Running Boards

[we350z]

I am contemplating getting them for aesthetical as well as practical reasons. Since I installed my Thule rack I find myself using the stock running boards to climb up when loading. Are the aluminum ones wider for a larger surface area or the same exact dimensions? Tho for $700 prob not worth it. New extended fender flares would look great with my 87's however... Anyone have before after pics of fenders? The plastic on mine has faded too.

[jst2878]

The aluminum running boards protrude out another 1.5 inch I believe. They look great. All together the flares and boards r around 1000. Look for pricing at ecstuning or getbmwparts. Pull the trigger!

[daveycrocket]

I'm going to pick up a set of aluminum running boards for my 4.8is today. My four year old says I have to have them on like our old X5. She's right and it'll look good too!

Show us photographs when yours are installed.

D

[we350z]

So what's the cheapest place to buy these? Morristown BMW has them on eBay for $714.95 shipped but they come with the regular fender flares. Man that just seems so pricey to me.

I'm guessing installaton is not that difficult.

[most def]

Pic Attached of mine

[blaubenz]

Hello,

I am in the same boat. I just got my x5 4.4 a few months ago. I want r/b. I am a little confused. The kit they sale for $700+ comes with the flares that will conpensate for the widder r/b, right? The other questions what is the difference between the regular flares and the extended flares you folks are talking about?

Also let me Know if you find a place with better prices.

And what do the folks think about those $200,$300,+ aftermarket ones.

thanks

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by blaubenz

Hello,

I am in the same boat. I just got my x5 4.4 a few months ago. I want r/b. I am a little confused. The kit they sale for $700+ comes with the flares that will conpensate for the widder r/b, right?

Yes, the four wheel arches (not flares) that come with the kit will compensate for the RBs.

See this thread: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/58739-running-boards-flares-explained.html


The other questions what is the difference between the regular flares and the extended flares you folks are talking about?

There are no regular flares, they're called wheel arches. To see the difference look at pics of the 4.6s/4.8s at the rear wheels. You can see them on the link above too.

Also let me Know if you find a place with better prices.

Aluminum Running Board Kit = Part 51710017315 ($499 at BMW of Bloomfield, NJ - priced about 1.5 years ago but they will probably still be lowest now).

EDIT: Look they're on ebay still (BMW of Bloomfield) but now for $690. However you can make an offer.

BMW X5 ALUMINUM RUNNING BOARDS X5 STEP E53 UP TO 2006: eBay Motors (item 390008694954 end time Jul-07-10 12:36:03 PDT)


And what do the folks think about those $200,$300,+ aftermarket ones.

I think they ... uhhhmm ... I don't like them.

thanks

You're welcome.

See above.

[blaubenz]

What about mud flaps. o.k. If the get the r/b kit installed. Will the standard mud flaps fit for the rear wheel (or do I need special ones)? What about the front ones?

and thanks

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by blaubenz

What about mud flaps. o.k. If the get the r/b kit installed. Will the standard mud flaps fit for the rear wheel (or do I need special ones)? What about the front ones?

and thanks

On the rear, I would think no problem. The rear wheel arches connect to the running board at the front of the wheel - the area behind the wheel should be exactly the same.

On the fronts not sure if you need special ones as I'm not that familiar with mud flaps. My buest guess would be you need special ones. I'll try and check for you and get back to you.

Do you have the part number or link to the mud flaps you are considering? That would help in answering your question.

[Last5oh]

If you're geting them, they'd be for aesthetic reasons. I never use (step on) mine and I'm a "short guy" at 5'4" - and getting shorter as I grow older..LOL.