Tools on how to remove and install plastic rivets to change fenders

dislodge1 · 10-21-2015, 07:24 AM

Hi guys,
Just wondering how you would remove the plastic rivets under the fender arch? I will be upgrading my fenders to carbon fibre ones. ?

I've seen a few ways:
1. Drilling into the centre of the river
2. Pushing and punching a hole into the centre of the rivet then pulling it all out
3. Pulling the river out completely

Does anyone know what the safest and easiest way is to remove the rivets?

Also I believe you require a special tool to install plastic rivets. Can anyone suggest what tool is required for our F15 X5?

Below is a picture of what rivets are.

Barbera335 · 10-21-2015, 08:14 AM

This is what you need to install the rivets. Also keep in mind they are not reusable so once you break the old ones off you will need to install new rivets. And make sure you order white rivets as opposed to black as that is what is installed on your car now.

http://www.justforjeeps.com/rivetgun...FU82gQodZ1cDQg

r33_RGSport · 10-21-2015, 08:44 AM

@dislodge1 , you used drill or punch to remove the rivet.
Then you can use that tool, or 2 plier to secure the new rivets.
One with the hole in the middle to hold the rivets in place and the other one to pull.
I have been doing it that and it works perfect.

Doanster · 10-21-2015, 10:34 AM

No need to buy a special tool. Just do what Ben suggested. Drill out the middle post in two seconds and the rivet falls out. Install a new one by holding down the flat circle with a pair of pliers or a notched trim removal tool while pulling up on the center pin with some needle-nose pliers.
These rivets are akin to wall anchors you'd use at home. Once you pull on the center pin, it deforms/accordians the hollow sheath, locking the rivet in place. Adding a couple pics. Hopefully they're not huge (using the app)...

dislodge1 · 10-22-2015, 06:54 AM

Hi guys,
Thanks for the friendly advice. Yes I was looking at the tool. So I guess I can get away without having to purchase tools!

I see so you actually pull out the center pole out from the river itself.. I always thought that rivet gun actually pushes the pole inside rather than pulling it out completely.

So just to confirm I can just use a plier to pull out the centre pole? And I use another plier to hold it in place?

Here is a picture of the carbon fibre fender I am getting. Anyone here have any thoughts on this type of fender?

Cost a lot · 10-22-2015, 07:10 AM

I have removed these rivets. The best and easy way is to drill out the centre part. What this does is melt/cut through the centre part, keeping the whole rivet in one piece. Then you use needle nose pliers to pull the whole thing out. If you use a punch, the centre part drops down on the inside and you can't remove, it rattles around inside the fender. Drill gives clean job. Note: For the rear you will need to remove the tyre to make room for the drill?

turboawd · 10-22-2015, 10:54 AM

you can buy a rivet gun real cheap at harbor freight. see if you have a store nearby.

http://www.harborfreight.com/

dislodge1 · 11-03-2015, 03:15 AM

Carbon fiber fenders and mirror caps have arrived!! Is there anyway of removing the rivets without having to remove the rear tyre?

X5MSD · 11-03-2015, 05:26 AM

Hello mate
Did you get the parts from auto fans
Fitment ok

Cheers

dislodge1 · 11-03-2015, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5MSD

Hello mate
Did you get the parts from auto fans
Fitment ok

Cheers

Hi yeah got them from autofans. Ill be installing them over this weekend if I get the chance. I'll let you know how they go.

r33_RGSport · 11-03-2015, 09:48 AM

@dislodge1 , you need to remove the tires to have more room to work.

viperdoc · 11-03-2015, 10:42 AM

I didn't have to remove the tire to drill out the rivet. And I used a regular sized drill and drill bit. You have to go at a little bit of an angle, but it was never tight enough for me to even think about taking the tire off. But you will have to see what works for you

stewy604 · 11-03-2015, 02:16 PM

You don't HAVE TO remove it, but it does make it easier.

Kzang · 11-03-2015, 02:18 PM

What was the pricing on the mirror caps and is the pattern similar to the BMW OEM parts?

crackerjack15 · 11-03-2015, 05:14 PM

At first I thought, thats not going to look so good, but was just checking out auto fans website. The white x5 with carbon front splitter, wheel wells, side ground effects and rear with black wheels looks nice!

Anybody buy the front splitter yet?

dislodge1 · 11-03-2015, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kzang

What was the pricing on the mirror caps and is the pattern similar to the BMW OEM parts?

Hi Kzang here is the price for mirror caps. http://cnautofans.com/products/carbo...-0388-661.html
Haven't installed them yet but I'll post some pics of it once I get the chance to install them

dislodge1 · 11-03-2015, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viperdoc

I didn't have to remove the tire to drill out the rivet. And I used a regular sized drill and drill bit. You have to go at a little bit of an angle, but it was never tight enough for me to even think about taking the tire off. But you will have to see what works for you

I see. The front looks easier to get away with as you can turn the wheel around to make more room. But there's not much room for the rear wheel. Even though you drilled in an angle, you still managed to get the rivet out without getting it stuck?

dislodge1 · 11-03-2015, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stewy604

You don't HAVE TO remove it, but it does make it easier.

Hi have you done it without removing the tires?

Doanster · 11-03-2015, 11:14 PM

Obviously making life easier for yourself by removing the wheel is the best, but you could remove the rivets by using a center punch to push the pin in, which would also release the anchor. Again, you'd have to get a punch that was short enough for the space.
Whatever you choose, hurry up! We want to see the installed pics!!!

Kzang · 11-04-2015, 09:31 AM

I'm looking forward to the pics as well... The quality looks to be okay but on the side mirror caps I can see some weaves that seem to be misaligned, maybe on some batches they are flawless.. Who knows.

The front lip looks pretty good based on the pics and the price is outstanding! twelve535i & aw305 you guys want to try them out?

http://cnautofans.com/products/carbo...-0395-677.html

viperdoc · 11-04-2015, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dislodge1

I see. The front looks easier to get away with as you can turn the wheel around to make more room. But there's not much room for the rear wheel. Even though you drilled in an angle, you still managed to get the rivet out without getting it stuck?

Yes, I did both rears without having to remove the tires. In fact I ONLY did the rears, as I had to remove the trim pieces when I installed my trailer hitch. The thought of jacking the car up and/or removing the wheel never even occurred to me. The rivets just drilled right out. You may want to try a couple before taking off the tires. pretty easy, and you will know immediately whether you think you need more room.

twelve535i · 11-04-2015, 09:49 AM

Kzang I've seen their ebay listing and stumbled upon their website about a week ago. The fitment on the front lip didn't look perfect but acceptable for more than 1/2 the price. The rear diffuser and cap looked good also so I sent them an email asking about fitment. I was told the front lip and rear diffuser don't fit well, which is not good news for me, but at least she was honest.

10-21-2015, 07:24 AM	#1
dislodge1 Private 21 Rep 59 Posts Drives: X5 F15 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Tools on how to remove and install plastic rivets to change fenders Hi guys, Just wondering how you would remove the plastic rivets under the fender arch? I will be upgrading my fenders to carbon fibre ones. ? I've seen a few ways: 1. Drilling into the centre of the river 2. Pushing and punching a hole into the centre of the rivet then pulling it all out 3. Pulling the river out completely Does anyone know what the safest and easiest way is to remove the rivets? Also I believe you require a special tool to install plastic rivets. Can anyone suggest what tool is required for our F15 X5? Below is a picture of what rivets are. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-21-2015, 08:14 AM	#2
Barbera335 Captain 169 Rep 660 Posts Drives: F25 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: socal iTrader: (0)	This is what you need to install the rivets. Also keep in mind they are not reusable so once you break the old ones off you will need to install new rivets. And make sure you order white rivets as opposed to black as that is what is installed on your car now. http://www.justforjeeps.com/rivetgun...FU82gQodZ1cDQg
	Appreciate 1 Quote

10-21-2015, 08:44 AM	#3
r33_RGSport General 12971 Rep 18,716 Posts Drives: G09 XM, G05 X5 40, 991.2 T Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (6)	@dislodge1 , you used drill or punch to remove the rivet. Then you can use that tool, or 2 plier to secure the new rivets. One with the hole in the middle to hold the rivets in place and the other one to pull. I have been doing it that and it works perfect. __________________ Email:sales@rgsport.com \| IG:RGSport_USA \| Web:RGSportShop.com PM for Everyday DEALS!! MSS • iSweep • RaceChip • Sterckenn • AutoTecknic • Akrapovic • Vossen Wheels • Eventuri Active Autowerke • KW • H&R • Ohlins • Remus • and more...
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10-21-2015, 10:34 AM	#4
Doanster Major 627 Rep 1,181 Posts Drives: 2014 F15 Carbon Black M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Oregon iTrader: (0)	No need to buy a special tool. Just do what Ben suggested. Drill out the middle post in two seconds and the rivet falls out. Install a new one by holding down the flat circle with a pair of pliers or a notched trim removal tool while pulling up on the center pin with some needle-nose pliers. These rivets are akin to wall anchors you'd use at home. Once you pull on the center pin, it deforms/accordians the hollow sheath, locking the rivet in place. Adding a couple pics. Hopefully they're not huge (using the app)... Attached Images __________________ A little mod here, a little mod there...
	Appreciate 1 Quote

10-22-2015, 06:54 AM	#5
dislodge1 Private 21 Rep 59 Posts Drives: X5 F15 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Hi guys, Thanks for the friendly advice. Yes I was looking at the tool. So I guess I can get away without having to purchase tools! I see so you actually pull out the center pole out from the river itself.. I always thought that rivet gun actually pushes the pole inside rather than pulling it out completely. So just to confirm I can just use a plier to pull out the centre pole? And I use another plier to hold it in place? Here is a picture of the carbon fibre fender I am getting. Anyone here have any thoughts on this type of fender? Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
Tools on how to remove and install plastic rivets to change fenders

10-22-2015, 07:10 AM	#6
Cost a lot Enlisted Member 11 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 30d Msport 2015 F15 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Brisbane, QLD, Australia iTrader: (0)	I have removed these rivets. The best and easy way is to drill out the centre part. What this does is melt/cut through the centre part, keeping the whole rivet in one piece. Then you use needle nose pliers to pull the whole thing out. If you use a punch, the centre part drops down on the inside and you can't remove, it rattles around inside the fender. Drill gives clean job. Note: For the rear you will need to remove the tyre to make room for the drill?
	Appreciate 1 Quote

10-22-2015, 10:54 AM	#7
turboawd Banned 1636 Rep 2,995 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 35i Join Date: May 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	you can buy a rivet gun real cheap at harbor freight. see if you have a store nearby. http://www.harborfreight.com/
	Appreciate 1 Quote

11-03-2015, 03:15 AM	#8
dislodge1 Private 21 Rep 59 Posts Drives: X5 F15 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Carbon fiber fenders and mirror caps have arrived!! Is there anyway of removing the rivets without having to remove the rear tyre? Attached Images
	Appreciate 1 Quote

11-03-2015, 05:26 AM	#9
X5MSD Lieutenant 353 Rep 440 Posts Drives: X3 40i M Performance Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Hertfordshire iTrader: (0)	Hello mate Did you get the parts from auto fans Fitment ok Cheers
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11-03-2015, 09:48 AM	#11
r33_RGSport General 12971 Rep 18,716 Posts Drives: G09 XM, G05 X5 40, 991.2 T Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (6)	@dislodge1 , you need to remove the tires to have more room to work. __________________ Email:sales@rgsport.com \| IG:RGSport_USA \| Web:RGSportShop.com PM for Everyday DEALS!! MSS • iSweep • RaceChip • Sterckenn • AutoTecknic • Akrapovic • Vossen Wheels • Eventuri Active Autowerke • KW • H&R • Ohlins • Remus • and more...
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11-03-2015, 10:42 AM	#12
viperdoc Lieutenant 364 Rep 598 Posts Drives: X7/‘21 45e/‘23 45e Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Destin, Florida iTrader: (0)	I didn't have to remove the tire to drill out the rivet. And I used a regular sized drill and drill bit. You have to go at a little bit of an angle, but it was never tight enough for me to even think about taking the tire off. But you will have to see what works for you
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2015, 02:16 PM	#13
stewy604 Lieutenant Colonel 290 Rep 1,547 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW X5 xDrive 35d M Sport Join Date: May 2014 Location: Vancouver, B.C. iTrader: (0)	You don't HAVE TO remove it, but it does make it easier. __________________ 2014 BMW X5 xDrive 35d M Sport Mineral White 2011 BMW 135i M Sport Space Grey 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 750
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11-03-2015, 02:18 PM	#14
Kzang Major General 3240 Rep 5,066 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 35i Msport SG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	What was the pricing on the mirror caps and is the pattern similar to the BMW OEM parts? __________________ 2015 F15 X5 35i Msport Space Grey M Performance parts MPPK, MPE
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11-03-2015, 05:14 PM	#15
crackerjack15 Captain 842 Rep 993 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 50e Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: West Virginia iTrader: (0)	At first I thought, thats not going to look so good, but was just checking out auto fans website. The white x5 with carbon front splitter, wheel wells, side ground effects and rear with black wheels looks nice! Anybody buy the front splitter yet?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2015, 11:14 PM	#19
Doanster Major 627 Rep 1,181 Posts Drives: 2014 F15 Carbon Black M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Oregon iTrader: (0)	Obviously making life easier for yourself by removing the wheel is the best, but you could remove the rivets by using a center punch to push the pin in, which would also release the anchor. Again, you'd have to get a punch that was short enough for the space. Whatever you choose, hurry up! We want to see the installed pics!!! __________________ A little mod here, a little mod there...
	Appreciate 1 Quote

11-04-2015, 09:31 AM	#20
Kzang Major General 3240 Rep 5,066 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 35i Msport SG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	I'm looking forward to the pics as well... The quality looks to be okay but on the side mirror caps I can see some weaves that seem to be misaligned, maybe on some batches they are flawless.. Who knows. The front lip looks pretty good based on the pics and the price is outstanding! twelve535i & aw305 you guys want to try them out? http://cnautofans.com/products/carbo...-0395-677.html __________________ 2015 F15 X5 35i Msport Space Grey M Performance parts MPPK, MPE Last edited by Kzang; 11-04-2015 at 09:37 AM..
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11-04-2015, 09:49 AM	#22
twelve535i Major 478 Rep 1,363 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 35i M Sport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: New York iTrader: (3)	Kzang I've seen their ebay listing and stumbled upon their website about a week ago. The fitment on the front lip didn't look perfect but acceptable for more than 1/2 the price. The rear diffuser and cap looked good also so I sent them an email asking about fitment. I was told the front lip and rear diffuser don't fit well, which is not good news for me, but at least she was honest.
	Appreciate 0 Quote