Running Boards or M Package Flares etc?

[fatmatt0116]

Hey, I'm trying to decide whether to have the dealer install the aluminum running boards and wider black plastic fender flares vs. the M package which gives you matched painted fender flares and another painted piece underneath the door which removes the ability to install the aluminum running board. I'm curious to hear opinions on this. Thank you

[watrob]

Originally Posted by fatmatt0116

Hey, I'm trying to decide whether to have the dealer install the aluminum running boards and wider black plastic fender flares vs. the M package which gives you matched painted fender flares and another painted piece underneath the door which removes the ability to install the aluminum running board. I'm curious to hear opinions on this. Thank you

I have had both, considering you don't use the aluminum running boards to stand on, they are actually used to stop stones & mud going up the side of the X5. My previous m-sport 35d & now my M50d have the plastic colour coded running boards and I did 73,000klm in the 35d with no noticable stones chips.

I also run the mudfflaps, also the plastic running boards are about 20mm not as wide so when you exit the X5 your trouser pants don't rub up against them and get muddy, its also a little easier for women to get in & out of the X5. Here's photo of my old 35d m-sport

[fatmatt0116]

Wife doesn't like the m sport flares/ running boards, so looks like the aluminum. Good to know they both stop rock chips.

[watrob]

Originally Posted by fatmatt0116

Wife doesn't like the m sport flares/ running boards, so looks like the aluminum. Good to know they both stop rock chips.

Remember to keep the aluminium clean as it stains with age!

[mmmmQuattro]

I don't like the aluminium running boards as they make getting in and out harder, especially with sports seats.
Interestingly my wife likes the look of the aluminium running boards more than the M-Sport look as well. Go figure that one?
She thinks that with a tight skirt it would be easier to use the running boards to help. But from what I have read, that's not the case.

[FlyAA757]

Beautiful car - love the wheels

[fatmatt0116]

Originally Posted by jp330Cic.au

I don't like the aluminium running boards as they make getting in and out harder, especially with sports seats.
Interestingly my wife likes the look of the aluminium running boards more than the M-Sport look as well. Go figure that one?
She thinks that with a tight skirt it would be easier to use the running boards to help. But from what I have read, that's not the case.

Don't have the sport seats. To tell you the truth, either running board looks pretty useless to me, my main concern is avoiding the rock chips.

LOL, does your wife also have a problem with buying too many pillows?

[az34]

Originally Posted by fatmatt0116

Hey, I'm trying to decide whether to have the dealer install the aluminum running boards and wider black plastic fender flares vs. the M package which gives you matched painted fender flares and another painted piece underneath the door which removes the ability to install the aluminum running board. I'm curious to hear opinions on this. Thank you

if it were my car "truck" i'll go for the first option,nothing can match the look of the alum,RB. good luck.

[mmmmQuattro]

Originally Posted by fatmatt0116

LOL, does your wife also have a problem with buying too many pillows?

How did you know?

[fatmatt0116]

Originally Posted by jp330Cic.au

How did you know?

Respect. She must be hot



I still hate the pillow obsession....there's no place to sit!

[Seatown]

I loved the look of the aluminum running boards on our '09 Silver X5. Looked very sporty.
However, the flared fenders on our new M-sport are irresistible. They are a a little harder to clean since the side-skirts are painted body panels instead of running boards.