Install running boards or not

X5-User · 05-03-2019, 09:57 AM

My X5 didn't come with running boards and I have been looking at pictures with X5 that have them and find they add great look. I am thinking to install (aftermarket or OEM) one but I read some people complain about them and would rather remove them as they are not really functional for tall people.

Anyone who installed them (after having regular side skirts) and regretted adding them?

Thanks

smass · 05-03-2019, 02:53 PM

I switched to running boards last year. They have been fine for me and i like the way they look. I can stand on them when putting things on the roof rack. We don't get snow here so I don't worry about dirty pant legs.

I have the side skirts for sale if anyone is interested. I am moving soon and need to get rid of them.

Alex Ander · 05-05-2019, 08:50 PM

I have them and I like to have them.
If you have kids they are of great help to step in to the car without touching the door frame which over time would become scratched. It also keeps the door frame cleaner.
I had original BMW ones and then I damaged one backing up in to a post at a gas station. It actually saved my door and side mirror from being damaged and needing repair and paint shop work.
I have replaced it with an aftermarket one from ebay and you cannot tell if there is any difference in quality of the plastic part, but there is just slightly difference on the brushed aluminum finish on the metal part.
I would suggest to buy aftermarket rather than EOM, as long you get those that costs more than 150$ the pair.

HedMan · 05-06-2019, 09:55 AM

It's a love-hate relationship for me.

I think it looks better with the running boards, but they are useless for actually getting in and out of the car, especially when the door can't be opened all the way (like in a parking lot or the garage).

They are just too small for my size 12's to fit on, so I need to step over them, which is just a little too far to be comfortable (and is especially a pain when the running boards are dirty).

LastLong · 05-06-2019, 02:06 PM

For me, I prefer without the running boards

pdX5M · 05-06-2019, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LastLong

For me, I prefer without the running boards

Agreed. No running boards is my preference. Being 6'4" they wouldn't help me even if they were available on the M. Just looks "cleaner" without them.

windsailor · 05-06-2019, 07:35 PM

without, keep it clean and also, if you see a fake M please report it!

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1052983

sunny_j · 05-06-2019, 09:57 PM

Without

05-03-2019, 09:57 AM	#1
X5-User Lieutenant Colonel 188 Rep 1,755 Posts Drives: X5 35d Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: VA iTrader: (2)	Install running boards or not My X5 didn't come with running boards and I have been looking at pictures with X5 that have them and find they add great look. I am thinking to install (aftermarket or OEM) one but I read some people complain about them and would rather remove them as they are not really functional for tall people. Anyone who installed them (after having regular side skirts) and regretted adding them? Thanks
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-03-2019, 02:53 PM	#2
smass Lieutenant Colonel 398 Rep 1,579 Posts Drives: 06 325i - 10 335i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 E90 335i [0.00] 2016 F15 35i [0.00] 2003 E53 3.0 [0.00] 2006 E90 325i [0.00]	I switched to running boards last year. They have been fine for me and i like the way they look. I can stand on them when putting things on the roof rack. We don't get snow here so I don't worry about dirty pant legs. I have the side skirts for sale if anyone is interested. I am moving soon and need to get rid of them.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-05-2019, 08:50 PM	#3
Alex Ander New Member 4 Rep 18 Posts Drives: BMW X5 xDrive3.5i 2013 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	I have them and I like to have them. If you have kids they are of great help to step in to the car without touching the door frame which over time would become scratched. It also keeps the door frame cleaner. I had original BMW ones and then I damaged one backing up in to a post at a gas station. It actually saved my door and side mirror from being damaged and needing repair and paint shop work. I have replaced it with an aftermarket one from ebay and you cannot tell if there is any difference in quality of the plastic part, but there is just slightly difference on the brushed aluminum finish on the metal part. I would suggest to buy aftermarket rather than EOM, as long you get those that costs more than 150$ the pair.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-06-2019, 09:55 AM	#4
HedMan New Member 2 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 35i Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: NC - North Carolina iTrader: (0)	It's a love-hate relationship for me. I think it looks better with the running boards, but they are useless for actually getting in and out of the car, especially when the door can't be opened all the way (like in a parking lot or the garage). They are just too small for my size 12's to fit on, so I need to step over them, which is just a little too far to be comfortable (and is especially a pain when the running boards are dirty).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-06-2019, 02:06 PM	#5
LastLong Captain 90 Rep 601 Posts Drives: Nothing Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	For me, I prefer without the running boards __________________ - 2015 F85 BMW X5M = SOLD - 2012 E70 BMW X5 35i - M Sport = SOLD - 2008 E71 BMW X6 35i - Sport Pack = SOLD - 2007 E70 BMW X5 4.8i - Sport Pack = SOLD - 2007 E70 BMW X5 30si - Sport Pack = SOLD
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-06-2019, 07:35 PM	#7
windsailor Private First Class 8 Rep 122 Posts Drives: 2013 X5M Black Saphire Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Cowtown iTrader: (0)	without, keep it clean and also, if you see a fake M please report it! https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1052983
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-06-2019, 09:57 PM	#8
sunny_j Lieutenant 211 Rep 433 Posts Drives: 2012 X5d Join Date: May 2012 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia iTrader: (0)	Without __________________ 2012 X5d \| Deleted & BRR Tuned \| DWR TCU Tune \| 10.25" Android 8.1 Screen Build Thread https://www.xbimmers.com/forums/show....php?t=1529213
	Appreciate 1 9vapors651.50 Quote