Do you like your OEM Running Boards?
 

Hello, looking at '08-'09' 4.8's to replace my wife's '02 3.0. My wife really likes the OEM running boards on the E70's, but it's hit or miss if we will end up finding one with all the options we want and the running boards. Personal preference for the styling, but I think they do give the X a more muscular appearance. Then again our '02 doesn't have them, and looks wimpy compared to the E70 anyway so maybe that's why we feel that way? :thumbup:

I've read all the posts about installing these and sounds like it's not difficult to do yourself nor very expensive, so if we get one without I will put them on.

I have read mixed reviews from owners with the OEM running boards, some say they are akward getting in and out, get your pants dirty, and I've personally test driven a couple that show wierd staining on the aluminum. I've even read posts where people have removed the OEM's.

My questions for owners with these installed; do you like them and would you install them if you didn't have them(i.e. would you miss them)? Do you experience the issues some have mentioned, and does your aluminum have the staining or is it easy to keep looking new?

Thanks!

I think the majority of the people with running boards dont like them. I talked with three friends with e70s and with running boards and they said they wished they never got them. Many complaints, such as:
- they often get ur paints dirty because they stick out so far,
- small rust spots,
- very expensive to remove if u would like to.

I opted for no running boards on my new x5, this wasnt a matter of cost either as i picked up every package and some custom order items.

cheers,

The running boards are impractical. You have to stretch farther to get in the vehicle and it messes your pants up.

The vehicle kind looks off without it; but its a personal taste.

Functionality, they do nothing. I don't have a problem with pants getting dirty but, then again, I'm 6'3" so probably step too far out when getting out. Aesthetically, IMO they do make a difference it adds more of a sporty flair compared to not having them. I don't have any issues with stains or rust spots (I just wipe them down with Armor All as I'm doing the lower trim with it). My $.02.

Funny you said that I armor all mine, and when i was finished and getting in it was very slippery. I slipped off the running board and hit the ground backwards, it was a combination of embarrassment and a good laugh rolled in one. I put a good coat of aluminum polish on mine once a month, that keeps it pretty decent with no rust.

I like them, from the appearance point of view, in combination with extended wheel arches and 20" wheels. They also help protecting the rear doors and fenders from paint chipping. That being said, I do get some complaints from the passengers.

I like them for looks as its more aggressive looking, but definitely serves zero purpose, except when I step on it to reach the roof when I wash the car. I would still have it if I got a do-over.

I like them in terms of function and appearance.

My pop's X5 came with them and they're useless. They're not wide enough to serve a real purpose, yet wide enough so that getting in/out means one's pant legs will get wet and/or dirty.

running boards work for smaller kids or if you're under 5'5"

if I try to use it I end up banging my head on the roof. getting out my pants/socks rub on it.

I've had one X5 with them and one without.

Pros:
Looks
Useful for putting bikes on roof rack
Helpful for people who have a hard time stepping up to get in (my mother)
Protects against door dings

Cons:
Have to be careful about dirt on pant legs
After 2 years starting to have uneven stain on Aluminum

I would get them again because of the door ding protection, the appearance and for putting my bikes on the roof. However, I agree that for many they may have limited functionality.

You summed it up pretty well right here, not as functional as they are esthetic, and most would opt to get them again. I think they would actually have some functionality for us as we have smaller children that could use them as steps. If we find one without running boards and I install them I could always remove them if we really wanted to.

Thanks to all who gave input! :thumbup:

I've had them on all 3 of my X5's...the first were replica's and they were more for appearance than function as they were more narrow than OEM.

I use them to get in and out of my car each day, they are totally functional for me to step on. I've had issues with some minor stains in the past but just use a white magic eraser sponge to remove it. But I think the car looks better with than without.

can't use the running boards. I would hit my head on the roof during entry.

I have thought long and hard about running boards. I am so glad that I did not get them.

1. Over time, I have decided that I don't like the look of them -- the reflection in in the door is distracting and "gaudy" (looks like fake crystals)
2. I have read of way too many "staining" issues

OK, ON A SERIOUS NOTE

I'm in the market for some.... Can anyone lead me in the right direction? DON'T LAUGH... :( BUT.... MY WIFE AND I ARE 5'6 3/4 AND SHORTER, I NEED A RUNNING JUMP TO GET IN THE CAR.. AND WE ARE NO EXPERTS IN POLE VAULTING... LMAO... I NEARLY TORE A LIGAMENT! :bustingup

ak..

I've read that if you stand on them the little rubber things get pushed in, so you really can't use them to reach the roof.

I thought all the previous posts were serious. :confused:
It's your post that is the funny one :rofl: Does sound like it might be a good idea for you though.

:iagree: HAPPPPPY FRIDAY!

How bout some humor! Well, this was the reason if you look at my all previous cars..( except the X3!) they are CARS! and even then, the X5 looked like a monster truck. But since a baby on the way (Within 10 days:wow:) that is why I got the X5... (Picked up on 12-31-11)...

So as I first stated.... I see all kinds of "just like" OEM running boards.... any direction to help where to get them at a good price?

ak.

I like the look of the running board. When I went for a test drive, the test drive car had them and I stepped on it and slipped off. I didn't get hurt but the salesperson looked worried that I might sue them or something.....

Ha, that's my only experience with the running boards. I think they are useless but I like the look of them.

I had installed a set of the non-OEM running boards on my 2001 X5. And having put them on, and then installed the OEM ones on my 2004 X5 I can tell you they are light years difference in how they attach and the quality - to say the OEM's were more sturdy and better integrated. The rubber dots on the non-OEM RB's fell off consistently and since they were from China I had no way to get anything to replace those. From a cosmetic point I thought they looked good and were less $ and they are still on the car with the guy I sold too. But if you take them off the surface underneath would have been pretty unsightly from the install.

I also snow ski and reaching my ski roof racks using the boards as my step is a necessity. They are quite functional for me and why I searched for an X with them.

This debate of RB versus non-RB has been raging for years on the E53 forum and you will find both sides of the argument there. :D