Running Boards (Poll)

[kimg9582]

Originally Posted by rh71

Looks-wise, I personally don't think it adds much. BUT I have seen women get into the vehicle by using them and don't contest that it could serve real use if the driver is on the shorter side.

I test drove a few X5s with it and it got in my way so much that I would have no part of it regardless of cost... $300-something is pretty cheap anyway in the big picture. In hindsight, I may have gotten it for my wife to use on the passenger side because the sport seats make it harder for her to get out without pushing the sides of the seats down (which is not ideal)... and I would just deal with it. I would say it depends on your situation, but I'm voting no.

One thing I should mention while we're on this topic... my wife claimed she saw a vehicle with motorized boards/steps - they come out when the door is open. They fold back under when doors close... she thought it was a Lincoln or something... anyone seen these?

Yes, Lincoln does have this motorized running board.

[Quicksilver]

Funny as it seems; the running boards is one of the things that sold me on the X5 and i still don't have them........

[alexmish]

Helps a lot for little kids (I have 7 and 10-years old). They would NOT BE ABLE to get in the car without the boards, period !

For adults, yes, it is a pain. But like others said, they help when you need to clean the top, or to put things on the roof rack. I used the boards a lot, as I have roof racks for skis and bikes.

They do get stained easily, but I have not noticed much dirt on my pants yet

[mtech8]

Thanxs everyone for the feedback! I'm gonna decide to go with the running boards. Got to think about the kids.

[X5audi]

Originally Posted by rh71

In hindsight, I may have gotten it for my wife to use on the passenger side because the sport seats make it harder for her to get out without pushing the sides of the seats down (which is not ideal)... and I would just deal with it. I would say it depends on your situation, but I'm voting no.

Exactly!

One thing I should mention while we're on this topic... my wife claimed she saw a vehicle with motorized boards/steps - they come out when the door is open. They fold back under when doors close... she thought it was a Lincoln or something... anyone seen these?

I have seen them... Lincoln Navigator.

[mellow_sparky]

I think they look great, we have them on our Platinum Bronze 3.0si.

They are handy for the kids and helpful when cleaning the roof. Neither my wife or I have any problems with pant legs brushing up on them when getting in/out of the car.

[jHamshaw]

Strange how international fashions differ! You don't see running boards on many E70's here in the UK - personally I agree with all of the disadvantages already listed above, and I also think that the running boards are too much of a throwback to the E53 - i.e. look a bit dated now. You do see quite a few M Sport kits here though....

[wb488641]

Originally Posted by cmyX5go

They do come in handly when I'm cleaning my windshield which I do often. Other than that I never use them or stand on them. I got them more for the looks than the functionality.

[engkonglu]

I think they look great...and here in Hong Kong they come with the car as a standard equipment.

[rh71]

Originally Posted by X5audi

Exactly!



I have seen them... Lincoln Navigator.

I finally saw it in person the other day. The thing is simple but very effective with the retraction - neat to see too. I guess it would take away the main factor for most of you though, which is looks, if it's retracted underneath.