Do you like your OEM Running Boards?

[OlyS4]

Hello, looking at '08-'09' 4.8's to replace my wife's '02 3.0. My wife really likes the OEM running boards on the E70's, but it's hit or miss if we will end up finding one with all the options we want and the running boards. Personal preference for the styling, but I think they do give the X a more muscular appearance. Then again our '02 doesn't have them, and looks wimpy compared to the E70 anyway so maybe that's why we feel that way?

I've read all the posts about installing these and sounds like it's not difficult to do yourself nor very expensive, so if we get one without I will put them on.

I have read mixed reviews from owners with the OEM running boards, some say they are akward getting in and out, get your pants dirty, and I've personally test driven a couple that show wierd staining on the aluminum. I've even read posts where people have removed the OEM's.

My questions for owners with these installed; do you like them and would you install them if you didn't have them(i.e. would you miss them)? Do you experience the issues some have mentioned, and does your aluminum have the staining or is it easy to keep looking new?

Thanks!