X 2 ... or X 3, if we count the quoted, original poster....

My last SUV was a ML500, and I ordered the front grill along with the side-rails with the trucks "looks" in mind, but after constantly soiling my pants on entering or exiting (especially when they are dusty or even worse, covered in dirty slush/snow) I ended up regretting it.

I think everyone agrees the X5 looks better with them as opposed to without them, but I didn't want to go through this same ordeal again...so I bit the bullet and ordered one without them (still had to get the front grill though, LOL)

I just recieved my X5 yesterday, and to be honest, it doesn't look bad at all without the boards....just not quite as good as with them. I will post pics, once it stops raining and I can get some decent "clean" pics up for the benefit of those who might be considering this look. It actually goes well with the black "hard-plastic" outer wheel well trim...not bad at all!

I don't regret it for a second.....and look Ma!....no more dirty pant legs!