Boards vs. Steps
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
Boards vs. Steps
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.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Texas
'08 GL 320CDI
Great idea, Stumblefoot. I wish I could comment, but I have neither right now. I am in the market for one or the other and am leaning toward the steps. As I've mentioned in a couple of other posts, I hope others will include pics of their vehicles (especially steps on a black GL) when offering their comments.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 297
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
2014 GL 350 blue tec
We looked into both before ordering PE boards. I believe boards are much more practical for actual use. I think side steps are more for looks and not practical specially in snow country where I bet they get very slippery.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 239
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2007 GL450
I've stated my opinion before but will repeat it in this specific topic thread.
I really do not like the polka dot effect the reflection of the full running boards causes in the lower body work of the doors. It would drive me nuts everytime I walked up to the truck. I noticed this effect the first time I saw the running boards on a GL and ML on the dealers lot. IMO they would look better just black. Does this reflection bother you guys at all?
I also had concerns about keeping all those rubber dots clean.
Having said all of that, I have the side step bars and I am not really crazy about them either. The silver still creates a reflection, but at least its not polka dots. They do look sporty however. I would have preferred all black side step bars.
They will allow the addition of front and rear muds flaps since they are not intergral to the front fender body work. I am think about adding mud flaps.
Lastly, for my wife, they are not really very functional for stepping in and out of the truck. The front rubber step is placed too far forward relative to the door and seat position, so it is not easy to use. For me, I prefer them to the running boards because I am tall and I step over them anyway. I don't really use them. That is one thing that I hated about the Expedition and Navigator running boards, for me they are just in the way and the bigger ones just make it harder to step over when getting out of the truck. Especially those stupid motorized ones on the Navigator.
I really do not like the polka dot effect the reflection of the full running boards causes in the lower body work of the doors. It would drive me nuts everytime I walked up to the truck. I noticed this effect the first time I saw the running boards on a GL and ML on the dealers lot. IMO they would look better just black. Does this reflection bother you guys at all?
I also had concerns about keeping all those rubber dots clean.
Having said all of that, I have the side step bars and I am not really crazy about them either. The silver still creates a reflection, but at least its not polka dots. They do look sporty however. I would have preferred all black side step bars.
They will allow the addition of front and rear muds flaps since they are not intergral to the front fender body work. I am think about adding mud flaps.
Lastly, for my wife, they are not really very functional for stepping in and out of the truck. The front rubber step is placed too far forward relative to the door and seat position, so it is not easy to use. For me, I prefer them to the running boards because I am tall and I step over them anyway. I don't really use them. That is one thing that I hated about the Expedition and Navigator running boards, for me they are just in the way and the bigger ones just make it harder to step over when getting out of the truck. Especially those stupid motorized ones on the Navigator.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 216
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From: Texas
'08 GL 320CDI
Amen, Gordong1450. I am also tall (6'5") and already rub my pant leg against the lower side without the PE boards or steps. I think I would like the sporty looks of the steps, especially with the skid plates, chrome door handle inserts and the chrome hood fins (aerowings). My out-laws.......oops, I meant in-laws 
(I really do love them 
) visited over the holidays, and my short mother-in-law could hardly get in the vehicle, although, in part, it's due to some health issues with her legs. Either the boards or steps would have helped, I'm sure. That said, I have the exact same issues as Gordong with the polka dots and keeping the chrome around them looking decent on the boards. BTW, I do have both front and back mudflaps which I like which would help keep the steps cleaner. I'd have to remove the front ones if installing the boards. That's my two cents worth.
(I really do love them ) visited over the holidays, and my short mother-in-law could hardly get in the vehicle, although, in part, it's due to some health issues with her legs. Either the boards or steps would have helped, I'm sure. That said, I have the exact same issues as Gordong with the polka dots and keeping the chrome around them looking decent on the boards. BTW, I do have both front and back mudflaps which I like which would help keep the steps cleaner. I'd have to remove the front ones if installing the boards. That's my two cents worth.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
Polka Dots
Gordon and JDT,
I have the perfect solution for what those in the medical profession refer to as polkadotaphobia... don't wash your GL.
Mine are especially filthy nearly everyday and I never notice the reflection.
The mudflap issue is interesting and I wonder if they help keep the boards and steps clean. Certainly is another point of difference between those of us with a 550 who can't get mudflaps unfortunately.
I have the perfect solution for what those in the medical profession refer to as polkadotaphobia... don't wash your GL.
Mine are especially filthy nearly everyday and I never notice the reflection.
The mudflap issue is interesting and I wonder if they help keep the boards and steps clean. Certainly is another point of difference between those of us with a 550 who can't get mudflaps unfortunately.
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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 gordongl450
I did not realize a had polkadotaphobia
. It sounds serious.
. It sounds serious.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 435
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From: FRESNO CA
GL550
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 LEOSOPHIE
Nish you have distronic, why are you suffering?
and if I wait longer wife will get a new car before me.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 516
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From: Oakville, ON
'12 ML350
Interesting thread as we'll have to look at one of the two options to order with our car if we choose the GL - the mothers (my wife's and mine) are going to need it for graceful ingress/egress!
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
My Mom's going to be 80 years old next Friday and she had some experience over thanksgiving and Christmas getting in and out of my GL with running boards.
I live in Minnesota where it's nearly impossible to catch polkadotaphobia in the winter. It's cured with salt, sand, snow and ice most all the time.
My Mom has arthritis pretty bad - so this is a challenge to get her in any vehicle. My Dodge Ram 2500 is out of the question. Mom got in the GL by leaning against the seat with her behind. She then steps up on the running boards and swings herself in. It works pretty good.
I was reading the posts from GordonGL450 and seeing some pictures I decided I'm glad I have running boards. With the bars she would not be able to use the pad because they are too far forward and I think trying to boost herself on the stainless part would be too slippery.
I have the same concern with the rubber dots (keeping them clean, drawing dirt, etc) but I think it works well in my situation. And if I had my choice between dots and a black rubber matt to step on, I'll take the dots and the shine of the boards anyday.
I live in Minnesota where it's nearly impossible to catch polkadotaphobia in the winter. It's cured with salt, sand, snow and ice most all the time.
My Mom has arthritis pretty bad - so this is a challenge to get her in any vehicle. My Dodge Ram 2500 is out of the question. Mom got in the GL by leaning against the seat with her behind. She then steps up on the running boards and swings herself in. It works pretty good.
I was reading the posts from GordonGL450 and seeing some pictures I decided I'm glad I have running boards. With the bars she would not be able to use the pad because they are too far forward and I think trying to boost herself on the stainless part would be too slippery.
I have the same concern with the rubber dots (keeping them clean, drawing dirt, etc) but I think it works well in my situation. And if I had my choice between dots and a black rubber matt to step on, I'll take the dots and the shine of the boards anyday.
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2007 GL450
Jim,
I agree with you. The running boards are much, much more functional for someone who really needs them to get in and out of the truck. They are a much better, secure step.
The side step bars are marginal in terms of function, but give the truck a different look.
I agree with you. The running boards are much, much more functional for someone who really needs them to get in and out of the truck. They are a much better, secure step.
The side step bars are marginal in terms of function, but give the truck a different look.
Thread Starter
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
A partial cure is better than no cure. We don't want any unnecessary visits to a psychiatric ward.
Thread Starter
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
The best comfort I can offer you is to continue your current treatment regimen in your 450. Keep in mind, research is always being done. So, hopefully, before your time is up, a solution will be available to cure that awful scourge of a disease, MustHaveDistronicoPhobia.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by Stumblefoot
Oh Nish, I am afraid that it is much, much worse. Unfortunately, there is no known cure.
The best comfort I can offer you is to continue your current treatment regimen in your 450. Keep in mind, research is always being done. So, hopefully, before your time is up, a solution will be available to cure that awful scourge of a disease, MustHaveDistronicoPhobia.
The best comfort I can offer you is to continue your current treatment regimen in your 450. Keep in mind, research is always being done. So, hopefully, before your time is up, a solution will be available to cure that awful scourge of a disease, MustHaveDistronicoPhobia.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6
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From: NJ
2008 GL 320CDI and 2008 ML320CDI
I think the running boards look great but I don't find them usefull. I never use them getting in and out of the car, but my life loves them. I find that they actually get in the way, making it harder to exit the car. Also when it's snowing I'm worried that my foot will slip off while exiting.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 161
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2008 F-250, 2007 GL450
I don’t have ‘em but for what it’s worth I like the polka dots. I first saw them on a black ML63 and thought they were cool. I can only hope this eases your anxiety and helps you to lead a more normal life.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 800
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From: Southern California
2014 GL 450
The GL450 I test drove before buying my GL had the side steps and I kept getting hung up on them exiting the vehicle. I had running boards on my Expedition which were great...my elderly parents needed them to get in and out of the Expedition. One nice thing about the GL is that it is low enough so my parents can get in & out easily without running boards or side steps.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,548
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From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by Sastrugi
Could somebody please post a shot of a black GL with the aluminium running boards, please
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
If you haven't been to the picture thread yet, what are you waiting for?
I'll whet your appetite here with this post; https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost....&postcount=577.
I promise you'll be stuffed once you visit the picture thread.
Enjoy!
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 232
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From: Barmet Bay, NY
1972 Chevy Vega 2300 - Panel Express
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.
Side Step bars ......1970's / 1980's
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 565
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From: Indianapolis, IN
2008 C350
