Question on running boards

[BMWFan]

Just ready to pick up a new X5. My wife doesn't like the looks of the running boards (it is basically going to be her car). The trouble is that most of the ones on the lot that are equipped like we like have running boards. She doesn't like the poka dot look that the aluminum tread creates.

So here is my question. Does anyone know if the aluminum tread can be removed easily? I am thinking that maybe I could take it off and leave it that way or have it powder coated in black then put back on.

[kimg9582]

you can refer to Body, Wheels & Styling under X5 Home page. Below is the link for installation steps which you can go in reverse obviously. Looks pretty involved to me.

http://www.xoutpost.com/pdf/e70/e70_r...rd_install.pdf

[BMWFan]

Thanks for the link. It does look rather complicated. I tried to see if the dealer could just remove the running boards, but he said it was not economical to do. I guess he was right.

[70Sixter]

Maybe she'll change. My wife insisted on ordering them with the X5. She'd had the on her Jeep GC and already liked them. She's 5' 2" and feels better with them.

I personally didn't care for them on the Jeep and not on the X5 as I have to step over them.

[y5choi]

I have the running boards. If she doesn't like them, it's a good idea not to get them. They are useless. they are sloped down from the door so when you actually use it (to clean the roof and what not) you slide right off of it.. down right dangerous. and the placement, you will never use it to step in and out.. just useless. I got them for the look but if the look isn't there for you then there's pretty much no reason to get them IMHO.

[Kenny@JleviSW]

You could order one without the boards and if she changes her mind you can always have them put on down the road.

[rh71]

Originally Posted by y5choi

I have the running boards. If she doesn't like them, it's a good idea not to get them. They are useless. they are sloped down from the door so when you actually use it (to clean the roof and what not) you slide right off of it.. down right dangerous. and the placement, you will never use it to step in and out.. just useless. I got them for the look but if the look isn't there for you then there's pretty much no reason to get them IMHO.

My thoughts too after test driving with them... but I actually saw a woman step on them to get in and out. Depends on your height of course. My wife (5'4") would've benefited from them as she complains about getting out the passenger side all the time - sport seats have that extra lip on the side too. I know what she's talking about though, because at 5'11" I am hopping down an inch or so as well. I think a lot of it has to do with the stiffness of the seats... don't have this problem in my other SUV with cushy cloth seats. Still, I'd never step on the boards if they were there. Just an extra step that doesn't feel natural.

[Oh2quick]

Id say get em ......if she changes her mind and doesnt like them....let me know Id like a pair

[delhite]

i think the powder coating would look pretty decent PS anyone??