Aftermarket Running Boards

[OrangeFurious]

UPDATE

Adding in some reference materials for other folks looking into doing a running board install:

• OEM Instructions
• SlickGT1's DIY Install
• Another DIY Article

RealOEM Part #s



Original Post
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I've been looking for a set of running boards for a while but didn't want them quite enough to drop the $1,500+ they seem to average. I briefly looked at aftermarket sets and everything I found was a stick-on that couldn't support any weight or otherwise very crappy.

While trolling ebay a few days ago I spotted these and decided to take a gamble. Logic being that the photos look like a straight-up OEM replacement and with a decent return policy my biggest risk is being out some shipping costs.

I installed them today and overall am very pleased with the results. Good use of three hours and $450. Random musings and pictures below.

• The fit and finish is a little rough in places - burs in the metal, imperfect joints, etc. Not bad but noticeable while working on it.
• Despite the picture they do not include new bolts. Something a hair longer than the stock side-rail bolts would have made life much easier.
• The arches do NOT include the fender flare for the iS models. Need to figure out how to mount my old flair.
• The kit includes a lot of pop-rivets. I prefer the expanding rivet/clip BMW uses.

Box came with some damage but well packed.


Parts are well labeled and generally high quality. No instructions but the OEM guide is fully applicable.






Fitment isn't perfect. I may be responsible for some of it, but I honestly believe this is more manufacturing tolerances. It's VERY tight on some of these joining pieces and in others there's no way to line the panels up without getting some nasty torque in the parts.




Overall very happy with the results though.