As far as I know, running boards cannot be installed on an X5 with the M Sport Package. I had 3M protective film applied to the rear passenger doors and arches of my 2012 X5 50i. This is absolutely necessary as the paint will chip very quickly without it (I had the film applied after only a couple days and you could already see chipping). The worst thing is that most dealers are well aware of the issue but won't tell you about it until after you take delivery of the vehicle so that you don't ask to get the 3M film for free.

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Christian

2012 BMW X5 50i Black Sapphire/Black Nevada
2003 BMW 325i Jet Black/Black Leatherette