Ok, your talking about the 'rocker panel' molding, and not 'running boards'...

I have 'running boards' on my '08 X5. I don't need them to get in and out of the vehicle, I'm 6'2".

I have them for added protection from door dings from parking lots of supermarkets, mall, office, etc.

They stick out far enough, where if someone was to open their door against the X5, they're more than likely to hit the running boards than the door.

I pretty much get nerf bar/ running boards for all my trucks, SUV... just for that purpose alone. I think of them as bumpers for the doors.