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Getting running boards back to new?

Discuss your latest mods or ideas, and anything to do with the BMW X5 (E53).
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Johnny-p
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Getting running boards back to new?

Post by Johnny-p » Tue Jul 23, 2013 8:04 pm

Hi all
As per title,is there a product or technique out there that will bring my running boards back to their new/non pitted state???( I'm not afraid of using a bit of elbow grease)!!!!
Cheers
John..
2005 X5 3.0d Sport-Black sapphire-cream leather-pan roof-folding mirrors-sliding boot floor-soft close tailgate-heated F/R seats-F+R air con-rear blinds-Bluetooth/voice recognition-satnav/tv in-motion-aux enabled-headrest monitors/DVD-aux heating-alarm chirp-chrome dials-detachable towbar  ;)

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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by Sanj » Tue Jul 23, 2013 8:27 pm

Hi John,

Bets yours isn't an 04 plate, that had a different finish from other years, we compared these at a Meet once.

It will be elbow grease and some good cleaners (think some have used alloy wheel cleaners)! And you can get the rubber bungs out to make it easier.
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Johnny-p
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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by Johnny-p » Tue Jul 23, 2013 9:04 pm

Nah it's a 2005..
Oh we'll time to roll the sleeves up then!!!
Sorry to be naive but what rubber bungs??
2005 X5 3.0d Sport-Black sapphire-cream leather-pan roof-folding mirrors-sliding boot floor-soft close tailgate-heated F/R seats-F+R air con-rear blinds-Bluetooth/voice recognition-satnav/tv in-motion-aux enabled-headrest monitors/DVD-aux heating-alarm chirp-chrome dials-detachable towbar  ;)

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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by Johnny-p » Tue Jul 23, 2013 9:06 pm

Ahhhhh the little grey cells are running a bit slow today!!!
Do you mean the little black grippers are removable??
2005 X5 3.0d Sport-Black sapphire-cream leather-pan roof-folding mirrors-sliding boot floor-soft close tailgate-heated F/R seats-F+R air con-rear blinds-Bluetooth/voice recognition-satnav/tv in-motion-aux enabled-headrest monitors/DVD-aux heating-alarm chirp-chrome dials-detachable towbar  ;)

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X5Sport
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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by X5Sport » Tue Jul 23, 2013 9:30 pm

They are.....should keep you amused for ages, but before you start best get some spares from a Dealer.

A useful tool for getting that info is Realoem.com here.  You need the last 7 characters of your VIN in the 'Serial Number' box, select 'browse parts' and 'pictures drill down' and there are all the part numbers for each area of the car.  Some parallel thinking is sometimes needed to find things, but it's a useful tool and at least you can show a Dealer you are an 'intelligent customer'...... :)

The bits you want are Item #10 here and are apparently called 'naps'...... ;)

Richard
Last edited by X5Sport on Tue Jul 23, 2013 9:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by Johnny-p » Tue Jul 23, 2013 9:37 pm

Cheers fella most useful..

Dexterity and the size of my paws don't mix when it comes to fiddly jobs :blink:
2005 X5 3.0d Sport-Black sapphire-cream leather-pan roof-folding mirrors-sliding boot floor-soft close tailgate-heated F/R seats-F+R air con-rear blinds-Bluetooth/voice recognition-satnav/tv in-motion-aux enabled-headrest monitors/DVD-aux heating-alarm chirp-chrome dials-detachable towbar  ;)

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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by X5Sport » Tue Jul 23, 2013 9:39 pm

I know that feeling only too well myself....

Richard
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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by Jayx5 » Tue Jul 23, 2013 10:09 pm

What about autosol and a toothbrush?
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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by laradams » Wed Jul 24, 2013 9:22 pm

I cleaned my boards with Mr Mer wheel cleaner and an alloy wheel brush. Took a bit of scrubbing but came up really well.

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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by Jackstrath » Thu Jul 25, 2013 12:01 am

i found it seams to be tar like stuff that causes the ruff looking

so i went over mine with tardus and then a scotch brite pad with plenty of water , after about 5 mins of doing each step they were about 90% better , i could go over them again , and i might even take metal polish to them , but for now a massive improvement!

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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by Sanj » Thu Jul 25, 2013 8:48 am

:worthless:
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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by Si » Fri Jul 26, 2013 12:15 pm

I have a 2005, is there a away of actually removing the aluminium running board ?

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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by Sanj » Fri Jul 26, 2013 12:30 pm

[quote="Si"]
I have a 2005, is there a away of actually removing the aluminium running board ?
[/quote]

Yes but then you have to remove the arches first which have the blind rivets in them. And these can only be used once.
Scn Protect,Alarm Chirp,Ashtray del,Sub install,IV2,Screens,PS2 Media,Chrome rings,Schnitzer pedals,Reverse cam,Silver Grills,F/mirrors,Comp Spkrs,Heated S/W,20"168s,Splash scn,Arches,Remap,LED Tails,ACS Spoiler,'is' Bumper Trim,Rear heated seats,Rear blinds

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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by Raj » Sat Jul 27, 2013 1:51 pm

Wonder wheels and a sponge/brush will sort em.
Image

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Re: Getting running boards back to new?

Post by Smeeagain » Sat Jul 27, 2013 7:29 pm

As it happens I did this job today.

Firstly I washed them as normal with an all purpose cleaner. Then I removed the bungs/naps. 96 per side,  (having bought half a dozen spares in advance). Prise them out gently with a flat screwdriver. The warm weather has helped to soften them.

I placed them in warm water to soak again with some APC.

Then I set about cleaning the running boards. Firstly with Tardis, then rinse, then apply wonder wheels and leave it for five mins, then agitate it with a cheap non scratch scourer, the re-apply the wonder wheels and leave for five mins. Rinse off, then get started with metal polish (can't remember which one). leave to dry then buff off. Then Poorboys Wheel Sealant. Buff off. Then Collinite 476 wax apply and buff off. 2 coats.

Then back to the bungs. Wash and Rinse.

Replace each one and give a smear of Chemical Guys wheel trim as I replaced each one

Looks brand new. Been meaning to do it for ages. Planning to do it twice a year when I change over summer/winter wheels/tyres.

Approx one hour start to finish for both sides.

Will post pics when I can

Smee

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