The expanding rivet consists of two parts. And if you take a close look at your picture, you’ll see the two parts. The first step is to remove the pin or shaft (with the raised cross hatching) using a flat blade screw driver or other thin metal tool. Carefully work the edge of the tool into the first crevice on all sides and pry the pin out. If the panel has been removed previously, the removal is easier and you can use your finger nails to pull the pin out. Once the pin is removed, you’ll see the expanding portion left in the panel. Then use your fingers or tool to remove that part. Sometimes the entire rivet assembly will come out if the panels have been removed a few times as is the case on my bike. The expanding rivet is fairly strong so it will come out fine. You may hear a small pop or rubbing sound as the center pin is removed. Good luck!
Thanks Jim. I do have one now mostly pulled out from the middle but it is coming out so reluctantly that I thought I must be doing something wrong. I'll keeping wiggling the X middle portion out and then move on on to the other one (or two...can't tell how many need to be taken out to get that panel off.)
It’s not entirely necessary for the pin to come out completely so if it’s out most of the way then that should be good. If you can twist the pin clockwise and counter clockwise then that should help. Also a little spray lubricant might help. As I remember, there are four fasteners on each side panel. One is in a recessed area in the upper portion of the fender. You’ll find it with your flashlight. The fasteners are available at Max BMW on their parts fiche but like some of the parts I ordered, may have to come from Germany. Good going in tackling this job yourself!
Got 'em out, Jim. Thanks for the words of wisdom and confidence boost that I needed that I wasn't goiing to break one of these. By the by, some WD40 definitely helped get them out!