNTING PARTS SET (REAR SUPPORTS) -- 1
51 12 7 046 919 -- REAR SUPPORT BUMPER TRIM, LEFT------- 1
51 12 7 046 920 -- REAR SUPPORT BUMPER TRIM, RIGHT------ 1
51 71 7 051 035 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR LEFT -------- 1
51 71 7 051 036 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR RIGHT ------- 1
51 71 7 051 037 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT LEFT ------- 1
51 71 7 051 038 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT RIGHT ------ 1 So would have to go with this set....What would be the cost for this set? sorry for asking.

I've been researching this topic for weeks and finally came across this thread. Amazing write up. There are so many but this was very thorough.
Has anyone answered the cost question?

3.0/4.4 – Aluminum Running Boards WITH Front Flares and 4.8 Style Rear Flares.

NOTE 1: Must buy RB Retrofit Kit (51710017315). Also, get the additional parts below which will REPLACE the wheel arches in the RB Retrofit Kit with FLARES.
NOTE 2: If you already have RBs, then you ONLY need the the parts listed below and 26 Blind rivets (51717002953).
NOTE 3: The Front and Rear Flares are DIFFERENT for vehicles with or without RBs.

Part Number ------ Description ------------------------- QTY
51 11 7 073 517 -- MOUNTING PARTS SET (REAR SUPPORTS) -- 1
51 12 7 046 919 -- REAR SUPPORT BUMPER TRIM, LEFT------- 1
51 12 7 046 920 -- REAR SUPPORT BUMPER TRIM, RIGHT------ 1
51 71 7 051 035 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR LEFT -------- 1
51 71 7 051 036 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR RIGHT ------- 1
51 71 7 051 037 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT LEFT ------- 1
51 71 7 051 038 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT RIGHT ------ 1

I know this is a very old thread (sorry for the revival), but i just purchased the Retrofit Kit from ECS and was wondering if there was an install guide out there. All the links to past DIYs are stale. If you have a PDF or detailed write up please PM me. Thank in advance!:thumbup:

Alec

No need to feel bad. That's what the information is for - to help people.

Updated links to the Retrofit Kit and the Lemans install kit too. :thumbup:

Got the Fenders today and plan on doing the procedure tonight. What tools are necessary?

I know i need a Drummel Tool, Screwdriver(s), Small 'prying' tool and hammer..what else though?

Thanks guys!!:thumbup:

IIRC, I used wire cutters to remove the old rivets. Just work the blades underneath and snip. You didn't list the rivet gun so I hope you have one of those.

Other than that, you should be all set. Just take your time and you shouldn't have any problems.

Good luck! :thumbup:

EDIT: I found one of my old posts with some tips.

http://www.xoutpost.com/582486-post2.html

Like Popa said.. if not send me round trip ticket...I get them bad boys install for you.
Note: If you don't have rivet gun... Just use two needle pliers.:thumbup:

Old thread but just a heads up the kit 51-71-0-017-315 is no longer available. I think all the parts can still be purchased separately but realoem says these will cost an arm and a leg. Around $2400 not counting the hardware. Even with a nice discount this will still be very costly. If all goes as planned I'll have my first E53 in about a month and sure would like to install these. Kinda bummed.

So I assume after reading this thread.. that since I have a 2006 4.8is with no aluminum running boards currently... If I want to upgrade to the running boards, I can't buy just the running boards them selves but also need the plastic fender flares that are designed for those aluminum running boards as well? My current plastic fender flares are not compatible with the aluminum boards?

Correct. RB come with new flares.

You can buy the running board kit (for example, the very factory looking one on eBay) and transfer your flares over to the new wheelwell trim pieces that come with the rb kit. It's a little tedious but can be done. It involves cutting little slots in the new trim pieces to accept the IS flares.

The running board, OE ones come with their own wheel well plastic. If you look at the running boards, they transition into the fender wheel arches. These are unique to the running boards. The IS flares can be moved over from your non RB wheel arches, to the RB arches.

As a matter of fact, you cannot buy RB with the IS flares. Those are separate part number, and usually people just swap over the flares from their setup.

The OE kit is no longer available anyway and buying everything separate, cost is around $2500ish for new OE Genuine BMW parts.

Sheesh for 2500 you could almost fly to Lithuania and grab it from the local chop shop and call it "luggage" on the flight back. [emoji38]

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

Recently, ebay seller advanation had running board kits that were indistinguishable from oem for $399. Came with the wheelwell trim, etc. Looks like they're sold out for now, but that's the route I would take if looking to add running boards.

Hmmm do they still exist?
I've got running boards and looking for the flares but don't see much around...