Can running boards be removed?

[Sandra]

I have a 2011 5.0 I just bought certified and it has the running boards on it. I had a 2007 with those exact same running boards and I found they made it harder to get in and out of the car for us short people and always put dirt on the back of my pants when I stepped over them. These appear to the OEM boards and I'm wondering if they can be removed.
And am I the only one that thinks they look like girly polka dots?

[X5Andrew]

I know there was a post of parts u need. It can be done. And I am 6'3" and I get crap on my pants too, not limited to tall people.

[95wildtt]

Here's one of the posts:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...want-them.html

[beamertruck]

Yes

[ard]

Yes, and many people covet those running boards...

I'll bet you could post up a "for trade" and perhaps find someone local to swap them AND cover the labor for $0.

Note that you cannot just take them off...something 'new' needs to replace them....hence the need for a swap

[Sandra]

I find them to be difficult to maneuver over, and it seems awkward to actually step on them to get in and out. I actually like the look better without them, however I live in the mountains and am used to more utility-looking vehicles.

What do you get to replace them?

[Sylvan Lake V35]

My wife and I also got tired of dirty pant legs and I swapped them out for a set of OEM side skirts

Running boards



OEM side skirts





There is a composite support structure under both running boards and the side skirts you need to replace them when swapping. Other than that it's easy it took me about 30min in the drive way to do it.