Loosing running boards

[Ferguson]

Hmmm.. SC is not THAT far away. I wonder if a dealer would accomodate the swap? Maybe instead of money drive down? Ft. Myers, FL?

[goldyf355]

Originally Posted by jamesboags

The only issue IMHO is this:

For normal sized adults and teens they get in the way and can soil your pants when you rub against them when entering/exiting


Other than that they are great !!!

X 2 ... or X 3, if we count the quoted, original poster....

My last SUV was a ML500, and I ordered the front grill along with the side-rails with the trucks "looks" in mind, but after constantly soiling my pants on entering or exiting (especially when they are dusty or even worse, covered in dirty slush/snow) I ended up regretting it.

I think everyone agrees the X5 looks better with them as opposed to without them, but I didn't want to go through this same ordeal again...so I bit the bullet and ordered one without them (still had to get the front grill though, LOL)

I just recieved my X5 yesterday, and to be honest, it doesn't look bad at all without the boards....just not quite as good as with them. I will post pics, once it stops raining and I can get some decent "clean" pics up for the benefit of those who might be considering this look. It actually goes well with the black "hard-plastic" outer wheel well trim...not bad at all!

I don't regret it for a second.....and look Ma!....no more dirty pant legs!

[jochet]

Originally Posted by marcx5

i am trying to decide if i should order the running boards.... i'm starting to think i shouldn't... they seem to get 'stained' and you even lose a little ground clearance, right? might not be a lot, but a little is a lot to me in a vehicle that already can't compete on ground clearance.

Others have replied, my 2 cents, they look cool and there only $350.00, I see no downside. If they stain and cannot be cleaned, I'm sure BMW will stand behind their product.

[Shumdit]

Originally Posted by jochet

If they stain and cannot be cleaned, I'm sure BMW will stand behind their product.

First time BMW owner are you?

[Shumdit]

Originally Posted by Ferguson

Hmmm.. SC is not THAT far away. I wonder if a dealer would accomodate the swap? Maybe instead of money drive down? Ft. Myers, FL?

I think it would be cheaper for both of us to just send each other the pieces in question if we decided to proceed. I know I can remove the rocker panels in about an hour myself, and I would imagine the running boards would also be a pretty easy R&R job. The time involved to make the trip alone (not including fuel, lodging, etc.) would exceed what I could just purchase the kit for from BMW.

[Ferguson]

I'll look. My problem is finding time, and whether I have the right tools. I'll try to follow up this weekend.

[Ferguson]

I stared at it, and talked to my wife, and I just don't want to deal with having to change them. I thikn we'll keep them as-is, with my thanks for the offer, but no thanks.

[smv]

All your answers here:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...71&hg=51&fg=20


Arch flares are the same for E70 with or without runnig boards, depending on wheels. It is a DIY job, and as far as I remember from my E53 it takes a bout 2 hrs. (But then it was with the wheel arches). In terms of aesthetics, it's a decision you have to make. When I did it form my E53 (the car came with aluminum boards), I paid for the std kit, only to come back to the alu option because it looked more beefed up....Cheers!

[janelle042001]

I have the running boards and have resolved my staining issuing by using polish or armor-all type products so they don't look dry....it works!

I love the running boards and the 20 inch wheels ....can't compare.