Loosing running boards
 

I'm starting to have second thoughts. I like the looks, but they are a pain....

have '07 X5 with sport and it has running boards. If I want to have them removed, what's involved? Is there a separate trim kit that would ahve been there without the running boards?

I assume I can't just take them off without some naked looking area being left behind.

Or is it a case of once done, can't be un-done?

Ps. Not asking about a DIY necessarily, and haven't asked the dealer yet, no real reluctance to do so but wanted to understand the issues first.

PPS. Sadly I cannot edit the title, but yes I know it should be "losing". Unless I guess I intended it to mean to set them free.

The rocker panel covers are different, and I could be mistaken, but I thought the fender flares also might be different.

I have teh boards and I dont understand all the complaints about them. they are not that bad.

i am trying to decide if i should order the running boards.... i'm starting to think i shouldn't... they seem to get 'stained' and you even lose a little ground clearance, right? might not be a lot, but a little is a lot to me in a vehicle that already can't compete on ground clearance.

The running boards on the E70 are purely for esthetics IMO.
I don't use them to get in or out and never take the SAV off-road, but they do make the X look better.

I've heard of people having them ADDED, so I thought they were not a difference in actual body style.

OK... I give up... what's a "rocker panel cover"? I see quite a few places people mention them but never a definition or picture. What part of the body is that?

As I said, I could be wrong, but I had thought the dealer told me there was a different part # for the fender flares with the running boards (which would mean a total of 4 different part #'s for each corner of the car if you also take into consideration the 20" wheel models already use a special flare). The running boards have a few pros and cons as I see it:
Pros: Looks better (especially with the 20" wheel option)
Useful for small kids to climb in or out without stepping on the carpet and door seals (if you can train them to use them).

Cons: Adds cost (although marginal if bought as a factory option)
The staining issue makes people worry about keeping them looking good
For normal sized adults and teens they get in the way and can soil your pants when you rub against them when entering/exiting
The ground clearance issue (although I am not sure if this is actually true, and for many it would make no differnence in the suburbs!)

The rocker panel cover is the large black plastic trim piece that connects the front and rear fender flares together.

I have read about the staining issue but in the five months I have had my X5 no issue at all. I do not used drive through car washes though. I do not see where the running board would affect ground clearence but it is for looks. I have read about some who stand on it to wash the roof but I even find for that a small ladder is more useful.

The only issue IMHO is this:

For normal sized adults and teens they get in the way and can soil your pants when you rub against them when entering/exiting


Other than that they are great !!!

I have to admit, as much as I would hate soiling my clothing from rubbing on them, I really like the look with the 20's, so if the original poster wants to swap his running boards for my rocker panels and some cash to him I would entertain the idea.