Running boards - yes or no?

I cannot decide if I should get running boards or not since I have only seen an X6 WITH running boards. I like the look of them, but when I drove an X5 with running boards, it seems they got in the way. I'm 5'7", so I don't really need to use them while getting in the vehicle, so when I got in the X5, I did not step on them. They stuck out kind of far, and seemed to be a bit of an inconvenience. I'm wondering if the running boards stick out farther when they are present, or if they are simply the silver dotted strip on top of something that would be there even without running boards. Did that make sense? I can't tell from pictures, so anyone that has any idea, please let me know.

Thanks,

Kristen

I don't know about the X6, but on the new X5, the running boards definitely stick out further than the cars without running boards. We have them on our X5 and, as much as I love the look, I'm not sure we'd order them again. They do get in the way, especially in winter when I tend to inevitably drag my pant leg across the accumulated slush.

I'm 5'7 and ahve the running boards on my X5... I hit my shins on them all the freaking time. Why not get it without...then if you decide you want them you can just add them on.

Pix of the x6?

Hummm, FL...mind if I ask where you bought it?

Originally Posted by SailinSand

I'm 5'7 and ahve the running boards on my X5... I hit my shins on them all the freaking time. Why not get it without...then if you decide you want them you can just add them on.

I don't think it's that simple. The black plastic piece under the silver strip is different on models without running boards (at least it is on the X5).

Originally Posted by XZLR8

I don't think it's that simple. The black plastic piece under the silver strip is different on models without running boards (at least it is on the X5).

ohhhh. didn't realize that.

Maybe she can double check on that.

I've really bruised my legs on the damn things!

Originally Posted by SailinSand

ohhhh. didn't realize that.

Maybe she can double check on that.

I've really bruised my legs on the damn things!

I bet. They really do get in the way. (But still, love the look.)

When we ordered our X5, we'd never seen a car without the boards and were told that the boards stick out the same amount, whether you opt for the silver strips or not. Well, that's simply not true. After taking delivery, we were able to side-by-side compare with a vehicle without the silver running boards. Without the boards, there is probably an inch or two less obstruction.

Originally Posted by XZLR8

I bet. They really do get in the way. (But still, love the look.)

I agree. Worth the pain and suffering of my hott legs.

How do you guys like your 4.8? What kind of MPG are you getting? Right now I'm soooo glad we have the 3.0!

Originally Posted by kristodd

I cannot decide if I should get running boards or not since I have only seen an X6 WITH running boards. I like the look of them, but when I drove an X5 with running boards, it seems they got in the way. I'm 5'7", so I don't really need to use them while getting in the vehicle, so when I got in the X5, I did not step on them. They stuck out kind of far, and seemed to be a bit of an inconvenience. I'm wondering if the running boards stick out farther when they are present, or if they are simply the silver dotted strip on top of something that would be there even without running boards. Did that make sense? I can't tell from pictures, so anyone that has any idea, please let me know.

Thanks,

Kristen

Here are some pic's that might help on the X6.The running boards on the X6 w and w/o look the same to me....save the antislip sliver and rubber dots on top.The distance away from the auto w and w/o look the same to me.The Red X6 is w/ Running Boards,the Black X6 without.Thanks! PalBay

Nice pictures, Palboy. To me, it looks like the ones with the silver strips stick out a bit more, much like on our X5. I can't remember the exact difference, but I know we measured at the time and it was a solid inch, if not a bit more.

Originally Posted by SailinSand

How do you guys like your 4.8? What kind of MPG are you getting? Right now I'm soooo glad we have the 3.0!

Yeah, I bet you are. The gas mileage on the 4.8i has been, truly, abysmal. With mostly in town driving, my wife is averaging in the high 13s to low 14s.

I like 'em

Originally Posted by kristodd

I cannot decide if I should get running boards or not since I have only seen an X6 WITH running boards. I like the look of them, but when I drove an X5 with running boards, it seems they got in the way. I'm 5'7", so I don't really need to use them while getting in the vehicle, so when I got in the X5, I did not step on them. They stuck out kind of far, and seemed to be a bit of an inconvenience. I'm wondering if the running boards stick out farther when they are present, or if they are simply the silver dotted strip on top of something that would be there even without running boards. Did that make sense? I can't tell from pictures, so anyone that has any idea, please let me know.

Thanks,

Kristen

I prefer no running boards on a X6 or X5.

Appearance aside, they stick out too far and are more of an annoyance than anything. If you use them, you bang your head on the roof getting in and out. If you don't use them, you soil your pant legs.

If you do not care about function and only want appearance, they look fine on an X5 but not an X6.

Having running boards on an X6 is like putting a roof rack on a 650.

I plan on getting running boards, but are there two types?

I have seen on ebay and other places what appears to be polished aluminium strips with anti-skid polks dots that just bolt onto the existing side boards for under $300. And, then gone to REAL OEM and other sites and noticed ones that seem to be complete replacements of the side molding to add the running boards for around $500.

• Are there two different types?
• Can someone recommend a location for running boards?

I ordered the Alloy finished ones for mine.
One "Good" thing is, they stop most other cars doors hitting the body of your 50K+ X6,
now thats got to be a plus.