Running Board Finish Problem

[excelwindows]

I also need to replace the aluminum cap. Can you please let me know the steps/instructions in order to replace it. Thanks

[archwerks]

The running board is"inlaid " into the black plastic.
It's not unusual for cars to be marked up/damaged during assembly in the auto plant I'm told.
I've got a 2 square cm burr mark on the center/B pillar, black plastic cover panel that I can't figure out either. the seat back is in front of it so it's hard or something to hit it without damaging the leather seats. Something must have hit the b pillar post w/ enuf force to abrade it but b/c of the texture u can't really see it unless u look hard.
Like a bump from the metal rails at the bottom of the seat during assembly.

[sariggs1]

You can just order the aluminum cap (rubber knobs are pre-installe. There are some screws in the bottom and sides. Once loosened, there are a number of tabs that snap into the body, each with an o-ring (they like to pop off and get lost so go slowly).

It is a pretty easy job, just takes some patience. If you need the part number, let me know.

[Liskiguy]

I have the same problem on my 6 month old X5. The dealer advised that quite a few customers aRe complaining. He advised it is environmental and to contact BMW USA. So far nothing has worked to clear the spots on the running boards. He also suggested a body shop associated to the dealer.

[spmd11]

So strange. I have it too!!

2010 X5 35d

[LLH]

I know this is an old post so sorry about re-opening it, however I just had a similar problem on my X6 (only 6 weeks old!!).

I think the corrosion has came from the amount of salt on our roads (we have had snow lying since November), however I am into car cleaning in a big way and clean my car weekly, so think it is fair to say that the finish is not fit for purpose.

Rather than waste my time at the dealer, I decided to try and fix this myself.

The good news is that after 1/2 hour polishing with very fine wire wool (00 stuff, see http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/access.../prod_377.html) I successfully removed all the surface corrosion and then polished / protected with a metal polish (http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine.../prod_780.html) and it looks like new again

[sariggs1]

My issue wasn't salt or winter chemical related since the car was made in March and bought the car in August. Glad you got yours fixed. I just replaced, nothing worked for cleaning it.

[coachk101]

Yeah but the aluminums are so fricken hot....they are head turners....I'd deal with a few water spots folks....b/c you can't see them from the road way when people are rubber necking at your car with the hot aluminum boards!

[DevilAngel]

Originally Posted by sariggs1

You can just order the aluminum cap (rubber knobs are pre-installe. There are some screws in the bottom and sides. Once loosened, there are a number of tabs that snap into the body, each with an o-ring (they like to pop off and get lost so go slowly).

It is a pretty easy job, just takes some patience. If you need the part number, let me know.

Did you take a photo of it before installed?

I'm thinking of striping mine and powder coat it to Black.