Non OEM Running Boards issue
 

Hi guys. Just wanted to share my not so good experience when I bought these non-OEM aluminum running boards made in Taiwan (or China - not sure). They fit perfectly and the install was less than 30 minites.

However...

1. the side of the aluminum board seem to have a slight dent on the points where there are I think rivets or clamps. Compared them with their other running boards in stock and they allbhave these dents :-(

2. When you step on the running boards to get in (I weigh something like 190 lbs.), the rubber studs I stepped on go in the aluminum board and stay stuck inside. I had to pull them out with nose pliers! Grrrrr!

Aside from the 2 issues above they serve the purpose for my kids, they look pretty and looked OEM for a minimal cost.

Any of you tried these non-OEM boards? Are there quick fixes or solution to the rubber stud issues? I was thinking of dismantling the boards and inserting a 2nd layer of rubber inside so that the rubber studs stay in place. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I'm sure the smartest and quickest way to deal with this is to return them - but I'm not considering returning them at the moment at least not just yet.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...psxxw3dten.jpg

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Did you ever find a solution to the rubber studs getting stuck below the aluminum plate?
I'm looking to retrofit the aluminum running boards on an E70.

Sorry for the delayed response. No solution sorry :-( ridiculous so I just don't step on them anymore (stepboards you cannot step on haha!)

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Unfortunately you have discovered one of the subtle design-differences between OEM and aftermarket.

The OE running board dots have a "ridge" design around the dot where it protrudes through the aluminum. This prevents the dot from being pushed back into the hole when stepped on ...

Single black dot pic is from earlier design on e53. e70 boards use a similar design. But dots are tied together in a mat.

No, its not the design of the studs. Tiny ridge or not, a 200 pound person stepping on them will push them in. For the OEM kit, and most likely yours as well, there is a ridgid foam insert that is supposed to be placed inside the step which gives the rubber studs backing so they don't fall in. I have direct experience with this because my old dealer had to replace my step due to damage on their part and they didn't install the foam piece. After going back they still didn't or couldn't fix it so i went to a different dealer who fixed it for me as a courtesy. Needless to say they are my new dealer now.

The foam pieces are often confused as packaging that comes in the box so I hope you didn't throw them out. I'd be surprised if aftermarket steps didn't have them because as you see, you need them to be there. Good luck!

Good point! Yes, the foam backing material also prevents the black dots from being pushed in ...

The non-OEM running boards I purchased from Ebay (SUV Warehouse) do not use a foam insert, they use a fairly heavy solid rubber one. The only way to determine this was to disassemble the running boards though...

We'll see if over time the rubber buttons get pushed in.

I do not recommend using the mounting hardware they include - lower quality, no metal shoulder on the bolts. I was able to re-use all the original mounting hardware.