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Running boards

Discuss your latest mods or ideas, and anything to do with the BMW X5 (E53).
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B19CKM
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Running boards

Post by B19CKM » Tue Jan 21, 2014 9:40 pm

I am wanting to clean up my running boards, what would be better. Polish up with machine polisher and then lacquer to protect or fine wire wool then waxed?
Also, does anybody know if the rubber bungs are available from dealers as I have a few missing? If so how much??? :blink:
2005 55reg 3.0d, e53 grey on grey with anthracite alloys, tints

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X5Sport
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Re: Running boards

Post by X5Sport » Tue Jan 21, 2014 9:56 pm

The bungs are called 'naps' and the part number is:  51717053464.  They were about £0.50p each I think.  Might be less than that now.

I never took anything other than a plastic brush and a gentle alloy wheel cleaner to mine but then it was new - protect the paint on the car though.  If the lacquer has gone then you can polish it all back and re-coat it.

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Re: Running boards

Post by CondorX5 » Wed Jan 22, 2014 3:14 pm

Alloy wheel cleaner like Wonder Wheels really does bring them up well
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Re: Running boards

Post by pvr » Wed Jan 22, 2014 3:40 pm

Careful with that one though as it stained mine at the time and it was a pig to fix that.
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Re: Running boards

Post by AW8 » Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:23 pm

Fairy liquid and a soft ish nail brush then agitate.

Avoid abrasive papers scouring pads etc.

Autosol and toothbrush also works

Ensure residue removed and ideally seal with something suitable.........WD40 took away the dry look of the autosol.

Purists will shout re washing liquid containing salt  so use a good car shampoo if really fussed on these frequently exposed to road salt boards - Likewise WD40 claimed by some to perish rubber - oh and it is slippery if not buffed dry


Cosmetic care wise it is worthwhile at this time of year to wash the rims, running boards and where fitted exhaust trims. Also periodically check gutters are clear and keep rinsed off under arches &/or underside if so motivated.   
Last edited by AW8 on Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Running boards

Post by rhinoman » Thu Jan 23, 2014 8:19 pm

Our running boards were covered in small rust marks when we first got the car. Autosol and the like didn't touch then but eventually came across iron contaminant removers, IronX was the product we used and a quick spray and rinse and the marks were gone.

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Re: Running boards

Post by B19CKM » Thu Jan 23, 2014 9:45 pm

Thanks for the replies, will try them Sunday or Monday,, two days off work  :))
2005 55reg 3.0d, e53 grey on grey with anthracite alloys, tints

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Re: Running boards

Post by 04XWD » Fri Jan 24, 2014 9:53 pm

Where do you think the rust came from?... You might want to check the bottom of your doors.

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Re: Running boards

Post by B19CKM » Fri Jan 24, 2014 10:02 pm

There's no rust on them, they are just a bit weathered and pitted, they have been exposed to the weather for over 7 years?  8)
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Re: Running boards

Post by rhinoman » Sat Jan 25, 2014 7:49 am

[quote="04XWD"]
Where do you think the rust came from?... You might want to check the bottom of your doors.
[/quote]

Mine was metal fallout, probably from brakes and was on the running boards and most of the bottom half of the paintwork. IronX and similar proucts remove it safely.

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