Rocker panels (not running boards). Any alternatives???
 

Apart from the backup camera, the only thing driving me crazy about my new E70 is the running boards!!!

No, I do not have the aluminum ones that are wider; those would only exacerbate the situation!!!

My problem is with the stock standard black plastic rocker panels! Every time I get out, I have to make a conscious effort to avoid touching them. I don't understand why BMW had to put these dirt and mud collectors on the side of the X5. After driving through mud or snow, they are just a pain in (*&^.

Has anyone looked into removing these and replacing them with a different option? I haven't seen pictures of any mods where anyone has changed them.

Thanks

Note: I edited this thread title to change the thread to rocker panels ...

It's the same problem on every SUV's running boards... they've been around for quite a while and is really only functional for... kids.

I don't know which ones you have but I would figure the cylindrical ones would help a bit, but not by much.

Just to be clear. I think the X5 standard running boards should be something like the MB M-Class running boards (i.e. almost non-existent). MB picture below:

No options that i know of. It's a problem that has been around since the inception of the X5. Me i Just do my best to avoid them and as such have had no problems.

i have the running boards. they are fine and I;m only 5'7".

I don't think it's a height thing ;)

It's a problem when I get out of my X5 in the garage with limited space to open the door with the wall there... I can't get out without scuffing my pants on the black plastic running board.

You'll figure it out. I park in the garage as well. You could park on the opposite side of the garage ya know.......

Its not a height thing you are supposed to use the running boards to decrease wear on the sides of your leather seats. If you do not step out of the car you continually slide off the side of your seat and if you even look after a few months the side of the seat will be much more worn than other parts of your seat.

And brian5 that is not a running board, MB has an optional running board. If thats more of what you wanted you should have opted out of the running board option

peterk814.
1) not sure about the decreasing wear factor but will take your word for that
2) I don't know what else you would call "that black plastic piece that runs along the lower side of the car and that the larger aluminum running board attaches to". I could not opt out of that...:confused: That's standard with the X5.

Anyway, I'll figure this out. I might look into removing it and taking it to a body shop.

The biggest design problem is not the running boards, but the fact that the seats are deeper inside the car - by almost 2" deeper than on E53 ! I've got the running boards primarily for kids.