Nevermind the availability question. Seems they are still readily available.

Running board flare part numbers:

51717051037
51717051038

As to your question regarding install. Here is a picture of what the back looks like. You can see the tabs that stick through with the little thin aluminum clips that hold them in place.

https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/30065_x800.webp

Right now, with no running boards you can just R&R the parts, old for new. Then, when you get running boards, you can either purchase the part numbers above (and sell your flared, non running board arches) or order the running board non-flared arches and retrofit the flares to those. Those part numbers are:

51718402333
51718402334

I know that sounds confusing, but it's not too bad. Personally, I'd but regular non-flared wheel arches for your running boards later and do the retrofit. It's not difficult at all. I don't get the not cutting slit idea, I'd install it as OE, but to each their own.

All wheel arches are not flared. Even part number that has them flared, is the non flared with flares added.

@nextelbuddy. Yes you are correct. Get some tiny screws, and mount them like mrbmwx5 does from bottom.

If you choose to cut holes. Be ready for an ass kicking.

You will need to pop out all the blind rivets in the arches. So I suggest you buy a bucket of those before you even start. Then you will have to make a template for the arches. Then you will have to trace those holes for the tabs. Then you will take a dremmel and make those tab holes permanent. Then you will install arches. Then you will put all the rivets in.

I speak from experience. I cut the holes for the tabs. Because I too like OE feel.

There is really no chance that you will revert and sell these arches off after you cut holes in your arches. If you plan to drive it till it dies, or sell it with arches, then just cut the holes.

Thanks guys, for now I just removed my old wheel arch and installed the new one. I'm not 100% sure I'll be able to find a nice running boards kit.. I hardly ever at part outs for x5s and the kit is so hard to get.

So just in case I never go that route I just went the oe install route. But if I do go the running boards route at least I now know how to tackle moving over the front flares.

You all are awesome thank you!

Here's some pics of the setup. I only had 15 and 20mm spacers on hand. Had to order some m14 extended bolts since I only had m12 extended bolts from my e46.

15mm up front
20mm back

I really want to go 30mm out back and 20mm up front now..

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f62231b809.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6b6c4e85b7.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fbb90b931c.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5190b9bf19.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5c60af5722.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8015172e11.jpg

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

Very nice! One of the things I always wanted to when I had the 4.8is kit. For some reason I thought the front flares were NLA. :doh:

you're not completely wrong...

the complete fender flare retrofit kit is NLA but i didnt need the whole kit I only needed the front flares.

it does suck that I had to pay such a high price.

seeing how much they cost years ago compared to now makes me sad lol.

i paid $623.79 with tax for both front flares/wheel arches + 14 pop rivets.

so expensive :/

Is there a small part missing that attaches to the front bumper?

Nope. Those don’t show it. But the flare tapers off toward bumper. But that’s it really.

Yeah I have to say I'm a little bit disappointed in the actual tapering part because as the other guy pointed out it does look kind of abrupt at certain angles.. it definitely doesn't taper into the front bumper as much as I'd like it to.

It definitely gives the front fender flare extensions more of a bolt on look versus the rear which are much more tapered and smooth to the front and rear wheel arch areas.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

Kind of agree with you there. Also it makes the front wheels look like they are sunken in and need spacers now.

No argument there. I don’t like them either. That’s why I only kept the rear and sold the front when I got my running boards. Almost cut holes into brand new front arches as a matter of fact.

From a certain angle, it adds some thickness. But from most angles, it looks like you had an accident and your arches pop out, equally, on both sides. Lol.