Running Boards: In the way or helpful?
 

In the past. I have been told that running boards on average are more in the way and/or cause you to slip when getting out of the vehicle than they are helpful.

For those of you w/running board and vertically challenge people or children in your life.

Do you find the running boards helpful to entering and exiting the vehicle?:dunno:

Thanks.

I find the running boards more helpful entering than exiting the vehicle. As I exit, my leg tends to brush the side of the running board.

They look much better than their use to us. It also makes washing the roof of the X5 much easier.

Check out the comments here.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...lack-trim.html

I have them for looks, not functionality.

Running boards can be helpful with women and kids. For guys (or taller ppl), there's no benefit except for washing the top of the car.

I also think it looks better with them than without...

+1

Craig

Yeah, definitely! That's why I also ordered the running boards too. Without them (and roof racks), most SUV's look like minivans!:bustingup

I'm a tall guy, but they sure make tying surfboards on the roof rack and getting them down easier :thumbup:

Let me reiterate. For guys (or tall ppl), there's no benefit except for washing the roof or accessing the roof racks....basically, anything regarding the roof.:nanana:

They help when getting cargo in/out of your cargo box!

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...er-top-x5.html

+1 ... looks good
+1 ... for women and children
+1 ... me no like when getting out

Do I regret ordering them? Hell no...they look SWEEEET :)

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.