I only miss having them when I want to wash the moonroof. During the test drive though I swore it was a definite no - way too far to step out. Personally don't think it adds much to looks otherwise I would've gotten them just like everything else I've done so far.

I've seen Lincoln's implementation and it's pretty sweet... YouTube - Power Running Boards (functional, not for aesthetics).

No one in my family ever used them, and they always make it more difficult getting out of the car and stepping down. My wife hated them and insisted we don't get them on our new 2010.

After our extended test drive of a 35d w/ running boards, one of the things my wife insisted on was that we were NOT getting running boards. She found them to small to be useful for access but large enough to be annoying by rubbing her leg.

Funf Dreisig

Have them. I think they look good with certain colors (like white, black, gray). Helpful for kids (as mentioned), otherwise, no use for me.

When I was in college, I had a Honda Passport with running boards. It was very useful when washing my car. With my wife's current SUV, it doesn't have running boards. Hence, when I wash her car, I have to pull out a plastic stool to wash the top of the car.

Funny how it's usually women who don't like running boards...because it may dirty their pant bottoms. You know they are NOT the ones washing their cars. Hence, they don't care!:rofl:

The results seem to confirm previous discussion. Stylish and entry friendly but in the way when exiting.

If you every get an opportunity to try a Land Rover they have easy entry/exit. Feels like getting into and out of a car. Even the LR2 which doesn't lower.

I use this for washing the car, platform when washing the car.

Thank you everyone for your input!

I almost passed on the X5 because it was so hard to get in and out of. I'm 5'5" and a woman. The edge of the seat would hit in a very uncomfortable spot. I ordered mine without. I think it still looks great without them. Trust me, for women it's not helpful. With the rail there, one has to go so far inside to get to the seat. It's ridiculous! Even without the rail, I've had comments on the difficulty getting in. Like I said, it was almost a deal breaker. As far as kids, mine are big enough to get in just fine.

Maybe one of these days we will have a functional running board.

Three X5s and no running boards.