DriveAMG

Hi gents and gals.

I've just received my 2013 ml 350 bluetec. Unfortunately it has factory running boards. I'm going to be taking them off next week. Is anyone interested in them? They are as new. I have no clue what they are worth but won't refuse a reasonable offer.

Let me know

Thanks

Oren

gplank

According to the June 2013 pricing guide, running boards are a $670 option, so some discount below that should be a reasonable price. I'm also looking to take the running boards off my ML550 when it comes in sometime in November. Has the dealer given you a price for taking them off and replacing them with the standard bottom strip of molding? For the ML350s, the standard strip is composed of a black plastic material, similar to the undersides of the front and rear bumpers. For the ML550, they're painted. So, with the standard strip, I imagine they'll be considerably less expense that the painted one's I'll need to order.

Waykool plantz

An ideal situation would be to find another newML owner to swap parts...ask your salesman to check recent non-running board deliveries for possible player.

DriveAMG

All the dealers are factory stores. They won't switch anything for anyone. I've asked. I have an estimate from the downtown store to remove and replace with the twisty rocker panels painted to match as I have the AMG body kit ( they all do up here) of $1700 plus taxes so not much change from $2k. I have a close friend who runs a high end shop pricing it for me. It should be a few bucks cheaper. I expect around $12-1500 all in. I'll let you know. But if anyone wants them for $500 or so let me know.

skw

I agree with finding someone to swap with. The cost when ordering is just under $700, however, having them installed after at the dealer is much higher. I took the last BlueTec my dealer had, of course it didn't have the boards which I need for my 3yo. The dealer agreed to throw them into the deal (before realizing the cost). It calls for 5hrs of labor, the 2 boards come together, then there is a separate "kit" which consists of all the trim pieces that's back ordered so I'm still waiting (I don't remember the cost of the parts at the moment. The 350's rocker panels also have a chrome strip, not just black plastic. So to get the boards is gonna cost plus the wait. For you to take the boards off is gonna cost as well. So a swap w/ splitting the labor on both vehicles sounds like a good deal as both parties get what they want now.

gplank

Good point that as an OEM part, the running board are likely more than as a factory-ordered option. I guess a MB dealer parts department could enlighten us on that account. But in any case, a swap is obviously ideal. I hear sales are kicking up for the ML, so you might not have to wait long. In my case, though, there will not be any 2013 ML550s without running boards. So the chances of finding someone with a 2012 wanting to swap are probably slim to none. I'm probably just going to have to order this rocker panel trim, which I've since learned is call "ground effects."

frtdog

If you did not order the running boards and the car came with them did the dealer charge you for them? Shouldn't they be responsible for their removal?

gplank

For my 2013 ML550, I had no choice. For this model year, the running boards are standard on the ML550. The dealer says the factory cannot delete them. Not sure how hard the dealer tried....since I don't understand. If the factory can put on running boards instead of the AMG kit-style rocker panel trim as a special order for a Canadian or ML63 build, why can't they simply do the reverse for me?

xxGenericSNxx

Because MBUSA said so.

frtdog

Sorry gplank, I was referencing orenlasko's ML350.

gplank

Yep...I thought I heard MBUSA say that, but their voice was so muffled with their heads being so far up their rear-end.

DriveAMG

I cancelled my earlier order as it wasn't going to be built in time. Then 2 weeks later I stumbled upon almost exactly what I ordered sitting in another mb dealership where I get my e63 serviced. It was jst delivered and had most of what I wanted but some things I didn't like rear seat DVD and the boards. The DVD stays. The boards go. I negotiated an awesome deal though so I'm pretty happy.

gplank

I found a local independent MB body shop who gave me this quote for removing the running boards from my 2013 ML550 and replacing them with the standard AMG-style rocker panel lower trim, aka 'twist bars.'

They aren't 100% confident yet that these are the right parts, but it looks right and the price seems reasonable.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/87091557@N06/7975035770/

roastpig

Did u take off or sold yet? Post some pics?

DriveAMG

I've been off the forums for a while. My Mother is not well and been a bit busy working and taking care of her. I did eventually sell them to another salesman at my local dealer who needed a set for a client. In the end it worked out much better for me and I love the look and feel of the truck without the boards.

lumix

what's wrong with the running borad? why do you guys want to remove it?

gplank

For me, it's about the looks, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people love them, some don't. But they have a practice aspect: if you have young kids, or a short 'significant other,' you want them to help them get in and out, as they make for a good step into the car. I don't, so I'm selling the ones are coming with my ML550. Anyone: please let me know if you're interested. I figure $690 is a good price for the set. Dealer says they'll charge about $380 to put them on your ML.

keithhalford

Do you still the running boards? If so, I am in Florida and would like to discuss purchasing them. Thanks in advance.

TX S3

Im interested in the board, pm or email me please. thanks

Oohlalajuliet

Hello, Do you possibly still have your ML running boards for sale? Thank you!

gplank

UPDATE: I've sold the running boards to another member of this site. Thanks to everyone else for their inquiries. I've seen some good knock-offs here and on ebay, so that might be your best bet if you want them. However, I really don't recommend the boards in general, unless you truly need them for easier access to the vehicle.