E90Post
 


Studio RSR
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > DIY Guides > DIY: Aluminum Pedal install how-to



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-18-2005, 09:52 PM   #1
CC 330i
Captain
CC 330i's Avatar
44
Rep
722
Posts

Drives: 330i SG/Blk/Alum
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (0)

Lightbulb DIY: Aluminum Pedal install how-to

Ok, I had a bit of a trial by fire, but I did learn a few things.

You will need a 5/32nds drill bit, preferably a cobalt one, since the brake pedal is steel. You will also need a 9/64ths (or even smaller) drill bit for the set screws used on the gas pedal and dead pedal. I also used some masking tape and a clamp. You will also need a #15 torx driver (just like a screwdriver, but with a star end). A shorter torx screwdriver is best. You will also need a pair of needle nose pliers or a small socket wrench with the correct size socket for the nut. (Don't remember which size though). Use eye protection when drilling.

First, I removed the rubber pedal pads from the brake and clutch pedals. (There is nothing to remove from the gas pedal and dead pedal). Then I put masking tape over the pedals to mark the holes. The kit provides paper templates, but they were kind of flimsy and move around too easily. Next, I put the aluminum pedals over the existing pedals and marked the hole locations with a marker. Then I used an awl to punch starter holes in the plastic pedals. I used a soup can under the brake pedal to give me some support when tapping starter holes with the awl.

I started with the clutch pedal. After I drilled the first hole, I put a screw through the hole to hold the aluminum piece in place better while I drilled the rest of the holes. Just add a screw after each hole is drilled and this will keep the aluminum pedal in place and you will get the rest of the holes perfect. The plastic pedals are easy to drill. Since the brake pedal is steel, it's quite a bit harder. Make sure you get the first hole in the right spot. Then use a screw through the first hole, and a light clamp to keep the pedal in place while you drill the next hole. Be careful not to mar the surface of the aluminum with a clamp though. A rag or a few layers of tape between the clamp and the aluminum will help. Then keep adding screws as you drill the rest of the holes and this will keep the drill from "walking" as you drill.

Next, remove the screws and aluminum pieces and remove the masking tape. Put the rubber inserts in place on the aluminum pieces, and replace them on the pedals. Then put the machine screws in place and secure them with the nuts. Tighten them securely, but don't overtighten too much or the plastic pedals may crack.

I did the gas and dead pedal last. Use the set screws for these. They bite right into the plastic and require a smaller hole than the rest of the pedals. A 9/64ths bit or smaller is good for these holes.

One thing I will say is MAKE SURE you use the set screws that bite into the plastic for the gas pedal, not the machine screws that use nuts. The machine screws with nuts are too long and will prevent you from getting full throttle unless you file them down. There are no instructions with the kit, and if you drill holes in the gas pedal big enough for the machine screws, the holes will be too big for you to use the set screws that bite into the plastic. Use the smaller 9/64 drill bit (or even smaller) for these holes.

They kit provides at least 4 extra machine screws and nuts, and I ended up using the wrong ones. After I was finished I noticed 4 extra set screws... Oops. I noticed that the screws and nuts on the back prevented full throttle. I had to file the screws down and that took care of it, but it was as pain!

The dead pedal uses the set screws too, and the aluminum piece goes right on top of the existing plastic dead pedal. The set screws at the top of the dead pedal were hard to get at, as they are pretty high up, and the dash gets in the way. You may not be able to pre-drill them at all. This is why I recommend a shorter torx driver. It's hard to fit a drill up there and I just ended up pushing hard without predrilling and the screws managed to bite in and self tap.

Hopefully this will help the rest of you save some time doing the install. Have fun!




Appreciate 0
      06-18-2005, 09:56 PM   #2
RedStripe
Captain
RedStripe's Avatar
United_States
96
Rep
649
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW 325i
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Texas

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2006 BMW 325i  [0.00]
Thanks for everything. This would make for a great contribution in the DIY sticky.
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2005, 02:35 PM   #3
Luongo
Lieutenant
United_States
134
Rep
463
Posts

Drives: 2018 Porsche Carrera T
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Chicago, Illinois

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the great write up!!! I made sure I used the correct screws for the accelerator pedal.

Everything went pretty smoothly except the brake pedal. Let me say that drilling through the metal was a PAIN IN THE A$$. :mad: This is coming from someone who's day job is drilling all day long (I am a dentist).

Anyone considering the aluminum pedal installation, go ahead and get them! It looks amazing and feels great on your feet. Just be a little patient with the break pedal installation!!!
Appreciate 0
      09-22-2005, 10:52 AM   #4
tiga901
Second Lieutenant
tiga901's Avatar
7
Rep
244
Posts

Drives: e90 330i, mt pp sp
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Millbrae, CA

iTrader: (0)

Thumbs up

It will be my project the following weekend...will let you guys know my experience.

Thanks for the great writeup! :rocks:
Appreciate 0
      09-30-2005, 12:49 AM   #5
tiga901
Second Lieutenant
tiga901's Avatar
7
Rep
244
Posts

Drives: e90 330i, mt pp sp
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Millbrae, CA

iTrader: (0)

Thumbs up

We'll I could not wait till weekend so I went home early and did it...The brake pedal install was really the bear to drill. Definitely not for the faint of heart...The holes on the top of the footrest, I was only able to put in one. It was hard to put in....I might have to jury rig the other one.

But overall, I'm satisfied....It definitely changed the inside of my e90. With a new MT weighted short knob, and alum pedals...definitely more sportier look.
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2005, 04:59 PM   #6
tiga901
Second Lieutenant
tiga901's Avatar
7
Rep
244
Posts

Drives: e90 330i, mt pp sp
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Millbrae, CA

iTrader: (0)

Here's my projects for the week end....
Attached Images
  
Appreciate 0
      10-11-2005, 09:41 AM   #7
afocoryw20
Lieutenant
afocoryw20's Avatar
12
Rep
456
Posts

Drives: X3 + 325xi
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: New Jerz

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2006 325XI  [0.00]
2005 X3  [0.00]
1990 Mercedes Benz ...  [0.00]
Great instructions.....top screws of dead pedal are a !@#$@@. Here are some pics if anyone wants to see it on a silver/aluminum/grey leather combo.....
Attached Images
  
Appreciate 0
      10-11-2005, 09:52 AM   #8
mds82
Major General
mds82's Avatar
362
Rep
5,842
Posts

Drives: 2006 325xi
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: South Central Connecticut

iTrader: (40)

Garage List
i just got mine installed as well. thanks for the write-ups, they saved a lot of time. i didnt know the break pedal was steal though - that was a pain in the a$$ to drill through. otherwise it looks awesome. the Rear Spoiler is next...
Appreciate 0
      12-18-2005, 01:43 PM   #9
D-Rock
Lieutenant Colonel
188
Rep
1,855
Posts

Drives: 325i
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: miami

iTrader: (2)

How much were they and was it worth it ?
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-18-2005, 02:55 PM   #10
ksfrogman
Major General
ksfrogman's Avatar
United_States
570
Rep
6,750
Posts

Drives: E90 330i 6MT
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Torrance, CA

iTrader: (12)

Garage List
2006 330i  [0.00]
2006 330i  [0.00]
That M-type gearshift knob doesn't make sense. It's on a different car.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-19-2005, 11:01 PM   #11
petesamprs
Lieutenant
petesamprs's Avatar
United_States
34
Rep
519
Posts

Drives: .
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: northeast

iTrader: (0)

CC 330i - which rubber mats are those in your pics? Got a part #?
__________________
'14 535i (ED)

Retired: '08 M5, '08 550i (ED), '06 330i
Appreciate 0
      12-20-2005, 12:16 PM   #12
D-Rock
Lieutenant Colonel
188
Rep
1,855
Posts

Drives: 325i
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: miami

iTrader: (2)

I don't understand why you need to different drill bits please help ??
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-25-2005, 10:04 AM   #13
cdheaven
I'm Starving , So I Guess You Are What You Eat
cdheaven's Avatar
229
Rep
943
Posts

Drives: 2006 325i
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Fl

iTrader: (1)

i dont feel like drilling, nor do i have a drill. should i just take them to bmw? whats it gonna cost to have them installed? thanks
__________________
2006 325i Sparkling Graphite Metallic-Black Leatherette
Navigation-Bmw Assist Automatic-Xenons Carbon Fiber Front Lips-Aluminum Pedals Power/heated Front Seats
5% Tint all around 30% On windshield all the way down
Appreciate 0
      12-25-2005, 11:32 AM   #14
rlc
Captain
rlc's Avatar
33
Rep
713
Posts

Drives: '06 E90 - '04 E85 - '16 F15d
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Escondido, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2016 BMW X5 35d  [0.00]
2006 330i  [0.00]
2004 Z4 2.5i Roadster  [9.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by petesamprs
CC 330i - which rubber mats are those in your pics? Got a part #?
Those are OEM All Weather mats. Part Nos. are:

Floor Mats All Weather Rubber
Custom-fit rubber mats feature 1/2" deep channels to trap water, slush, snow and dirt. Will not crack, curl or stiffen in any temperature. With mat grip fasteners to hold them in place.

Part No. Specs.
82-55-0-399-156 Front, black.
82-55-0-399-157 Front, beige.
82-55-0-399-158 Front, gray.
82-55-0-399-217 Rear, black.
82-55-0-399-218 Rear, beige.
82-55-0-399-219 Rear, gray.

http://pacificbmw.com/ prices are pretty good on accessories.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2006, 02:18 AM   #15
FlyingFinn
Second Lieutenant
Finland
20
Rep
294
Posts

Drives: M235i
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Finland

iTrader: (0)

I got my aluminium pedal kit but the screws for the dead pedal are missing. Can somebody tell should they be same length as the screws for the gas pedal?
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2006, 12:02 PM   #16
Hunter399
Major General
Hunter399's Avatar
323
Rep
8,091
Posts

Drives: F90M5
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (33)

How do you think the pedals would look on a car without a MT or Aluminum interior?
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2006, 12:32 AM   #17
bmwexecutive
Banned
bmwexecutive's Avatar
239
Rep
2,453
Posts

Drives: 2006 330i
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: East Coast

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by hunter399
How do you think the pedals would look on a car without a MT or Aluminum interior?
I'll be installing the M-tech pedals on my 330i tomorrow - Poplar trim and Steptronic. I'll post some pics once it's done.
Appreciate 0
      11-13-2006, 06:13 PM   #18
wuufer001
Colonel
wuufer001's Avatar
Taiwan
375
Rep
2,348
Posts

Drives: 2006 E90 M/T
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW, TX//Taiwan//South Africa

iTrader: (5)

Garage List
2006 325i  [9.34]
Don't have the drills and don't wanna try risking it myself cause haven't held a drill befire in my life. Therefore i wanna ask if it's possible for BMW to help me install them and how much would you think it'll cost?
BTW mine is not BMW factory pedals, i got them of bavauto (Hamann) and would they still do it if it's not their factory pedals?
__________________
Appreciate 0
      11-13-2006, 06:35 PM   #19
calvino
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
302
Rep
1,928
Posts

Drives: had e90, 330i mystic blue
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Weston,Florida

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2006 e90 330i  [0.00]
that was my 1st aftermarket part that I got for my car

I have the ACS and yeap is a pain in the ass to do the brake pedal !!!

wuufer001 the dealer will do it for you they will charge you an hour of labor, do it yourself is not hard at all or at least do the other ones and ask the dealer to do the brake pedal that is the harder one! maybe they are cool and don't charge you anything or at least not much. or go to one of the tech guys and tell them "I give you $20 cash if you install the brake pedal for me I allready did the other ones "
__________________
E90 Mytic Blue 330i 07-20-2006. 05-17-2011
Doesn't the idea of making nature against the law seem to you a bit . . . unnatural? Support NORML
Appreciate 0
      11-14-2006, 01:34 AM   #20
wuufer001
Colonel
wuufer001's Avatar
Taiwan
375
Rep
2,348
Posts

Drives: 2006 E90 M/T
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW, TX//Taiwan//South Africa

iTrader: (5)

Garage List
2006 325i  [9.34]
thanks, might take it with me and see what they say when i take my car in for service tomorow.
BTW will they do this at the service department or will they have to take it to the bodywerks?
__________________

Last edited by wuufer001; 11-14-2006 at 01:56 AM..
Appreciate 0
      01-07-2007, 09:16 AM   #21
NewMoses
Enlisted Member
2
Rep
37
Posts

Drives: 335i
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: SF Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tiga901
We'll I could not wait till weekend so I went home early and did it...The brake pedal install was really the bear to drill.
Get a titanium drill bit. They are gold in color, cost about $5. I drilled mine and they cut through the brake pedal like butter.
__________________
2007 325i
2006 E55 AMG
2003 325Ci
1983 911
Appreciate 0
      01-07-2007, 12:02 PM   #22
BayernMuenchen
Second Lieutenant
BayernMuenchen's Avatar
13
Rep
247
Posts

Drives: 2007 335i Coupe
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Encinitas, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by NewMoses
Get a titanium drill bit. They are gold in color, cost about $5. I drilled mine and they cut through the brake pedal like butter.
+1 I had no issues drilling through the brake pedal with a good drill bit. As for the taking the car to the dealer to do this work, I would say no. Take it to someone cheaper. No need to pay the outrageous hourly rate for someone to grab a cordless and screwdriver for a simple install.
__________________
2007 335i Coupe
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:26 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST