Aftermarket Running Boards?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 189
From: TX
2023 GLE3502W, 2024 GLC3002W, 1967 Pontiac GTO 4 sp (sold...sniff)
'14 ML350 CPO purchased with 30k on the clock. Surface of boards easily stains. Same on our '14 GL450 CPO purchased with 43k on the clock. Staining (looks spotty and cloudy) from one end to the other so wear and tear not an issue. Just crappy material. Nothing will improve it. If you can save money going aftermarket, do it. BTW, the GLE loaners I've had looked bad as well. Wander your local dealer's lot to see what I mean.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 189
From: TX
2023 GLE3502W, 2024 GLC3002W, 1967 Pontiac GTO 4 sp (sold...sniff)
'14 ML350 CPO purchased with 30k on the clock. Surface of boards easily stains. Same on our '14 GL450 CPO purchased with 43k on the clock. Staining (looks spotty and cloudy) from one end to the other so wear and tear not an issue. Just crappy material. Nothing will improve it. If you can save money going aftermarket, do it. BTW, the GLE loaners I've had looked bad as well. Wander your local dealer's lot to see what I mean.
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 141
Likes: 11
From: Mt. Sinai, NY
2013 E350 wagon cuprite brown; sold:2014 ML63; R500 Saks Edition; R500; more W124s than I can count
I have a set of OEM boards that I just took off at 38k miles. They have dealer installed illumination. If anyone is interested, let me know. I am in NY...
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 889
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From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
If you live near St Louis MO, I have a set I took off a 2015 ML which are in excellent shape. They are OEM standard without lights. Car had around 30,000 miles when I had them removed. 200 if picked up will not ship
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,234
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From: Montreal/Cape Coral FL
2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
I'd be curious to see how many members, had they the choice, would remove the boards as compared to keeping them. It cost me over $1k CAN to remove mine.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 96
Likes: 23
2013 ML350 Bluetec
Anyone have any update on this. I live in NY and wanted to ADD running boards. I am scared of the quality, afraid the rubber pads will come off or the plastic will warp in the sun...etc. Seems to be a common issue with china goods.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 897
Likes: 94
From: at the mercedes dealer next to you
2020 GLE350 2020 Toyota Rav4H AWD XLE
I have them with the illuminated lights on them, they are cool to see at night time, downside is that they turn on during the day as well. Wouldnt remove them though, i like it personally.
Last edited by drwolf; Feb 11, 2019 at 12:32 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 889
Likes: 148
From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
I removed mine and don't miss them a bit. I found a pair of the non running board rocker panels on eBay and switched them after painting the non-running boards same color as the body (White) IMHO a Better look.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,234
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From: Montreal/Cape Coral FL
2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
I think much of it has to do with how tall you are. I'm 5'6" and the wife's 5'. If you live in the snow-belt and aren't tall, the back of your pant-legs become a slushy, salt-soaked rag for cleaning those floorboards. Matter of fact, the X6 also poses that same problem due to the exaggerated rocker panels. My GC SRT gave me the same problem as well. But I could see how being taller would give you a chance to clear the boards/rocker panels.
BTW, we painted ours a pearl black
BTW, we painted ours a pearl black
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 99
Likes: 26
2002 Ml320, 2012 ML350 & Slk55
I've never seen a W166 without boards.
I think all Australian delivered cars have boards. Our cars are quite highly spec'ed.
If I could I would swap mine as I'm in the same boat as Peter2772000 and hate stepping over them and getting dirty clothes.
I think all Australian delivered cars have boards. Our cars are quite highly spec'ed.
If I could I would swap mine as I'm in the same boat as Peter2772000 and hate stepping over them and getting dirty clothes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
I did order the AMG wheel/rocker panel pkg because I liked the wheels better than the standard ones. Wide open spokes makes for never having to get down and clean the wheels. The car wash does all the work with water spray.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Hi...when you took yours off, did you have a part that covered the holes etc left behind after removal? I just bought a '15 ML350, and I don't like the running boards. the dealer said there's nothing available to cover the holes, and advised that it would look bad if we took off the OEM running boards. Any advice??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,234
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From: Montreal/Cape Coral FL
2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
It cost us roughly $1000 CAN to remove ours. Body shop installed new OEM rocker panels. It's more complicated than you'd think. There are other associated parts which need to be purchased as well. Don't regret it though.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 12
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It'd be well worth the 1k to me, to get them taken off.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 155
From: Montreal/Cape Coral FL
2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
OEM MB parts, last spring, bull***** on the parts not being available. Parts guy just didn't want to research what all was necessary to do the swap.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Damn....I'm going to have to find a dealer who'll undertake the project. I'm assuming there are more parts needed than just the panels.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Is there any chance you know the complete list of what I'd need to complete the Job of removing the running boards from my '15 ML350 4matic? It's probably an annoying request, but if possible, it'd be a great help.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I just got a quote from a "discount" MB parts supplier...the total came to $874 plus tax. It looks like $240 each for the rocker panels, and then quite a few other items. Then I'll have to find a body shop to paint, etc.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 155
From: Montreal/Cape Coral FL
2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
So I guess the $1k CAN wasn't so bad a deal, it included the painting of the rockers and all the work.
Sorry, I don't know what all is needed, only that my body shop came back to me after the initial request and stated that the parts guy at MB told him he needed other parts
Sorry, I don't know what all is needed, only that my body shop came back to me after the initial request and stated that the parts guy at MB told him he needed other parts
