Boards vs. Steps
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
From: Seattle, WA
2008 GL 550
I thought it might be fun for folks to post what they like/dislike about their running boards/tubular side steps here. This thread could become a resource to folks who want to add them to their GL's.
I have the running boards...
Likes
Dislikes
This certainly isn't the boards fault, but...
I have the running boards...
Likes
- Stable footing the entire length of board when putting items on the crossbars, or into the cargo carrier.
- Integrated look with GL
Dislikes
This certainly isn't the boards fault, but...
- They get super filthly from all of the splash back, because our 550 doesn't have mudflaps.
1. Great for my kids and their grandparents
2. Looks (no polkadot issue here either). The integrated look is pretty cool. (also there is a matching MB upgrade gas and brake pedal set that you can buy from a guy in Germany selling on ebay)
3. You may actually use them if you have suspension in comfort mode :-)
4. Useful to get to roof rack and contents of cargo box on top (for skiis and baords for example)
Dislikes:
1. Impossible to keep clean (remember "Don't Seat the Small Stuff..."). This is especially true in winter snow driving where they become a sand/salt collection tool. MB - give us some mud flaps!
2. I personally barely use them and they sometimes bug me getting in and out.
3. Lower the clearance height of vehicle.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 11
From: Treasure Coast
2018 Mclaren 720s, 2021 Aston Martin DBX
When I got my 320, my running boards had a matte aluminum finish around the dots while a 450 in the showroom had a chrome polished finish around the dots. Is that a 320 to 450 upgrade option?
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Barmet Bay, NY
1972 Chevy Vega 2300 - Panel Express
too bad
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,548
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From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by GL Fahrer
The chrome s/s finish was changed to brushed aluminum due to J.D. Power scores. GL customers complained too much about (mainly) water stains...so Germany removed the cause of the complaint.
too bad
too bad
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: NJ
GL320
I too prefer the brushed steel and matches quite nicely with the upgraded AMG pedals. The only downside I have experienced with the boards vs steps is that we can not install the front mud flaps with the boards.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 405
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2007 GL320 CDI, 2001 TJ Rockcrawler, 2005 Scoobie STI
I considered ordering the boards, and at the last minute I nixed them...
A friend of mine has them on his GL, and in the 3 times that I rode in it before I completed the order on mine, I wrecked 3 pairs of slacks from the road grime on the board as I tried to step over it getting out of the vehicle.
You actually have to consciously tell yourself to step further out or you are going to hit it with your pant leg every time.
Just my $.02
A friend of mine has them on his GL, and in the 3 times that I rode in it before I completed the order on mine, I wrecked 3 pairs of slacks from the road grime on the board as I tried to step over it getting out of the vehicle.
You actually have to consciously tell yourself to step further out or you are going to hit it with your pant leg every time.
Just my $.02
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
I considered ordering the boards, and at the last minute I nixed them...
A friend of mine has them on his GL, and in the 3 times that I rode in it before I completed the order on mine, I wrecked 3 pairs of slacks from the road grime on the board as I tried to step over it getting out of the vehicle.
You actually have to consciously tell yourself to step further out or you are going to hit it with your pant leg every time.
Just my $.02
A friend of mine has them on his GL, and in the 3 times that I rode in it before I completed the order on mine, I wrecked 3 pairs of slacks from the road grime on the board as I tried to step over it getting out of the vehicle.
You actually have to consciously tell yourself to step further out or you are going to hit it with your pant leg every time.
Just my $.02
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: London, UK
GL320 CDI
i'm thinking of getting the boards installed, does anyone know if they make the car any wider than it already is on a GL320?
here in the UK we have the narrowest roads in the world and driving the GL through Central London is a task in itself during rush hours. if they make the car any wider then i might forget about getting them.
here in the UK we have the narrowest roads in the world and driving the GL through Central London is a task in itself during rush hours. if they make the car any wider then i might forget about getting them.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
