What is the difference between the standard side skirts and them sport aside from one being painted and the other not?

PAX5: Those look to be in really good shape.

The aluminum running boards I removed have quite a bit of tar splattered on them, but that should clean off. I didn't see any rust, and since it's a New Mexico car, I wouldn't expect any. see photos. Shipping would be high as they need an 8 foot box. I put them in the box the smaller ones came in but it's pretty tight... meaning I might have to repackage them to ship. It would be better to deal locally with something this size.

Dammit why couldn't this be in the E53 forum...

Is that a new X5? NICE! Swapping running boards, eh? Mine are still like new. Car has 100K miles now and also running like new thanks to a little TLC. Later!

I have aluminum ones in great shape on my 2011 35d if anyone wants to swap. Located in Upstate NY, Rochester.

I swapped mine with someone and like the look better. Next year all the black trim will be painted body color anf fender flares will be added. I also like having clean pants now :)
I will be using Back to Black to make sure all the trim is one shade after washing it.

Seems everything is a matter of perspective. Mine came without the aluminum boards and I had been debating for years whether to replace them. Looking at these pics side by side, I think I'll keep mine as is. If I were to replace them, it would be with the even thinner boards they put on the sport models.

I will say this, I've been trolling around in a '15 X5 with running boards and I think BMW finally got a clue. They are about half as wide as the ones on ours but you risk scratching the doors if you climb up on them without the doors open.

Side Note I DO NOT like the new X5 in comparison to our E70's. (Except for the gas mileage)

I just did the running boards to no-running swap on my X5 35d last night.
I like the cleaner/uncluttered look.

I have a question. On my 2012 M-sport, I have body matched black sapphire running boards (not the alum ones). Since they are plastic I have never been sure how sturdy they are, if they should be stepped on by kids and adults.
For you guys that have removed, are they reinforced from inside? PAX5 those smaller inner parts in your pics, are those metal? Do they support the weight of stepping on the plastic runners? It appears so but want to know for sure.

I typically step right over them, but my little kids have to use them. To my alarm, the last time I paid to have my X5 hand washed, I saw the (pretty large) guy stand on those to reach the roof while washing. Since they seemed to be fine I didn't say anything, but it got me thinking to ask this.

Of course I realize that the painted sills may not hold up as well to shoes as the aluminum.