any side by side pics of x5 with and without running boards??

[X5 V8]

At first I didn't opt for the boards, but when my order was canceled by BMW, I saw a Monaco Blue 4.8i at the dealer with them (It was beautiful) and I decided on the second order I would order them because it really makes the car stand out. Also, on my old X the plastic would get scratched much easier and was another reason why I got the boards.

Once again, a personal preference

[08WhtX5]

[quote=jeffnin]Here's a pic of my Black X5 without running boards. I agree with other posters; I really like the look of the running boards but on lighter colors for some reason. I debated long and hard about getting them, but then decided against especially with black exterior and fact that getting in and out was more of a struggle IMHO

Funny, I think the opposite. For me, I think they look great on the black and other darker colors.

I just don't like the way the aluminum contrasts with the lighter colors. If they mad them all black, I would have gotten them.

I wonder if they could powder coat them and would it hold up?

[golfer4life]

Personal preference. I wish my old black E53 had it and I would not have gotten my black E70 without them.

[powr_x5]

On other SUV like Cayenne, u don't need the running board. BUT on X5 The Running Board and the Aro Kit is a MUST HAVE. it's look so bad without it.

[dr.jay]

Originally Posted by powr_x5

On other SUV like Cayenne, u don't need the running board. BUT on X5 The Running Board and the Aro Kit is a MUST HAVE. it's look so bad without it.

[rh71]

If I had 21s, I'd definitely get them to complete the look. But when I test drove, the boards completely got in the way of exiting the vehicle.

[linh811]

Originally Posted by powr_x5

On other SUV like Cayenne, u don't need the running board. BUT on X5 The Running Board and the Aro Kit is a MUST HAVE. it's look so bad without it.

putting an aero kit on an S-U-V kind of defeats the purpose of the entire genre. If you're going that direction, wouldn't a 5er make a lot more sense???

[rh71]

Originally Posted by linh811

putting an aero kit on an S-U-V kind of defeats the purpose of the entire genre. If you're going that direction, wouldn't a 5er make a lot more sense???

People get SUVs for a variety of reasons. More interior cargo space without being an ugly wagon or minivan is a top one IMO. Roof rack too. Priceless for Home Depot trips on many occasions. I've had my SUV (true truck frame) for 13 years now and I've gone offroad with it like 4 times. The rattles it produces afterward are no fun. You don't want to be taking these expensive machines off-road too much. Regular ground clearance as another issue - I think I've needed that only once, and I did scrape the protective plate on the bottom anyway.

[X5 V8]

Off-roading doesn't really ruin an SUV unless you don't know what you are doing (I can tell you do know). I have been off-roading my 04 ML500 for years now and she is in top notch shape. On the other hand though, X5's with lower ground clearance and lacking low range is not exactly the ideal machine to be off roading in. If you want to off road I would suggest a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

BTW, personal preference, but the M Aero Kit looks awesome because it gets rid of the plastic bumpers.

[linh811]

I've done very limited offroading. My house is basically surrounded by a bayou and I've taken the X5 into it several times. It does pretty well in mud, haven't done any "real" offroading though (I love the wheels too much).