What do you guys think of the running boards?
 

I picked up a new 07 X3 for my wife about two weeks ago. After she saw it and drove it, she thought it needed the running boards to protect the trim piece that runs under the doors from getting scratched up every time you enter or exit. After two weeks, we think the boards might make it more difficult to enter or exit. Whats your experience with running boards?

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...momsbmw011.jpg

They look real nice:thumbup:

They look real great and that's about it. People with the running board frequently complain that it's too small to be useful and too large to be out of the way. Plus, you get water and grime all over your pants when entering and exiting. But they do look cool!

This is starting to sound like they ain't real useful.

I've got the Aero body kit on mine and the running boards (if you can call them that) are smaller than the add-on with the standard body - and they are a damned PITA - they do make it more difficult to get in and out elegantly & I still haven't mastered it. They are too small to stand on but big enough to catch the back of your legs getting out.

Also, I worry about the drivers seat side bolster getting damaged as you have to sit on it to swing your legs in.

But the Aero kit definitely improves the looks as does the standard running boards.

I agree. They are more for the look. I hardly find it useful at all.

They are too narrow to be stepped onto (unless it's for kids below 5?!), and it will get the back of your pants dirty when you get off the car in a rainny day.

I got it because of the Aero kit as well.

:thumbdown IMO on the running boards. They do not sound functional and as far as the aesthetics are concerned, I think that they impact the smooth lines of the X5. Also, I don't like their reflection in the door.

I bought the Aero Kit as I felt that that did add visual improvement.

PITA - however has anyone added mudguards to see if this reduces the rain and snow acumulations?

I have been sitting on a set and was getting ready to install them when the weather cooled off -- but then I had a kid and time was an even larger illusions. However, I *did* hear that there were some issues with installing the two in concert and that's what I've been trying to find out today!

Hello,

I have install the running boards on my X3 a few weeks ago, i realy like the look with it !

As you said it is a more difficult to enter or exit from the car but if you are not to small it's ok.

I can post pictures of installation if you need.

Thomas