Running boards not all that useful ....
02-02-2009, 06:24 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ML320 (W163)
Running boards not all that useful ....
On our W163, the OEM running boards are just fabulous. I would be hard pressed to deal with objects on the roof rack without them. But, I noticed that the W164 is about 3 inches or so lower than the W163, and the running boards are indeed a bit of an obstruction to getting in and out.
I wish I could've saved the expense, but my wife and kids (5'4" and below) like and use the running boards on the W164. I'd say for anyone 5'7" and taller ... the running boards are of marginal benefit. Stick with OEM mudflaps and the stock rocker covers.
John Feng
I wish I could've saved the expense, but my wife and kids (5'4" and below) like and use the running boards on the W164. I'd say for anyone 5'7" and taller ... the running boards are of marginal benefit. Stick with OEM mudflaps and the stock rocker covers.
John Feng
03-31-2009, 08:29 PM
#3
I have the running boards on my '09 and they are essentially useless, but they sure make the vehicle look better. I did not like the appearance of the truck without them.
They are clumsy to step on, not wide enough to comfortably use, and the incorrect height. They are very close to the height of the vehicle threshold so I find it easier to just step up and into the vehicle (stepping over the running board).
They are clumsy to step on, not wide enough to comfortably use, and the incorrect height. They are very close to the height of the vehicle threshold so I find it easier to just step up and into the vehicle (stepping over the running board).
03-31-2009, 09:41 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
8 Posts
SLS Irridium silver,2014 GL350 BT Irridium, 2015 White Dodge RAM Hemi Quad
I have the running boards on my '09 and they are essentially useless, but they sure make the vehicle look better. I did not like the appearance of the truck without them.
They are clumsy to step on, not wide enough to comfortably use, and the incorrect height. They are very close to the height of the vehicle threshold so I find it easier to just step up and into the vehicle (stepping over the running board).
They are clumsy to step on, not wide enough to comfortably use, and the incorrect height. They are very close to the height of the vehicle threshold so I find it easier to just step up and into the vehicle (stepping over the running board).
04-08-2009, 10:49 AM
#7
Senior Member
Trending Topics
04-13-2009, 09:15 PM
#9
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ML320 (W163)
My wife is 5'4" and she likes having them. The kids 50" and 44" also appreciate them (keeps mud of them when they're scrambling in to the car). I only found them useful when securing something to our Thule rack. Some people stand on the open doorsill, but I can reach most things on our racks standing on the running board. You maybe tall enough to not need a running board for this either as the W164 is substantially shorter than the W163.
