blizzard12

I'm getting a 2017 GLC 300. I can't decide wether I should or should not get the running boards.

Any pros and cons are appreciated!

My thoughts:
- viewing some offroad videos on youtube makes the GLC look nicer in the mud with the running boards (I doubt that I'll do much offroad though)
- running boards look good on larger SUVs like the GLE/GLS but the GLC is not quite as big and tall
- baby is on the way - running boards can(?) make placing a child into the child seat hard as they force you stand a few inches away from the door sill(?) however, it may help the child climb into the car later when he/she grows and learns to walk
- cost ~800 CAD factory installed

dieseldoc

Look nice, but hard to climb over. Makes pants dirty.

larrypmyers

Other than looking good can't say anything favorable about running boards.

Had them on my GMC Envoy and they were, for the most part, a giant pia.

As Jeff's above post states, getting in and out of the vehicle almost always results in getting trouser or slacks dirty.

Additionally, if your particular about cleanliness these appendages are difficult to keep clean.

gainful

Running board serves as body side molding--first line of defense against randomly floating shopping carts at Costco, or other dings from lazy people who kick open their doors

GLK has a plastic lip that helps tremendously

Skizz

I drove loaner GLC's a number of times, for good lengths of time, when my E63 was getting the headbolts done, and some other stuff at the dealer. In my experience, the truck is not high enough for them to be beneficial as an entry assistance tool, and the door clearance height for ingress and egress doesn't support their use either. One of the loaner GLC's had them and I tended to go out of my may to avoid them when entering and exiting the vehicle. Wasn't a big deal, but it was something conscious I was doing.


When I ordered my '43, I struggled with the choice, because I do like the look. Ultimately, I left them off the order because it was +/-$600 I didn't feel justified its price. If it was $200, I may have gotten them for aesthetics and just lived with the inconvenience of them being in the way, in my opinion.

George in KG

Pro:
The factory running boards look nice.

Con:
The running boards are for looks only.
Getting in and out is harder.
Your pants will get dirty when rubbing against the running boards.
They're even more $$ added to the bottom line.


I test drove a GLC with running boards and it took only one entrance/exit from the car for me to decide that I hate them. Definitely would recommend against.

B2FiNiTY

I barely even notice I have the running boards. They don't stick out enough to really make a difference so to me, it's purely cosmetic.

ble2716

Pros and cons are as described by previous posts.
You could order the car without the running board for now.
When your kid(s) grows up enough to use the running board to get in and out of the car then order the running boards and install them then.

jeffzzz

I had them deleted on my order (fitted as standard in Australia) as they bothered my wife and me getting in and out. We were also worried about elderly passengers having another obstacle to climb over as really the car is not high enough of the ground to warrant use of the side step.

Have no regrets without them, actually, I now find the sidesteps quite ugly on other GLCs. In my opinion of course

blizzard12

Thank you all for your input!

vikeor

I have running boards as well. You get used to them after a week and don't get your pants dirty!

Gracie916

Cons:

- I have the running boards as well, came with my 43 from a previous customer order reject. I personally would have avoided getting runnings boards period, because it does get (in my case wearing skirts/dresses) legs dirty when getting out of the the vehicle.

- I am 5'5", and my husband is 6'3", we both have this issue of the running boards in the way when getting out of the vehicle, so it has nothing to do with your height.


Pros:

- It does complete the look of my GLC 43 (designo Diamond White Metallic w/ night package).

- It does seem to somewhat protect the car itself as user gainful mentioned, from the randomly floating shopping carts in the parking lot.


Additional Comments:

- I do not find issues with reaching in the back seat from the outside, and don't really notice the running boards that forces me to stand a few inches away. (My car is in the shop right now, but once I get it back this afternoon, I can help verify this part again).

- When I am paying attention when exiting the vehicle, I do tend to modify how I get out of my car, to avoid having the running board touch my legs, it takes a few extra seconds, but not a game stopper.

- From time to time, I have been considering removing these running boards all together, but I am not sure if that will damage the car's body itself, and I quickly get over that thought once I take a second look and really like the way it looks.

blizzard12

Much appreciated! Thank you.

Bernadôtte

I agree totally with the above, about pants getting dirty.
Only thing I would like to add, is that the length of your
legs is what decides if to get the running boards or not.
Hell, my dachshund sized legs/pants are constantly
risking dirt even without the boards......
I'm glad I cancelled them in the end.

koojo

Used to have them on my GLK, and was not a fan. Had to take a really wide step out of the vehicle to prevent getting pants dirty. Even more of an issue in the winter time when there is nasty dirt and wet snow on them.

Gracie916

I checked again, there's plenty of clearance for me to comfortably reached into the backseat without the running board in the way, I think it's because it tappers off at the end right where you would stand (towards the end). Hope this helps.

blizzard12

Thank you!

GLC220Exclusive

Wolfy90503

Would be nice to have a retractable running board that you can control as needed (not automatic).

Teckno

Our GLC wagon has them, looks good, but a pain to get in and out, especially when wet.
No protection from trolleys or idiots who throw open their car doors and hit your ride.
Looking to remove, dealer has replacement panels for AU$500. each side. Removal and refit extra my guess.
We have ordered a second GLC, this time a Coupe, without running boards, funny, no cost option to delete, so no saving$$$ on Aussie builds !
Running boards are too low and too narrow to use, especially when trying to was the roof. Better to buy a $10 two step stool ladder to wash roof.
Recommend you delete side steps.

dejongj

Agree with all the points. I had them for the practicalities on my GL, but none of them work on the GLC they don't even stop passenger car door hitting your door, there is no need to step on them to get into the car. And I guarantee you, they will get dull and pitted over time and look ugly.

Ok, I didn't like the look of them on the glc in the first place. I mean the car is so low, it is just a joke to have running boards. They look out of place in my opinion. But I do accept that that is subjective.

begone

We bought ours without running boards and had them installed a week later. Love the look and helps the kiddos get in and out on their own. Wife loves them too. And the SUV is low enough that you don't really need them and so you can easily step over them getting out. Mainly cosmetic and for the kids.

gobiman

It boils down to whether you like the looks as I think the utility is marginal in the GLC with the downside of catching backs of trousers.
I had them in my old X5 where I thought they looked more integrated. However were of limited use - stood on a seat to unload my roofbox - but were helpful for my Mother (under 5 foot) to get in and out.
Decided not to go for them on GLC as do not like the way they stick out although others like that look. Each to his own!

dejongj

Fully agree - whether you like the look of them or not is totally subjective. It is good we have choice.

ABBOT

https://www.suvgearparts.com/product...-glc-2016-2020