Replaced Running Boards
 

Before and after photos of running board replacement. I also added mud flaps. We have 6 months of mud in Santa Fe every winter (many dirt streets!)

You had running boards and you took them out right? How much were the sides?
Im not sure if i like my running boards, gets my pants dirty.

Yes, I took them off. It was about $600 for new BMW parts, including new fasteners. They are about 2 inches narrower than the running boards and easier to step around. I also had the pants problem.

Added another view.

Man, that sounds expensive. Did you have to replace all the bracket and every thing or could you use the ones from the running boards and just put the new ones on?

That looks pretty slick! The mud flaps are a nice touch too. I like the appearance of my running boards, but after a couple of weeks of driving the car, I can see where they'll get a bit annoying when they're dirty in the winter time. This looks like a really nice alternative.

BTW...where did you find the smaller replacement boards? I've done some searching, but I'm not having any luck.

there is a support bracket under it that also needs replacing.

The support brackets have different part numbers for the running boards as opposed to the rocker panels, and so I replaced everything.

I got the parts at getbmwparts.com Several items for the install are included, new bolts (20 provided 22 needed) and the black clips from underneath, but the white clips that attach the rocker panels were not included. I also purchased some blind rivets, etc.

I think the boards are the same as if you didn't have the running boards. I'm sure if you want to save some money you could find someone to trade with, ie. those who don't have running boards who want to install running boards.

I traded my running boards with a friendly board member soon after I purchased my 35d. Made a world of difference. The X5 with the smaller running boards looks better in my opinion and I can get in and out without problems, now. Not a hard job to do.

You can probably sell your old running boards on Ebay. The only problem is that shipping costs are outrageous! So make sure the buyer pays actual shipping or else you're going to end up giving them away.

I have a set of black side cladding running boards with hardware from a 2012 X5 50i that I would be willing to trade for a set of aluminum running boards. The aluminum must be in good to excellent condition, not oxidized or "rusted".

If you're not local and we need to ship (I am in Lehigh Valley, PA), the box is considered oversize by UPS and FedEx and would cost $80+.

Please PM me.