shogun
08-31-2018, 09:25 PM
When replacing on your E36 the door sill trim panel clamps which hold the door sill trim panel/outer kick panel, there are different clamps for the different outer kick panels, the clamp thickness is different, do NOT mix and buy the correct ones for your trim panel version.
for LEFT OUTER KICK PANEL 51718190707 and RIGHT DOOR SILL TRIM PANEL 51718190708 only use Clamp NATUR 51718184574 https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=CD93-USA-01_1996_E36_BMW_M3&diagId=51_2196#51718184574
for LEFT OUTER KICK PANEL M TECHNIC 51712234187 and RIGHT DOOR SILL TRIM PANEL M TECHNIC 51712234188 only use Clamp M TECHNIC 51712234032 https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=CD93-USA---E36-BMW-M3&diagId=51_2761
The non-M Technic clips are a bit smaller in diameter. In case the clips are mixed up the skirts are bowing out at certain spots because the clips aren't going in.
I have seen online offers for aftermarket clips and they show both part numbers 51718184574 and 51712234032 for the same item as if it would be the same, this is NOT correct.
The clips go on the sideskirt first. Any attempt to install them into the rocker first will result in issues. If the right clip part number and green grommets (that go into the rocker) are used, then the issue is the install method. Make sure a paint shop didn’t paint over the grommets too.
for LEFT OUTER KICK PANEL 51718190707 and RIGHT DOOR SILL TRIM PANEL 51718190708 only use Clamp NATUR 51718184574 https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=CD93-USA-01_1996_E36_BMW_M3&diagId=51_2196#51718184574
for LEFT OUTER KICK PANEL M TECHNIC 51712234187 and RIGHT DOOR SILL TRIM PANEL M TECHNIC 51712234188 only use Clamp M TECHNIC 51712234032 https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=CD93-USA---E36-BMW-M3&diagId=51_2761
The non-M Technic clips are a bit smaller in diameter. In case the clips are mixed up the skirts are bowing out at certain spots because the clips aren't going in.
I have seen online offers for aftermarket clips and they show both part numbers 51718184574 and 51712234032 for the same item as if it would be the same, this is NOT correct.
The clips go on the sideskirt first. Any attempt to install them into the rocker first will result in issues. If the right clip part number and green grommets (that go into the rocker) are used, then the issue is the install method. Make sure a paint shop didn’t paint over the grommets too.