Any negatives about running boards?

thebluedog · #1 11-06-2006, 01:56 AM

I would like to add running boards to my X5. I personally like them for cosmetic reasons. Are there any negatives about having them? For those of you that have them, do you actually step on them to get into the X5? I'm over 6 feet so I can easily get in without them, but they may help wife who's 5'2". I just want to get your input.

Btw, I found them at Circle BMW for $580 plus shipping...seems like a good price...anyone find them cheaper?

Thanks,

bd

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Don Coffey · #2 11-06-2006, 02:27 AM

Hi,

I have always had the Running Boards fitted on my X's for the cosmetic look. I don't find them overly practical as they aren't actually placed as a step would be. I just reach over them when entering and leaving the car. They may be of benefit to your wife but unlike other 4x4s not having a grab handle on the 'A' pillar makes it a little harder to use. It may be worth testing it out on a car with the running boards fitted to be 100% before spending the money.

Don

blackbeauty · #3 11-06-2006, 02:42 AM

i'm the same height as your wife and i can easily get in and out of the X w/wo RB's...
most days i just grab onto my steering wheel and allow it to "lift" me up.

seriously though, if you like the look definitely get them. but get them bc you like look.

imo, the X is not that high.

JCL · #4 11-06-2006, 02:43 AM

Only downside I know of is that your pants can get dirty as you step over the running boards (assuming you are driving in conditions where they pick up dirt and road spray).

And that is trousers for our British friends; if they dirty their pants it is a different problem.

AutoXer · #5 11-06-2006, 02:50 AM

The only negative is that if you are not careful, it can dirty your pants. I do not use it to get in and out of the car, and neither does my wife who's 5'2" also. But I think it looks great!

I got mine from a Cleveland BMW dealer for $600 including shipping. Good luck.

thebluedog · #6 11-06-2006, 10:47 PM

Thanks for your input...very helpful. I just don't want them to be an annoyance when getting into the X5. Also, I was hoping they might be helpful when getting out b/c it seems that I'm slowly wearing the leather and integrity of the driver's seat closest to the door. Maybe if I could use it as a step when getting out, it would keep my seat from wearing. Does anyone know what I'm referring to or have the same issue?

LeMansX5 · #7 11-06-2006, 11:20 PM

You can get from PaulMillerBMW in NJ for 25% off list. Tell them you have 25% coupon from Bimmer mag. Buy over phone and have them hold for you and then pick up later.

JCL · #8 11-07-2006, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebluedog

Thanks for your input...very helpful. I just don't want them to be an annoyance when getting into the X5. Also, I was hoping they might be helpful when getting out b/c it seems that I'm slowly wearing the leather and integrity of the driver's seat closest to the door. Maybe if I could use it as a step when getting out, it would keep my seat from wearing. Does anyone know what I'm referring to or have the same issue?

I know exactly what you are referring to. However, if you are over 6' tall, you won't be stepping on the running boards, you will be stepping over them. Definitely try getting into a vehicle with them before purchasing them, IMO.

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