[tripower]

Knowing running boards were useless as a step after a test drive. I ordered them anyway because I liked the way they looked. Didn't really notice it on the test drive, but I now realize the extra 3 or so inches you need to throw your leg out to clear them makes for an uncomfortable egress. Enough that I will be removing them.

Just throwing it out there for your pre purchase research.

[thenew3]

Originally Posted by tripower

Knowing running boards were useless as a step after a test drive. I ordered them anyway because I liked the way they looked. Didn't really notice it on the test drive, but I now realize the extra 3 or so inches you need to throw your leg out to clear them makes for an uncomfortable egress. Enough that I will be removing them.

Just throwing it out there for your pre purchase research.

My elderly parents and my 6 year old son find them very useful in getting in and out of the car.

[tripower]

Originally Posted by thenew3

My elderly parents and my 6 year old son find them very useful in getting in and out of the car.

I guess I could see that, especially for the kid, I guess I am used to taller vehicles where they are used as more of an intermediate step, half way from the ground to the floor board. These are almost the same as the floor board level. I'm a little on the short side at 5'7" so I usually find running boards useful LOL

[jmciver]

I got mine for aesthetics and function. For the function part, I use mine, getting in and out, as a means to help protect the side bolsters on my seat. With the height of the X7, just like any SUV, there will be extra wear on the side bolsters getting and in/out as most people have a tendency to “slide” across the bolster. The side steps helps to minimize this. Just my $.02….

[nate670]

I don't have them, but now I'm thinking of getting them installed cause the children have a hard time getting in and especially getting out from the third row. Even with the ride height at the lowest settings, it is hard for them to get out easily.

Maybe if they could go between the captain's chairs this would not be a problem, but I definitely notice the current struggle. Also I've only had the x7 two weeks, maybe they'll get used to it.

[Wild Blue]

Originally Posted by tripower

Knowing running boards were useless as a step after a test drive. I ordered them anyway because I liked the way they looked. Didn't really notice it on the test drive, but I now realize the extra 3 or so inches you need to throw your leg out to clear them makes for an uncomfortable egress. Enough that I will be removing them.

Just throwing it out there for your pre purchase research.

Yes. Some people need/want them for assistance getting in/out of the car. When I tried the X7 for the first time, it had running boards, and I immediately hated them for the way they scraped my ankle every time I got in/out. Recipe for super dirty pants ankles. FWIW, I'm 6'3", mostly legs.

Zero chance I would have gotten them on my M50i, even if I could.

[unfoundnemo]

I mainly got them because I knew my kids would have been stepping on the painted surface otherwise.

[hudsonX]

+1 for running boards for with kids

[dmanb2b]

I got them...i'm not a fan of functionality with door closed, but it looks good, especially with those of us on 21's

[Chicago Beemer]

Even for my X7 I did not get them as it has M package.
Any suggestions on where we can get them? Similar to factory. Can they be installed??

[Wild Blue]

Only running boards I'm aware of are OEM. Can be added for M-sport now as well.

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by tripower

Knowing running boards were useless as a step after a test drive. I ordered them anyway because I liked the way they looked. Didn't really notice it on the test drive, but I now realize the extra 3 or so inches you need to throw your leg out to clear them makes for an uncomfortable egress. Enough that I will be removing them.

Just throwing it out there for your pre purchase research.

I'm going to clear up your misinformation so that others don't fall into the trap of thinking they are just aesthetic and not functional.

If you have a child under the age of 10 or intend to use a cargo box or ski rack, the running boards are a must-have. The way the rear door sills are constructed, they curve back and have no lip to stand on. It puts your body into a strange 'falling back' position when trying to access the roof and makes the step-up for the kids virtually impossible.

The running boards:

Reduce the height of the step into the car by 4" allowing children to step onto the board with both feet, pause, and then step up the additional 4" to get into the vehicle. The full 8" is equivalent to more than the height of a stair step inside your house, an impossibility for a child under the age of 6 and challenging for those under 10.

Add a whopping 7" of width which is critical for adults accessing a cargo box or ski rack as you are far enough away from the door frame to be able to stand straight for access. Without the 7" of pushback you stand inside the car and are leaning backwards, it's both uncomfortable and tiring. And for kids, besides allowing them to take two steps to get into the car it also gives them something to stand on- while it looks like the X7 has an actual sill, it doesn't, it's steeply angled, made up of multiple layers of body plastic, and very slippery, you have to step into the car with your foot on the rubber seals, something a child cannot do.

Get the aesthetics out of your mind and spend a moment at the rear doors, you'll understand what I'm talking about.

[sahajesh]

Great info toddwalton - also useful for elderly family to get inside the car.

I hope they are available on an M-Sport X5 too (and yes, I do check this forum a lot!).

[dmanb2b]

Originally Posted by Chicago Beemer

Even for my X7 I did not get them as it has M package.
Any suggestions on where we can get them? Similar to factory. Can they be installed??

See below. We did have our msport spec'd to include the running boards...at $400 it was such a bargain. I'm still 50/50 on the benefits vs. egress hindrance.

https://g07.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...hlight=running

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by dmanb2b

See below. We did have our msport spec'd to include the running boards...at $400 it was such a bargain. I'm still 50/50 on the benefits vs. egress hindrance.

https://g07.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...hlight=running

Personally, I think the egress "hinderance" concern is a bit much…. When getting out of the X7, if you are concerned about the running board hitting your leg, just put your foot on the running board first, then step out. You don't need to be a contortionist to get in or out with the running boards installed.

[dmanb2b]

Originally Posted by jmciver

Personally, I think the egress "hinderance" concern is a bit much…. When getting out of the X7, if you are concerned about the running board hitting your leg, just put your foot on the running board first, then step out. You don't need to be a contortionist to get in or out with the running boards installed.

Yeah, I hear you. But personally, I am tall enough that the two-step approach is not natural to me, at least not in a vehicle that still sits relatively low. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad we got the boards, but unless you take that double step, not getting your pants wet when the boards are wet isn't easily avoided.

[nynd]

There are those powered boards for the X7. I think there was 1 Youtube video showing them in action. Another alternative I guess.

[that_guy_on_tv]

has anyone installed these on an M package?

[khai Dow]

Originally Posted by that_guy_on_tv

has anyone installed these on an M package?

Yep I did, on a 2021 M50D. I got the dealer to do it (and they were owe me some equity so I got it for free). However they did tell me that its not an easy job - mainly down to some rerouting due to the welcome / carpet lights. They end up in a different position.

Otherwise, they look great, but as above I’m thinking they have ended up being more of a cosmetic upgrade than an actual necessity…

[Missduvy]

I’m 4’11” — admittedly shorter than most — but when I ordered my OG 2019, running boards were a must have. When I traded for my 2023 M60i, they weren’t an option on the V8 anymore. I miss them very much. So speak for yourself. Short adults, children, and elderly folks find them very useful.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by Missduvy

I’m 4’11” — admittedly shorter than most — but when I ordered my OG 2019, running boards were a must have. When I traded for my 2023 M60i, they weren’t an option on the V8 anymore. I miss them very much. So speak for yourself. Short adults, children, and elderly folks find them very useful.

Unless the side skirt section of the X7 was changed with the LCI, you should be able to retrofit the factory running boards. It would not surprise me if the running boards are “not available” on the LCI M60i (which has the M-Sport body kit) for the exact same reason they were not available on the pre-LCI M-Sport equipped X7’s initially - which is purely for marketing reasons. My M-Sport equipped pre-LCI X7 came from the factory with the running boards…

[BMWFantastic85]

Great for some, unnecessary for others. I’ve added them to my order for my children and elderly parents. When exiting, using the running board as your initial step down seems convenient.