running board can only be installed when ordering a car?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 244
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From: Delaware
2023 GLE 450
running board can only be installed when ordering a car?
I was told for GLE, the running board cannot be installed at dealership and can only be installed when building the car. Is that true?
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
As with other brands and models, rocker cladding and wheel arch trim may need to be removed to install running boards, with new wheel arch trim pieces. Electrical connection may be required if the running boards are lighted. The harness for this may or not be present and may or may not be retrofittable. Not sure of the details with 167 but it will go generally along these lines.
Ask dealer to quote such a retrofit project and report back to this thread with their answer.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 244
Likes: 37
From: Delaware
2023 GLE 450
Not strictly true. Anything is possible with enough time, effort and money. The dealer is telling you the running board is not an aftermarket accessory and they have not suggested another alternative to you.
As with other brands and models, rocker cladding and wheel arch trim may need to be removed to install running boards, with new wheel arch trim pieces. Electrical connection may be required if the running boards are lighted. The harness for this may or not be present and may or may not be retrofittable. Not sure of the details with 167 but it will go generally along these lines.
Ask dealer to quote such a retrofit project and report back to this thread with their answer.
As with other brands and models, rocker cladding and wheel arch trim may need to be removed to install running boards, with new wheel arch trim pieces. Electrical connection may be required if the running boards are lighted. The harness for this may or not be present and may or may not be retrofittable. Not sure of the details with 167 but it will go generally along these lines.
Ask dealer to quote such a retrofit project and report back to this thread with their answer.
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
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From: Charlotte, NC
2024 E450 AT Wagon, 2024 EQS450+ / Had: 2021 E350, 2019 E300, 2021 + 20 GLE350, 2019 E450 Wagon(s)
Understandable - I do think the body parts (rocker panel trim, wheel arch trim) are different with and without the running boards. I have had one GLE with them and now I have one without - I like the clean look without them. Also - the running boards were narrow enough that my foot didn't really fit on them so they weren't that helpful, IMO.
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'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
If you will keep the car for a long time and not want to wreck your MB text or leather seats get the running board. If you learn how to use it you will not drag your body to/from the seat every time you enter and exit the vehicle. I thought my wife and kids to properly enter and exit the vehicle and you will not see them drag themselves in/out. On my old ML350 the seats were in pristine condition before I parted ways with it and I have seen newer/lower mileage ML/GLEs with wrecked seats and they don't have the running boards. Go to the dealership and test "the dance": from driver side left foot on the running board + left arm on the steering wheel then "step up/pull up" and swing your right feet in then twist your bum in and land on the seat. To exit do it in reverse. If done right you will never drag your body on the side bolsters and edge of the bottom cushion which is the prime wear and tear of the driver seat because of people dragging their bodies on the seat. If you have the 3rd row option, kids, elderly and small people using the car GET IT!
Also if you don't get the running boards from the factory the dealership will not install it for you. Only way to get it done is from a body shop and they need to order the parts for you and they will install it BUT the lights might not work as it needs to be coded-in and the wiring harness might not be present. You can get a china running board without the lights though. Someone ordered one here just do a search. If you are okay with no lights but using original MB running boards look for a GLE with the running board installed and get the VIN number then ask the body shop to order the parts using that VIN number to get all the required hardware.
Also if you don't get the running boards from the factory the dealership will not install it for you. Only way to get it done is from a body shop and they need to order the parts for you and they will install it BUT the lights might not work as it needs to be coded-in and the wiring harness might not be present. You can get a china running board without the lights though. Someone ordered one here just do a search. If you are okay with no lights but using original MB running boards look for a GLE with the running board installed and get the VIN number then ask the body shop to order the parts using that VIN number to get all the required hardware.
Last edited by shotgun_banjo; Jun 5, 2023 at 02:04 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 641
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From: Charlotte, NC
2024 E450 AT Wagon, 2024 EQS450+ / Had: 2021 E350, 2019 E300, 2021 + 20 GLE350, 2019 E450 Wagon(s)
If you will keep the car for a long time and not want to wreck your MB text or leather seats get the running board. If you learn how to use it you will not drag your body to/from the seat every time you enter and exit the vehicle. I thought my wife and kids to properly enter and exit the vehicle and you will not see them drag themselves in/out. On my old ML350 the seats were in pristine condition before I parted ways with it and I have seen newer/lower mileage ML/GLEs with wrecked seats and they don't have the running boards. Go to the dealership and test "the dance": from driver side left foot on the running board + left arm on the steering wheel then "step up/pull up" and swing your right feet in then twist your bum in and land on the seat. To exit do it in reverse. If done right you will never drag your body on the side bolsters and edge of the bottom cushion which is the prime wear and tear of the driver seat because of people dragging their bodies on the seat. If you have the 3rd row option, kids, elderly and small people using the car GET IT!
Also if you don't get the running boards from the factory the dealership will not install it for you. Only way to get it done is from a body shop and they need to order the parts for you and they will install it BUT the lights might not work as it needs to be coded-in and the wiring harness might not be present. You can get a china running board without the lights though. Someone ordered one here just do a search. If you are okay with no lights but using original MB running boards look for a GLE with the running board installed and get the VIN number then ask the body shop to order the parts using that VIN number to get all the required hardware.
Also if you don't get the running boards from the factory the dealership will not install it for you. Only way to get it done is from a body shop and they need to order the parts for you and they will install it BUT the lights might not work as it needs to be coded-in and the wiring harness might not be present. You can get a china running board without the lights though. Someone ordered one here just do a search. If you are okay with no lights but using original MB running boards look for a GLE with the running board installed and get the VIN number then ask the body shop to order the parts using that VIN number to get all the required hardware.
and I am sure you are right about the running board saving on seat wear - good point.
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I use the "Lower when Entering" setting.
With the car fully lowered, it's kind of like half a ronning board.
With the car fully lowered, it's kind of like half a ronning board.
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GLE 580
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'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
Have you tried changing the arms to accommodate a lower ride since you have airmatic? One of the things I miss and like to have is the E-ABC then yes you can control the suspension.
