I find it odd how the e70 running boards are cheaper than the e53 ones.

The best thing about the running boards are
1. They look great, the truck looks finished off properly
2. They make it easier to wash the roof (that and standing on the rear wheel)
3. They protect the doors from getting bashed in car parks.

The last one is probably the best, most car doors just about reach the running boards and hit that instead, and I try not to park next to another SUV or people carrier. I've never used them to step on apart from cleaning!