Running Boards

[Lorenz]

Has anyone order ? 2014 BMW X5
35i Running Boards.

[chrisny]

See any x-line posted on here and numerous luxury lines as well.

[SCBMW02]

I got the X Line, I really like the running boards.

[Dazza72]

Originally Posted by SCBMW02

I got the X Line, I really like the running boards.

How do you find they impact getting into or out of the vehicle? I love the way they look but in one review I read, the writer complained that they tended to get his pant legs dirty whenever he got out.

[ChipB]

Originally Posted by Dazza72

How do you find they impact getting into or out of the vehicle? I love the way they look but in one review I read, the writer complained that they tended to get his pant legs dirty whenever he got out.

Agreed. We found during our test dricve of a truck with running boards that unlike the running boards on, say, and Explorer, the X5's are quite narrow - so you can't really use it as a step getting in and out of the truck. My wife complained that she kept bumping her leg against it, so we opted to order ours without the running boards.

[Kzang]

People that have trouble with the running boards are probably not using the board as a step but as an obstacle. I use the step as a step to step on to get down from my E70. People that have complained about it getting their pants dirty are extending their leg over the step and trying to put their foot down on the ground. At least that is what I have observed from various people who tried to get out of my X5.

[jbwitt]

I got the X-line and also opted out of the running boards. I usually like running boards, but I did not like the look of the X5's and they got in my way.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by Kzang

People that have trouble with the running boards are probably not using the board as a step but as an obstacle. I use the step as a step to step on to get down from my E70. People that have complained about it getting their pants dirty are extending their leg over the step and trying to put their foot down on the ground. At least that is what I have observed from various people who tried to get out of my X5.

^this. But FWIW, the boards are more narrow on the F15 than the E70, they don't stick out as much. Which makes them less useful as a step, but also less of an obstacle. Not saying they're useless as a step, but for those that want them only for the looks, they should be less of an obstacle and less likely to dirty your pants, but I'm sure they still do.

[Roundown]

I have an XLine- the running boards make accessing the roof much simpler (rack, box, etc.). They're streamlined compared to the E70 and, in my opinion, compliment the XLine well.

Here's an angle that captures the size well:

[Kzang]

Based upon the pictures above, as ChrisNY mentioned the new running boards should be a less of an issue... I don't know if I could use it myself as a step though lol.

[apw2607]

Hopefully they have overcome the issue of them corroding over time like on the e70

[Socal2025]

Personally, I don't care for them.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by riM3

I have an XLine- the running boards make accessing the roof much simpler (rack, box, etc.).

This is a good point. I have to stand on the tires when trying to wash the roof anytime I was the car myself in order to reach since I have an M sport (no boards).

For roof boxes though, I think I'd want more of a footing so would just open the door and stand with a foot or two inside the car. Loading the roof box I tend to do that anyway, leaning back on the open door, etc..

[Jaynj71]

I have the Xline with running boards & I think they work fine for what they are. It gives the truck a more rugged look. I step right over them getting in & out. They protrude a little, but not as bad as the E70. You get used to them.

[providence]

I agree with the "dirty pants" claim on the E70. They are akwardly sized on that car IMO. However, if you have children (like I do) then i would not consider getting the x5 without the running boards. They constantly use it to get in and out of the car.
On the F15, they did some revision and made the step more narrow (ie less of a step) but for little ones this should still serve its purpose. and with less of a lip, it reduces the incidence of contact w articles of clothing during egress.
I will be including the running boards on my F15...

[vincentBE]

I like the look of the running boards very much, but also the meatier feeling of the M sport wheel, because I like a thick steering wheel, as for example in a Land Rover.
Since the M sport line does not come with running boards, I had a problem, because my dealer told me at first I could not order an M sport steering wheel without M sport line...
Finally (when he saw my hesitation) he found out it was possible to order it in combination with the sport gearbox as separate option, without M sport line.
Really looking forward to receive my car with running boards+ M sport steering wheel,
somewhere in April

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by vincentBE

I like the look of the running boards very much, but also the meatier feeling of the M sport wheel, because I like a thick steering wheel, as for example in a Land Rover.
Since the M sport line does not come with running boards, I had a problem, because my dealer told me at first I could not order an M sport steering wheel without M sport line...
Finally (when he saw my hesitation) he found out it was possible to order it in combination with the sport gearbox as separate option, without M sport line.
Really looking forward to receive my car with running boards+ M sport steering wheel,
somewhere in April

In the US?

[vincentBE]

ordered in Belgium

[oskee64]

I guess just going to wait for an aftermarket running boards for my M sport. Is there any out there yet?

[newbimmerx5]

Originally Posted by Dazza72

How do you find they impact getting into or out of the vehicle? I love the way they look but in one review I read, the writer complained that they tended to get his pant legs dirty whenever he got out.

I got 2014 X5 xLine. These running boards are much narrow than 2013 X5 e70. So, you will have no problem at all. Plus, if you have small kids, these are must. People talk about dirt on pants etc but not a concern with this version of boards. And they look extremely sporty.