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E53 Running Boards

Has anyone installed aftermarket running boards on there X5?
I was looking into getting some but I don't wanna shell out 800$ for OEM
Ones,I found some on eBay that are aftermarket but I'm kinda skeptical about aftermarket eBay good,if you have aftermarket ones please post pics and or info about what you guys think please,
Thanks:stickpoke

EBay link:E53 X5 Aluminum BRUSHED SIDE STEPS RUNNING BOARDS BMW: eBay Motors (item 120630622386 end time Nov-05-10 02:16:12 PDT)

You'll get what you paid for. The ebay cheap stuff isn't functional as it is just attached to the OEM plastic side panel, which means you can't actually step on them. The OEM running board, on the other, is functional. If you search around, the OEM board can be had for a few hundreds more. IMHO, either get the OEM brushed aluminum or don't get anything at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkl (Post 778399)

Thanks for the input,I was thinking the same thing but I wanted to make sure.:iagree:

yup, you gotta go OEM..the aftermarket look like crap

As a business person, I have heard only bad things about how they mess your pant legs with road grime. But, I love the look!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpine M3 (Post 778393)

When it comes to these, it does sound ike you get what you pay for with OEM vs eBay, but how much is 800$ in US currency? The eBay ones are simply for looks, not actual purpose since they don't make the step any bigger, they just screw down overtop your existing ones. The real ones extend out further to make an actual step.

It's been mentioned about the same downsides as well with them getting pants legs dirty, but I also suspect that people are actually using them if that's happening and instead they're just trying to step over them. I want them for the simple fact of putting less pressure on the side bolster of the seat when climbing in and out since the X is so much higher off the ground compared to my 7. Every time I climb in I'm just waiting for that side plastic piece with the seat controls to snap off and/or a tear to start happening at the seam of the seat.

Get OEM, do a search and install them yourself....Phil