troymir350

I've seen a lot of people trying to do similar, and a dealer swap won't be possible at this point.


We got a new '15 ML with the lighted running board option. Wow, these are great! Someone should really want to upgrade to these I'm sure. (holding tongue in cheek firmly)


I'm going to take them off at some point and replace. But, we got the exterior sports package, so the basic rocker panel/side skirt update isn't what we want. I'm going to have to get the AMG option side skirts that have a little more meat to them and seem to angle out away from the sill of the vehicle.


If anyone has an ML63 without running boards and is looking, let's swap! If anyone else has the side skirts from the sport package and wants running boards, let's swap! Either way, send me a PM and we can figure something out.


If no one swaps, I'll buy new and these will be for sale soon.

drdualee

I would be very interested in any details, pricing, ins and outs of your change to the running boards as I will be following you shortly. Thanks for sharing.

troymir350

Not sure if you got the running boards with the lights, but apparently there is a wire harness that connects to each side and then up to the front SAM unit (control box). First, I was told it takes the dealer techs 6 hours to install these when they arrive (are these a dealer installed option? I didn't think so). Then I was told that 6 hours would be the removal of current and install of the new side rocker panels and support pieces. That seems possible, but still long if this is on a lift.


For the Sports Pkg rocker panels and all parts needed I've been quoted retail of $870 pre tax for primed parts. Paint could be $500 (?). I'm seeing 25% off parts online from MB dealers so that's my target. I haven't pulled the trigger yet; still gathering data.


Dealer labor rate is $100+/hour vs good shop rate of $60ish/hour so even if its 6 hours that's not too bad. Target price is less than $1500 for the new rockers installed.

troymir350

Here's representative of what the rockers will look like. Front end....insert drool here!!

ntwillie1

I have the running boards w the LED lights on my ML400. Recently one of the LEDs went out. The dealer replaced under warranty. They had to replace the entire LED strip. They said if it was out of warranty it was $700 for the LED strip and $1300 total w labor so $600 for labor sounds about right as the replacement required them removing the running board and reinstalling.

troymir350

Thanks for the reference. Good to get more information as this doesn't seem to be very common. Thought: I hope I don't have any LED issue that would require the dealer to remove the boards under warranty!!

skw

Painting the parts, running the wiring harness, and any necessary programming, I understand. But for physically installing the running boards or rocker panels, I can't see it being that difficult to diy if you wanted to and if you have the tools. These vehicles are high enough to comfortably get under it. Should be held on by a couple of clips and bolts. Completely different vehicles but I had gotten an Acura MDX a few years ago that had everything we wanted except the running boards and tow hitch. Bought both at a discount from a dealer online and installed them in the driveway in a few hours.

troymir350

Agree in most cases. I actually installed a hitch and ran the wire harness on an X5 diesel that involved removing the rear bumper fascia. So, I'm capable of it. But, in this case the dealer that removes the parts and installs them will warrant the work and the price isn't too bad. If it gets scratched, they will fix it!

elegros75

are you selling running boards?

troymir350

Sorry, long gone.

AKnight55

Looks clean

peter2772000

I'd think you'd have a better chance posting this in the "off topic" section. Much better...