+1 couldn't have said it simpler, and to clean the roof

Before you nix the running boards completely.....

I thought exactly the same thing - that I never use the running boards for anything. Then, we took delivery of the X6M, which of course cannot be had with the running boards.

It is a pain in the ass stepping OVER the now-painted side sill, without scratching it - something one did not have to worry about with running boards.

My wife is 5' 1". She misses the running boards, big time. It was FAR easier to step onto the running board when entering/exiting the vehicle, in order to avoid getting your clothes dirty, than it is with no running boards.

Also, I'm a stickler for not prematurely scuffing/damaging the leather, so I try hard not to slide over the side bolsters when getting in or exiting the car - this is MUCH easier to do, when you step on the running board.

Aesthetically? I prefer no running boards. Functionally? They actually made sense, and we miss them, now that we don't have them


Just my two cents.

Running Board for looks. BMW should pick up the dry cleaning bills for dirty pants for us New Englanders in the snow and mud! Love the X6 50i !!!!!

I'll pay double my dry cleaning bills for the thrill I get from my X6 50i :wow:

A friend of mine just picked up a X6 35i and it came with the running boards. he wants to have them off. I am willing to help as long as the process as easy as it is on the x5 E70. does anybody know?

I use them getting out - makes things a little easier not rubbing my pants against the side of the running boards. My wife (5'05) do not use them. So I think its a matter of preference and making a habbit out of it.

If you have small kids or are planning on them - then running boards are worth every cent ..they add grip and allow kids to steady themselves before getting in and out - and I sort of like that from a safety perspective :) I have X5 so it probably suits over the X6 ... in some ways I see the X6 as the pre-kids / no kids mobile ...