Loosing running boards

[Ferguson]

I'm starting to have second thoughts. I like the looks, but they are a pain....

have '07 X5 with sport and it has running boards. If I want to have them removed, what's involved? Is there a separate trim kit that would ahve been there without the running boards?

I assume I can't just take them off without some naked looking area being left behind.

Or is it a case of once done, can't be un-done?

Ps. Not asking about a DIY necessarily, and haven't asked the dealer yet, no real reluctance to do so but wanted to understand the issues first.

PPS. Sadly I cannot edit the title, but yes I know it should be "losing". Unless I guess I intended it to mean to set them free.