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!

[m3the01]

I think the majority of the people with running boards dont like them. I talked with three friends with e70s and with running boards and they said they wished they never got them. Many complaints, such as:
- they often get ur paints dirty because they stick out so far,
- small rust spots,
- very expensive to remove if u would like to.

I opted for no running boards on my new x5, this wasnt a matter of cost either as i picked up every package and some custom order items.

cheers,

[nachilus]

The running boards are impractical. You have to stretch farther to get in the vehicle and it messes your pants up.

The vehicle kind looks off without it; but its a personal taste.

[BGM]

Functionality, they do nothing. I don't have a problem with pants getting dirty but, then again, I'm 6'3" so probably step too far out when getting out. Aesthetically, IMO they do make a difference it adds more of a sporty flair compared to not having them. I don't have any issues with stains or rust spots (I just wipe them down with Armor All as I'm doing the lower trim with it). My $.02.

[nachilus]

Originally Posted by BGM

Functionality, they do nothing. I don't have a problem with pants getting dirty but, then again, I'm 6'3" so probably step too far out when getting out. Aesthetically, IMO they do make a difference it adds more of a sporty flair compared to not having them. I don't have any issues with stains or rust spots (I just wipe them down with Armor All as I'm doing the lower trim with it). My $.02.

Funny you said that I armor all mine, and when i was finished and getting in it was very slippery. I slipped off the running board and hit the ground backwards, it was a combination of embarrassment and a good laugh rolled in one. I put a good coat of aluminum polish on mine once a month, that keeps it pretty decent with no rust.

[lvit01]

I like them, from the appearance point of view, in combination with extended wheel arches and 20" wheels. They also help protecting the rear doors and fenders from paint chipping. That being said, I do get some complaints from the passengers.

[two-five boy]

I like them for looks as its more aggressive looking, but definitely serves zero purpose, except when I step on it to reach the roof when I wash the car. I would still have it if I got a do-over.

[GPSnV1]

I like them in terms of function and appearance.

[AzNMpower32]

My pop's X5 came with them and they're useless. They're not wide enough to serve a real purpose, yet wide enough so that getting in/out means one's pant legs will get wet and/or dirty.

[fast4d]

running boards work for smaller kids or if you're under 5'5"

if I try to use it I end up banging my head on the roof. getting out my pants/socks rub on it.