ddcha

I've heard mixed things about the usefulness of running boards. But I'd like to hear from those of you with children. Are they really that helpful? Mine are young (7 and 4).

JimBarnhart

My 81 year old Mom couldn't get into the GL without them. For me personally I don't think I have ever stepped on them, neither has my wife or other passengers.

I have the running boards and I look at them as a shield to the lower body paint job more than anything.

MomsBenz

The GL I have right now does not have them. My kids are 10, 8 and 3. They can get in without them, but I think having them would be very helpful for them. The next one I am getting has them as I want the appearance package.

achaar

We have the running boards. Our kids use them all of the time. I like em.

ddcha

Thanks folks. I think I'm going to get some. I'd love to get the running boards, but was quoted a steep $1,400 installed by my local dealership. I can get some aftermarket nerf bars for less than $400 installed. Can anyone recommend specific aftermarket nerf bars?

Fifth Ring

My kids (10, 10 and 11) use them all the time. Frankly, I just like the way that they look.

am_beagle

The nerfbars are hard to step on.have running boards installed on my ML by myself at under $900. Shop around and you'll find them under $900 (there is a dealer near Baltimore). Me, my wife and kids use running boards and love them.

ddcha

Thanks for the advice. I don't trust myself enough to install them myself, particularly because I read somewhere that there aren't any instructions included. Some guy on benzworld did it himself - took 3 hours and said how "careful" you must be not to break plastic clips. steel stepup bars seem more sturdy. These are the $400 ones I was talking about. They are replicas of the OEM.

GLDriver

running borads are my choice. You don't have to really look for that rubber pad while climbing. And yes all of my family uses it

ddcha

Thanks for all your entries. I've decided to go with the economical option of the ones pictured above. $390 installed. I have to drive to Woodside, NY to get it done, but not bad. I will post pictures and a quick review when once I get it done.

MKW

We did not order the running boards . Our kids are older even -my 92 y/o mother climbs in and out front seat OK.
Running boards are a hassle because your non- family unfamiliar passenger has to be told they are there -esp in the dark -or else they'll mistep getting out and sprain an ankle or muddy a pant leg .
Also , in my case, it's a tight squeeze between the driver's side and the garage wall and it would be impossible to get my legs out and step down if they were there , as I can barely squeeze in when the door is pressed up against the wall as it is.

LEOSOPHIE

Illuminated door sills will help remedy dark entry and they look cool.

MKW

Running boards also create potential slippery conditions if they ice up overnight in certain climates, like at our Lake Tahoe places . My wife and I also feel SUV running boards are kinda " Escalade " , if you know what I mean. But we understand others like that look.

slim nicky

Agree with MKW - when driving in snow they are great snow, ice, sand/salt collectors (especially since there are no mud guards available). Also they are not easy to clean. They are however helpful for loading roof rack or box on car if you have one.

Also agree with others posts. Great for children and older or injured passengers, but not so good for their middle-aged owners :-). I don't use them and just end up getting my pants (back of thigh) dirty on side of boards getting out of car.