OK so I got the X5 replica running boards

[rastaFarai]

he's a wholesaler - we should request an xoutpost.com discount from him!! I'm sure a ton of users have bought from him on this site. and looks like a ton more - I already emailed him, just deciding when i want to do this mod... soon hopefully!!

[jlochking]

yeah im emailing with him right now. He says there a few versions. The one u ordered he says he only sells to wholesalers but will sell to me for $390 shipped. Is this the exact one pictured on the first page of this thread with the etching. I like that as i took the hatchmounted x5 emblem off.

[acitydweller]

any comparisons between his and oem?

[rastaFarai]

from what i've heard, not as wide as OEM, they essentially cover your black ones, but with the OEM look. some ppl complain that the oem extends too far and they get their pants dirty sometimes etc, some say OEs dont bother them at all. These are also good enough to stand on etc (cleaning top of your car etc).

So it seems at the end the of the day - it's a matter of opinion.

[jlochking]

the oem stick out from the car and are more complete. these are much cheaper and no dealer labor install costs. they give a similar look though, but are just surface mounted metal as opposed to swapping the entire running boards.

Compare the pics on the 1st page of this tread to those of the DIY instal on the homepage.
http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/b...tallation.html

I prefer these, probably save at least 50 percent with install costs

[NOVAX5]

ok, i know yall are excited about these running boards. but,
1-its not functional as oem
2-dangerous
3-cheap looking
your choice should be oem
1-very functional, you can step on it to wash your x, your kids can use it as real stepping boards.
2-safe
3-nothing better than oem quality
here is what you should do, order from discount dealer $550 shipped and have your local mechanic install it for 1 hour labor $75. that would be $625 just about $200 more that those reps. again, you do not have to go to the dealer to have them installed, these are too easy for a mechanic to do. my mechanics did the whole thing for 45 mins. i gave him $75.

[Quicksilver]

1-its not functional as oem= Functional as OEM Not needed

2-dangerous= No indication this is true

3-cheap looking= Threads I've seen say they look the same

1-very functional, you can step on it to wash your x= not needed i can reach it

2.-Your kids can use it as real stepping boards.= I don't have kids

3-safe=No safer than the others

4 Just about $200 more that those reps.=Save the $200 for another mod

[acitydweller]

i have heard the same complaint on other vehicles with respect to getting a dirty pants leg but i believe this gripe is common amongst all vehicles with running boards as such. I dont see any demerit in using these replicas as cost and installation appears to be straight forward. We'll have to see what opportunities come when my x5 arrives in my garage...

thanks

[jbimmer24]

these RB's fit on the regular size black RB's (not expanded out). Is the group buy still going on? X5 logo looks great.

[ALX5]

"Are they selling OEM running boards? 2 of the pictures show the OEM running boards. And one picture shows a different one. I remember someone was selling that kind on this forum before. The close-up doesn't look like OEM running boards at all. And they use OEM running boards picture to advertise a different product. I would be cautious with this kind of deceptive ad."

It happened to me. I disputed with Paypal and e-bay and had to pay for the shipping fee plus restocking charge. Pissed me off. I went with the OEM finally.
The replica board stick out at the corner with sharp aluminum corner. It is dangerous.
Not sterdy enough to stand on when you clean the top of the x5.
the OEM flush even with the car better, IMHO.

ALX5