another benefit is that they add an additional level of protection against door dings from smaller vehicles. There is a tendancy for their doors to hit the running board long before it gets to your sheet metal. That feature alone is worth the money in my book and outweighs the disadvantage of getting dirty legs.

Does everyone realize the non-running boards stick out 2.5-3 inches and already protect the car sides/door?? Is the running board so much wider that it will shield the sides??

On passenger cars, yes. I tested this with friends parking next to me. With another SUV, truck or minivan, no. You are at their mercy for being considerate when they enter and exit their vehicle.

There was a service bulletin out for this:

E70 (X5) produced up to June 8, 2009, and equipped with Running Boards (SA328)

SI B 51 30 09 - Permanent Discoloration on the Running Boards

SITUATION
A permanent discoloration is present on the aluminum surface of the running boards. This corrosion has the appearance of white discolored patches. Buffing and/or polishing the affected areas will not remove the corrosion.

CAUSE
Discoloration on the aluminum surface caused by environmental effects

CORRECTION
Replace the affected running boards with updated parts. Updated parts are manufactured using a more environmentally-resistant aluminum.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

I just bought an 08 and noticed this discoloration on them. Where did you get this from? I'd like to take it up to the dealer and have them replace them, but knowing them I'm going to need proof. I was going to do it myself, but if I could save myself a few $$$ that'd be great.

Yea, mine got replaced under warranty. I didn't even notice :stickpoke The dealer pointed it out and then went ahead and ordered new ones. Very nice of them !!

I know I might sound slow at this point, but is this something covered for the MY08'? Or is this 09 specific. Im just trying to save myself the embarrassment of confidently walking up to the BMW service department and asking for new, free running boards because mine are discolored.

I would go in and ask them.

PM me your e-mail and I will send you the Service Bulletin to print out to take to them.

I bought a day pass to BMW TIS EPA and downloaded everything so I have it. Spent about 4 hours doing it, but its well worth the $30 and will pay for itself over and over again as warranty questions come up.

Thanks for the help, but i took the advice of other posters and stopped by the stealership this morning.