Aftermarket Running Boards or Nerf Bars
 

Hello all. I'm new to the board after recently purchasing a CPO '03 4.6is.

Has anyone installed aftermarket running boards or nerf-like bars on their X5? I'm wondering how they look. I've seen the OEM aluminum RBs and knock-offs, which look real nice! However, I haven't seen any with the Nerf bars (like Volvo, Acura, and some Lexus SUVs).

Not trying to start a thread war, just wanted to know if anyone has gone the nerf bar route, who did you go with, would you recommend, and do you have pics? Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Mark

Anyone?...?

Yes! Step bars can really finish the look of your 4.6is spoiler kits. This aftermarket step bar is what I am getting soon !!!
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/b...rds_x5_9_2.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/b...rds_x5_9_1.jpg

Dont do the nerf ones - i know what ur talking about - the ones that are on pathfinders etc. I think i've seen them. They look good on pathfinders LOL.

IMO - the one that jumbosushi posted does not look good. If you're not going to do OEM - the next best thing are the running boards from the same bavarian motorwerks.

check the group buy page - they are going for $360 for the group buy on the ones with the "X5" on them.. very nice.

Hey Jumbosushi - NICE X!!! Put some pics of your X - I like the 4.6 in white (is it a 4.6 or a 3.0/4.4 with kit?)

IMHO, nerf bars only look good on jacked-up domestic 4x4's. Although if you plan on off-roading and putting a lift kit on your X, then by all means go for it. The kit pictured above isn't 'that' bad looking, but personally I'd just try to find a used OEM kit on ebay, or just buy one new....

I personally went to see and compare that two aftermarket step bar ( the one with "X5" and the one above) when I was vacation in taiwan. I finally decided to go for the one above !!!

Wish i could go vacation in taiwan!! I saw the one above here in NY - and wasnt a big fan.. but to each his own.. thats why they make em!

Jumbo,
I have seen these type of boards in person, and i was disappointed. The fact that it that the aluminum covers the entire side of the X, is just doesn't look right. I have seen wuzin's OEM in person couple of times, and yes, it sticks out a bit more than reps, but they look good and better, not to mention the durability compared to reps. But if that's your taste, we respect it and its your X, so its your call.

MDX5 actually raised an interesting question.

Has any E53 owner actually installed nerf bars? I'm talking about these which come in Black Powder or in Stainless Steel finish. Just wondered what they looked like on an X5...

http://images.autoanything.com/image...ack_powder.jpg

Great feedback folks! Thanks!

Anyone have actual pictures of some of the tubular step bars installed on an X?

For example, the Volvo XC90 has, for a lack of a better description, more sophisticated "nerf bars" as OEM...just wondering if something like that exists for the X5.

http://i5.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/7b/b7/ee1e_12.JPG
Thanks again,

Mark