Any opinion on running board?
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Vancouver, Canada
BMW
Any opinion on running board?
Any opinion about whether the running board is useful? It seems to me that the SUV does not look nice with runnig board. And to me, only concerns are: is it useful when getting off the car? As well is it useful while putting ski/snowboard stuff on the roof in the winter?
Again about cooler/heat cup holder, anyone knows whether this option is avaiable in January production in Canada? Or later month? Thanks!
Again about cooler/heat cup holder, anyone knows whether this option is avaiable in January production in Canada? Or later month? Thanks!
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Indianapolis
car
I don't think the running boards are functional unless you're really short. The MLs just aren't that tall.
So it comes down to aesthetics. I was ambivalent about whether it looked better with or without, so I left them off my order.
So it comes down to aesthetics. I was ambivalent about whether it looked better with or without, so I left them off my order.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: NS, Canada
2023 E53 AMG, 2024 EQE AMG SUV
You also lose the side skirts which would be part of the AMG package if it is selected as an option. The ML I just ordered will come with them and I think they look better then the running boards.
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From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Go without the running boards for Canadian MLs - the truck looks way better with the painted AMG door sill, and the running board provides limited functionality unless you're loading seniors or kids.
Heated/cooled cupholders are cancelled.
Heated/cooled cupholders are cancelled.
Last edited by YYZ-E55; Oct 27, 2011 at 10:07 AM.
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Running boards make getting out harder as you have to clear that extension. I could see the usefulness for reaching things on the roof rack. Would be better if they were stainless instead of aluminum.
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From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
I think running boards on AMG messes up the look. But on US car without AMG I like it. It adds a side skirt look ( on blAck or dark cars) and functionality. Have you seen stock US ml's without it. It looks kind of high and with the non lowered non air suspension and huge wheel arch gap, it just messes up the look of the car, to me at least. Our last q7 was an s-line with the 21's so that shows you home much we care about offroad capabiliteis. It didn't have them which I liked. On this car though I differ. Just look at our car it fills in the that void where side skirts would have normally been. I have some more pics in my album. As to functionality, my wife who is the primary driver appreciates them. She is the average driver of this model vehicle anyway. I NOW appreciate them since for the last 4 weeks I've had 2 slipped disks in my lower back! This despite being I'm a healthy 170 lb 6 foot 35 yo? OUch.
Last edited by jtorrebl; Oct 27, 2011 at 02:24 PM.
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Thread Starter
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From: Vancouver, Canada
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Got the 2012 ML for my wife, with running boards. She's 5'7", so they do help her when she goes in and out of the car. And come in handy when loading the baby into the back.
I'm 6'. I find that I do use them when I go in, but don't when coming out.
We both think it looks nicer with the running boards.
I'm 6'. I find that I do use them when I go in, but don't when coming out.
We both think it looks nicer with the running boards.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
Got the 2012 ML for my wife, with running boards. She's 5'7", so they do help her when she goes in and out of the car. And come in handy when loading the baby into the back.
I'm 6'. I find that I do use them when I go in, but don't when coming out.
We both think it looks nicer with the running boards.
I'm 6'. I find that I do use them when I go in, but don't when coming out.
We both think it looks nicer with the running boards.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 552
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From: Near Niagara Falls, Canada
2013 ML BLUETEC JULY 31
In Canada NO WAY to running boards. 
For reasons others said looks better with AMG moulding and I always hit my leg/ankle when getting out of ML with running boards.
Keeps some dirt off truck but puts it on your pants or leg in shorts.
Enjoy your ML's gang, March at least till I get mine
For reasons others said looks better with AMG moulding and I always hit my leg/ankle when getting out of ML with running boards.
Keeps some dirt off truck but puts it on your pants or leg in shorts.
Enjoy your ML's gang, March at least till I get mine
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 19
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From: Vancouver, Canada
BMW
In Canada NO WAY to running boards.
For reasons others said looks better with AMG moulding and I always hit my leg/ankle when getting out of ML with running boards.
Keeps some dirt off truck but puts it on your pants or leg in shorts.
Enjoy your ML's gang, March at least till I get mine
For reasons others said looks better with AMG moulding and I always hit my leg/ankle when getting out of ML with running boards.
Keeps some dirt off truck but puts it on your pants or leg in shorts.
Enjoy your ML's gang, March at least till I get mine
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: NS, Canada
2023 E53 AMG, 2024 EQE AMG SUV
March for me as well... no running boards... We have a 2010 with em and the only reason we like them is for washing the roof.... otherwise they are just annoying when getting in and out
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From: Alberta, Canada
ml350 bluetec
I have the running boards. I use it when I get in to drive, but never when I get out. On the other hand, when I am the passenger I never use it to get in, but always use it to get out. I guess its just an idiot-syncracy.
My pants don't get dirty even in mud, so it must be the swing of the leg that gets your pants filthy.
My pants don't get dirty even in mud, so it must be the swing of the leg that gets your pants filthy.
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From: Alberta, Canada
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
I like them..helps protect side of car from front tire road rash...also finishes the gap at the bottom of the rockers
Last edited by Nanook; Sep 8, 2013 at 04:54 PM.
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S2000
With a young child, it's not a question of looks -- it's a MUST. I found it extremely important for young riders and possibly the elderly as well. As for the looks, some like it; some don't. Me personally prefer to have it although I rarely use it myself but it's always good to have when you need it. If you can afford 60k car, $600 over the life of the vehicle is almost insignificant-- just like many of us ML350 fans 90 percent of us don't really use the hitch but yet the majority of SUVs came with it.
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From: Long Island, New York
2014 ML63, PORSCHE 997 Turbo Cabriolet, Ferrari F430, Durango HEMI, 93 HD FLSTN, 04 HD FLHTCSE
3M is best way to protect from road rash. Front, hood, sides and behind each wheel, front & back... Running boards are a no cost option for the ML63 but I like the painted to match side sills better. Think the color matching side sills look a little more performance oriented, they look more high end, imo a cleaner look better on the vehicle. The running boards look more utility. I have running boards now on a utility SUV but step over them/don't use them & the ML is even lower to the ground. ....But if you have little ones or taking seniors to track day then they'll come in handy. Think its just personal preference thing, no right or wrong.
But That black ML63 looks awesome, (Im drooling) and so do the terrific pictures.
But That black ML63 looks awesome, (Im drooling) and so do the terrific pictures.
Last edited by STRADALEF1; Sep 8, 2013 at 09:50 PM.
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From: Alberta, Canada
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
My ML came with the running boards..I don't know what looks better...with or without but I do know they are a pain in the a** when stepping out...especially with the contour seats...If I had my choice I'd do without...and I may still take them off and replace with the sport rockers..
