[johnx7]

Has anyone tried those running boards on Amazon for the X7? How is the quality? Installation difficulty? I can't believe BMW still not supplying the running boards for those who needs it.

[cheapie408]

Originally Posted by johnx7

Has anyone tried those running boards on Amazon for the X7? How is the quality? Installation difficulty? I can't believe BMW still not supplying the running boards for those who needs it.

Funny you mentioned this, my kids are having a hard time getting into the car. I don't know of the quality of the OEM looking ones will most likely need to be painted and you can't go cheap either sine that's probably where a lot of rocks get kicked up.

I just noticed that running board isn't even an option in the 2020 build.

[thenew3]

Originally Posted by cheapie408

I just noticed that running board isn't even an option in the 2020 build.

I have them on my 2020 order. it shows up on the online BYO configurator.

[vink]

Running board option was not available on M50i. It's available on 40i though.

[Paultattoo]

Originally Posted by vink

Running board option was not available on M50i. It's available on 40i though.

That makes no sense. Just like laser lights on the 50 but not the 40. Why???

[vink]

Originally Posted by Paultattoo

That makes no sense. Just like laser lights on the 50 but not the 40. Why???

No clue! Aerodynamics? Noise factor at high speeds? But it's definitely inconvenient for my kids.

[jmciver]

Generic and cheap eBay/Alibaba/Amazon parts like that can be hit or miss for quality and fitment - but usually a miss (especially for fitment). That said, I have taken chances on eBay specials like this for my other cars and have been pleasantly surprised from time to time. But I keep my risk low by only buying inexpensive parts so the hit to the wallet is small if the part does not work out.

For what you pay for the X7, and the importance and visibility of a part like this, my recommendation would be to stick to OEM. Find it as cheap as you can online. Then use a BMW authorized body shop (or any competent body shop) to paint and install it. Some overseas vendors, like Schmeidmann, can be cheaper than US vendors for parts like this as well.

[Rublezz]

Has anyone installed deploying running boards?

[Paultattoo]

Originally Posted by Rublezz

Has anyone installed deploying running boards?

I like these. Do you have a link?

[CruiseControl]

Originally Posted by Rublezz

Has anyone installed deploying running boards?

How do they look when they are not deployed outward?

[Rublezz]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/362799786997

It is just example. Here is manufacturers site, should be much cheaper than on Ebay

https://www.electricsidestep.com/BMWX7/58.html

Unit price is 500USD. Let's say 300-400USD for shipping. TTL 900USD and it is cheaper than Ebay/Amazon

[thenew3]

Here's a video of the install of one. Looks like it's made by ATS(?)

One by ATS

[Wild Blue]

Originally Posted by vink

Running board option was not available on M50i. It's available on 40i though.

That's because, in the US market at least, at first running board were designed for the Luxury model bodykit, not M-sport. Some overseas M-sports were still available with running boards, including the first X7 I saw in Abu Dhabi. The M50i is only available as M-sport.

[vink]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

That's because, in the US market at least, at first running board were designed for the Luxury model bodykit, not M-sport. Some overseas M-sports were still available with running boards, including the first X7 I saw in Abu Dhabi. The M50i is only available as M-sport.

Doesn't make sense to exclude running boards option for a package. They should be a standalone option for its very purpose. The reason for a 7 passenger SUV is mostly for families with kids.

[Rublezz]

Originally Posted by thenew3

Here's a video of the install of one. Looks like it's made by ATS(?)

One by ATS

ATS is just tuning/styling atelier. Have a look to my link, I assume that it is manufacturer.

[jmciver]

So who wants to be the first guinea pig for this one ..... Despite my initial aversion to products like this that are not initially linked to a well known and established brand/manufacturer, it would be great if this were a "hit" for the X7 in the aftermarket parts community.

I personally like the styling and functionality of the OEM running boards (specifically with the M Sport package). But would take a reasonably priced, mostly hidden, quality retractable running board solution in a heartbeat. Fortunately, there are aftermarket companies that make quality retractable running board kits for all types of trucks & SUVs, but there are cheap knockoffs out there as well. A well known and respected company that produces these kits for different marquees is AMP Research (I looked into them for my Expedition long ago, but they don't currently have an X7 offering as far as I can tell).

Time will tell regarding what, if any, quality kits will become available for the X7. But then, the X7 market for such a product is much smaller than say the Ford pickup truck market....

[Rublezz]

I will install them on my X7. Waiting for car itself ( mid-end April )

BTW, prior to ordering car, got approval from local dealer, that warranty will not be voided.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by Rublezz

I will install them on my X7. Waiting for car itself ( mid-end April )

BTW, prior to ordering car, got approval from local dealer, that warranty will not be voided.

Good luck! I know there will be several X7 owners (current & future) who will anticipate the (hopefully positive) results - myself included. Regarding voiding the warranty, that will vary from region to region. In the US, technically any installed aftermarket electronic/electrical accessory, even a simple hardwire of a DashCam, Radar Detector or non-factory alarm system could void the factory warranty (there is a little sticker in the corner of the windshield that states this - at least on all my current/previous BMWs). However in general practice, most people in the states don't have issues with waranting electrical/electronic failures of stock parts with other aftermarket electronics installed in the car unless it is very obvious that the aftermarket electronic component contributed to the failed stock part.

As far as your electroninc running board install, I would be particularly interested in the following key elements:

1. Installation. Do the running boards install in existing, re-inforced frame locations using existing stock hardware (i.e. stock nuts, bolts, etc)? Or do new/additional holes need to be drilled? If new holes are required to be drilled, where?

2. Fitment. Specifically, is it long enough (i.e. the full length of the rocker panel) - any gaps on either the front or rear of the rocker panel may not look too aestetically pleasing. Also, how well "hidden/tucked" is the runing board when in the retracted position including the overall aestetics/look of the running board in the retracted position.

[Wild Blue]

Personally, I can't stand the way X7 running boards rub your ankles, every time you get in and out of the vehicle, making you step further out, and getting pants dirty. Not for me, but I can see how other people may want them.

[Rublezz]

Originally Posted by jmciver

Good luck! I know there will be several X7 owners (current & future) who will anticipate the (hopefully positive) results - myself included. Regarding voiding the warranty, that will vary from region to region. In the US, technically any installed aftermarket electronic/electrical accessory, even a simple hardwire of a DashCam, Radar Detector or non-factory alarm system could void the factory warranty (there is a little sticker in the corner of the windshield that states this - at least on all my current/previous BMWs). However in general practice, most people in the states don't have issues with waranting electrical/electronic failures of stock parts with other aftermarket electronics installed in the car unless it is very obvious that the aftermarket electronic component contributed to the failed stock part.

As far as your electroninc running board install, I would be particularly interested in the following key elements:

1. Installation. Do the running boards install in existing, re-inforced frame locations using existing stock hardware (i.e. stock nuts, bolts, etc)? Or do new/additional holes need to be drilled? If new holes are required to be drilled, where?

2. Fitment. Specifically, is it long enough (i.e. the full length of the rocker panel) - any gaps on either the front or rear of the rocker panel may not look too aestetically pleasing. Also, how well "hidden/tucked" is the runing board when in the retracted position including the overall aestetics/look of the running board in the retracted position.

No any additional holes have to be drilled. There maybe some little gaps, but aestetics go down in front of comfort for family, kids especially. I was owner of MB GLK with running board. Pants was always dirty.

[jmciver]

Looks like an interesting DIY project... The installation manual is "challenging" to read/understand though..... I like the fact that they use existing mounting locations on the frame, which makes sense, vice having to drill new holes into the frame. My only additional concern would be if the installed kit would interfere with the BMW jack points on the X7 (in either the deployed or retracted position). Dealers will usually overlook aftermarket stuff installed on cars when in for service as long as it does not get in their way. But if they can't get the X7 on a lift due to this kit, that could be a problem (but I would like to think the makers of the kit addressed this).

I also like the fact that they tap into the vehicle's CAN bus to get the door opening/closing signals, which allows for less wiring and easier install. Although, I would try to find a CAN bus interface that is closer to the bottom/base of the X7, possibly in the trunk area. Running that CAN bus wiring up to the dome light may require working around air bags in the A- or B-pillars. Not impossible (I have done it on some other DIY electronic installs), but not preferable if it can be avoided. Lastly, I would not run the power wires to the engine compartment, I would go to the battery in the trunk - or even better, route it to the factory fuse box and use an unused fuse spot (very OEM looking, I did this in my M3 for my DashCam install). Routing the wires around hot and/or moving components in the engine bay could be challenging, especially for those of you with the big V-8 engine.

Aesthetically, based on the few pics I have seen, when in the retracted position it does not look that bad. But it would be nice to see some close-ups. Since the rocker panels on the X7 are painted, it could be a nice touch to paint the outer edge of the runing board body color so that it blends in better, especially for lighter colored cars.

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

Personally, I can't stand the way X7 running boards rub your ankles, every time you get in and out of the vehicle, making you step further out, and getting pants dirty. Not for me, but I can see how other people may want them.

Owned the X7 11 months.

In/out of the car 6x a day minimum.

A must have for kids under 10.

No dirty pants.

Thank you.