Running board install question?
 

I bought an Ebay replica one just for the look of it, and wonder if I need to take off the wheel arch and replace all the wheel arch rivets to do so. If so, I should get wider wheel arch then since I'm taking them off for the running board install right? Thanks guys!

no you do not.
i only needed to undo the bottom of the fender flair to get the sideskirts on.

If i remember correctly it is only the lower two closest to the running boards.

Yes just the last 2 need to be removed but feel free to get arches IF you want to do that at the same time.

Do you mind posting a link of the actual item you purchased? There are so many different ones with different pricing. But they all look the same...I wonder if they all come from the same company overseas... The ones I'm looking at are around $150 with free shipping.

I've been debating on getting one of these. A lot of mixed reviews as to its functionality...

+1

+2 I'm in for updates and pics.

i agree, people seem to hate them for functionality.
it makes sense, as they to not sit any lower than the door.
so your basically stepping up just as high, just 6 inches outside the truck if that.
everyone says it gets your pants leg dirty if wet out since they protrude further out that the sideskirt.
most people just like them for the look.
i got performance sideskirts instead and love them

My kids are always looking for something to step on, so an actual step would be huge for them, no matter the height.

:iagree:
Since I've had my X5, I have to say that is one feature I don't really care for. Aesthetically, they look great, but they suck in functionality. When it comes to actually getting out of the truck, the boards make it harder than it needs to be. My wife scuffed up one of her heels the other night...:damn: I didn't hear the end of that one for a little while.
But, looking on the bright side of that happening, it opens up the possibility of replacing them with side skirts. Which, on others I've seen with them, looks killer! Does anyone have a link or knows of shops that sell them?

The Running Boards are love/hate relationship personally. I Love them, the husband and everyone who gets into the X5 hate them. If you drive the X5 with the boards for more than 37 minutes you quickly remember that they're there and then you realize you need to alter your ingress/egress process/procedure and actually use the running boards rather than not and you will never have a problem. The day I bought the X5 3-ish years ago Ive been fine.

My kids are 4, and coming from a 4Runner w/ boards, so they are both very independent and enjoy the climb in. Day 1 with the X5 they were looking for a proper step and ended up just stepping up on the molding.

I like the look and my kids prefer them, so I'll be doing them. All the literal fancy-pants owners may have other priorities.

I just bought this one today:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/111497500153

Picked it up in queens. Installed it. Not too bad. If you know how to screw, unscrew, push, pull, then you can DIY.

It's been two months, I still haven't have a chance to install the running board, been super busy at the shop, but I decided to get the flares too since I'm planning to get some 20" wheels and new suspension setup next summer. Once I got them all installed, will update with pictures for sure.;)

I didn't get them from this seller, but I'm sure they are coming from the same manufacture/company in Taiwan. :thumbup: