Installation of Running Boards on 2011 X5

We purchased a new 2011 X5 50i last month that did not come with running boards. To purchase the OEM running boards costs near $800 which includes labor to install them. My question is, can they be installed fairly easily by myself to save some money or am I better off forking over the $800 to have the dealer install them?

Hum..... I was quoted $1400 with install for my 2007 x5 in the DC area. $800 seems like a great price????? Wonder what is up with that! CONGRATS on your purchase!

BUMP and good luck!!!

See attached.

Originally Posted by tcoke

We purchased a new 2011 X5 50i last month that did not come with running boards. To purchase the OEM running boards costs near $800 which includes labor to install them. My question is, can they be installed fairly easily by myself to save some money or am I better off forking over the $800 to have the dealer install them?

Can you really access that screw in step 2 by taking off only those 2 rivets? Would seem like you have to remove the entire rear arch.

Originally Posted by Aqua Bliss

Can you really access that screw in step 2 by taking off only those 2 rivets? Would seem like you have to remove the entire rear arch.

Lots of details here

Thanks for the responses. This certainly looks like a project that I can do myself.

I'm not sure of the purpose of the running boards on the X5. They make getting into and out of the truck much more difficult and deposit dirt on the backs of your legs. Anyway, that's just my observation for what it is worth.

just fyi, I ordered mine without running boards but did get the Dealer to install mud flaps, which do a much better job of keeping the sides of the truck clean.

Never thought about that. I have heard that some people do not like the running boards as they get dirty and end up rubbing against your pants when you get out of the vehicle. My wife is the primary driver, although she let's me take it out once in a while especially when it needs gas!

Originally Posted by tcoke

We purchased a new 2011 X5 50i last month that did not come with running boards. To purchase the OEM running boards costs near $800 which includes labor to install them. My question is, can they be installed fairly easily by myself to save some money or am I better off forking over the $800 to have the dealer install them?

tcoke:

Contact me via PM Let's discuss swapping parts.

The installation menu says those 8 screw holes need to be sealed. Do you know if the existing running boards are taken off, and are reinstalled, do those 8 holes need to be re-sealed? I am not sure if removal of the running boards would break the seal of those 8 originally sealed screw holes.

I bought them at the dealer for $800 (installed). They took about 4 hours to do the work. So pay for the labor because it is not a DIY.

Just curious why you guys buy the running boards after delivery. Is it purely for looks? I would almost pay to do a "Running Board Delete" if that's what I had to do not to have them installed, but to each his own.

Originally Posted by Aqua Bliss

Just curious why you guys buy the running boards after delivery. Is it purely for looks? I would almost pay to do a "Running Board Delete" if that's what I had to do not to have them installed, but to each his own.

+1 I do not miss them either.

I concur. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to check out a couple of X5s with the running boards, before I ordered mine, so I was able to avoid getting them. I know that I would have regretted having them everytime I got into or out of the truck.
My wife also really didn't like them. However, everyone will have their own opinion on this one.

Originally Posted by Aqua Bliss

Just curious why you guys buy the running boards after delivery. Is it purely for looks? I would almost pay to do a "Running Board Delete" if that's what I had to do not to have them installed, but to each his own.

Makes the car look wider. More aggressive. However the running boards are useless and I find myself trying to step over them to get out which is a mess and in the rain get the back of my pants wet....Winter will be rough lol.

Just Finished installing the running boards , was not too hard to do, took me 2 hours to do with my brother in law.

My father just picked up a 2012 x5 and I did not equip it with the running boards as I didn't see a use for it. However, my mother is complaining that it's difficult to get in and out of the car. She is about 4'7 and reading some of the comments that say the boards are "useless" makes me re think doing this for my father.

So, for a really short person(my mother) will the running boards be effective/useful?

Thanks guys.

For those in need of OEM running boards. On sale by many Dealers on Ebay for less than $500.No need to pay more

I believe listed msrp on the boards itself is $469. With labor, the dealership qutoed me $980(parts and labor) and then a %15 discount.

But I believe I can tackle this myself.

Originally Posted by Habsone

For those in need of OEM running boards. On sale by many Dealers on Ebay for less than $500.No need to pay more

This is not an easy job it took me and a buddy about 4 hours. You definitely use a pulling technique when you remove the old plastic parts, don't be scared knowing it's a new car. The major issue was two screws that were hard to get into because of the plastic around the quarter panel. 469 sounds about right btw that's what I paid here in cle ohio

Payed$397.00 including shipping,, for the OEM kit. Part #51710421781..at ebmwparts.com..

My wife is short (5'2") and the running boards make it easy for her to get into the driver's seat without sliding across the bolster (wearing the leather). Plus, I use them all the time when washing/drying the X5. I wouldn't have it without them.

- Mike

Originally Posted by mecheng1

I'm not sure of the purpose of the running boards on the X5. They make getting into and out of the truck much more difficult and deposit dirt on the backs of your legs. Anyway, that's just my observation for what it is worth.

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

Hello, Can someone post instructions for installing the running boards on 2012 X5. I have the manual but unable to go past through step 3. Once all the screws and clips are removed, we need to unclip the existing trim in the front and across from Clips. I pulled it hard but it is not coming out. Any tips or detailed instructions will help. thanks