Front Reflector DIY?

[DocOct]

I saw a post a few weeks ago about these but never saw any results. Has anyone tried this yet or have a link to a DIY? I've changed these before on previous BMWs but never on an X5. You just remove the bolts and have good access to the reflector.

It looks like in addition to the bolts, there are a few rivets there holding the M-sport wheel arch in place on the X5. Are these single use and you just pry them out and use new ones or can you reuse them. It looks like realoem lists them as part number 51717002953.

Any help would be great. I've got an IND painted set in my garage waiting to be put on!

[ljxrayman]

Unfortunately, you will NOT be able to reuse these rivets, and you will NOT be able to just pry them out. If you are looking to DIY the reflectors, you need to Drill off the first three Rivets close to the reflectors on each side to get access to the back of reflectors. Then use a heat gun OR hair dryer to heat up the reflectors for a few minutes so that you can easily pop them off.

PS. After you install the reflectors, you will need a Universal Riveter to put on those rivets.

Good Luck on your DIY.

Ray

[Artdnj]

Man, nothing is easy...

[DocOct]

Originally Posted by ljx*****n

Unfortunately, you will NOT be able to reuse these rivets, and you will NOT be able to just pry them out. If you are looking to DIY the reflectors, you need to Drill off the first three Rivets close to the reflectors on each side to get access to the back of reflectors. Then use a heat gun OR hair dryer to heat up the reflectors for a few minutes so that you can easily pop them off.

PS. After you install the reflectors, you will need a Universal Riveter to put on those rivets.

Good Luck on your DIY.

Ray

I had a feeling that they were going to be more complicated that other BMWs. My 5 series took about 15 minutes total. Damn rivets.

[stewy604]

Not sure why BMW went with rivets on the F15...was theft of these wheel arches a problem?!?!