Installation of Running Boards on 2011 X5

Originally Posted by PurPlazur

I agree. I am going to regret those as soon as snow falls ....

Oh boy! This is frustrating to explain...........You open the driver's door, put your left foot on the running board, put your right foot on the driver's floor mat, put your ass on the seat, and bring your left foot into the vehicle (and shake it all about).

Reverse the process when exiting. I will guarantee you that your pant leg will not get dirty using this technique. It's kind of basic. I have had running boards on my last six X5s with no dirt problems.

Originally Posted by petey3

Oh boy! This is frustrating to explain...........You open the driver's door, put your left foot on the running board, put your right foot on the driver's floor mat, put your ass on the seat, and bring your left foot into the vehicle (and shake it all about).

Reverse the process when exiting. I will guarantee you that your pant leg will not get dirty using this technique. It's kind of basic. I have had running boards on my last six X5s with no dirt problems.

Doesnt it seem silly and awkward to take little mincing 6 inch steps between the running board and the floor mat?

And how do you place your left foot on the running board, and then lift the right? You cannot lift the right until you weight is fully supported, right? Are you now fully standing on your left foot??? So fully standing upright, head up above the roof?

Originally Posted by ard

Doesnt it seem silly and awkward to take little mincing 6 inch steps between the running board and the floor mat?

And how do you place your left foot on the running board, and then lift the right? You cannot lift the right until you weight is fully supported, right? Are you now fully standing on your left foot??? So fully standing upright, head up above the roof?

Try it. Somethings are not easily understood by just reading. You have to experience it.

A few years ago, I too was skeptical of the value and ease of entry using the running boards. However, I believe someone on this forum attached photos of how to use them and after using his technique I was sold on it. I'd never buy an X5 without the running boards.

Originally Posted by petey3

Try it. Somethings are not easily understood by just reading. You have to experience it.

A few years ago, I too was skeptical of the value and ease of entry using the running boards. However, I believe someone on this forum attached photos of how to use them and after using his technique I was sold on it. I'd never buy an X5 without the running boards.

How tall are you? I tried your technique last night, and I've got a clearance problem with my head going in at 6' tall.

This is great. We are discussing "how to get in your car". This reminds me of a post on a Porsche forum titled "how to back your car up". Funny stuff.

On a serious note, I previously had an X5 with running boards and now have a X5M which does not have running boards as part of the M package. Don't miss them at all.

I'm looking at pre-owned X5's and found one we really liked. However, my wife and I don't like the looks of the running boards. The salesperson told us they couldn't be removed. Does anyone know if the running boards can be removed? If so, is it difficult to do so and costly?

Its definitely something that you can do yourself in about 2-3 hours. I did it because it was easier for my daughter to get in and out of the back. Parts are about $330 or so from Pacific BMW.

It is not difficult. I Just did today on my X5. Bought on eBAY for $335+Free Shipping and installed in 2hrs