Was in the process of buying a 2016 GL450, and maybe I'm misunderstanding, but can you add OEM running boards after the fact? Or does it need to come from the factory?


I've always though they could easily be added, but it seems the dealership is not able to offer that?

 

Are you buying one off the lot? If so, just get one with them already installed. Although it's an option, I have never seen a GL without them, so I'm assuming most dealerships order with them.

PS - I was always anti-running boards (coming from Land Rovers), but now that I have them on my GL, I cannot praise them enough. Plus Mercedes did a great job from a design perspective... they look integrated into the overall design and very stylish as well as functional!

 

Buying one new off the lot, this particular one though doesn't have them and it doesn't seem it's an option. Another model though does have them, but it has other options I'm not crazy about.

Usually running boards are an easy add on, but I'm wondering if the lighting system means they have to come from the factory?

I prefer the sleeker look but the reality is the kids are small and need the step to get in.

 

Running boards were part of the appearance package for 2015.

 

I would assume they can be added after the fact, you can buy OEM running boards on eBay. I would contact an independent and check about install. But personally would buy the GL with them off the lot. Unless the one without is an incredible deal.

 

The general "rule" for W166 and X166 - if you want (or don't want) running boards - "best" to get them as the factory installed option.

Yes - Mercedes does not offer a dealer installed option. To either add running boards, or order the parts to de-install running boards can be dealer ordered (with difficulty) like parts to repair a collision damaged vehicle - overall quite pricey both parts and labor to post-delivery-install/modify.

Non-MB/aftermarket MB style running boards I have seen for W166 - the ones I have seen are good quality - but a dealer can't "really" install those.

The trend is this - younger children, or using a roof box, running boards are useful - for adults, especially mobility challenged (fanny 1st entry, etc) prefer no running boards.

Keep the beat !

 

Got the one without the running boards, the low ground clearance vs most bigger SUVs means it's not really needed, at least in my case.

I still think though Mercedes made a mistake making it so difficult to add this option on afterwards, it's absurdly priced if you do it through a dealership.

 

Big congrats! Please post a pic if you can.

 

Was able to add these in about two hours over the weekend; little longer for the first side; but easy enough. $325 for the material and a big fat ZERO (0) for labor. Before and after pics (Car needs to be cleaned), but looks nice and wife loves it already.

 

I kinda wish mine didn't have the running boards. They are completely useless and get my pants dirty getting out of the truck. If the truck were say 4 inches higher, I could see the use of them.

Were you able to getting the lights to work on the running boards?

 

This.

 

Where did you purchase the running boards from? Thank you.

 

How do you restore the look of running boards? Polish?