hc7777

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!

caf

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.

lboudreau

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.

aksuma

While getting and alighting the trousers get dirty.

YYZ-E55

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.

GregW / Oregon

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.

jtorrebl

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.

Al benzo

I went with running boards ...

hc7777

Do you mean with or without running board?

GregW / Oregon

I think he means with. Road spray washes up on the edge of it and it's easy to brush it while getting out.

hc7777

Okay, thanks, then I wont choose this option.

aksuma

With footboard.

seanthome

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.

jtorrebl

i concur with every point.

dougiebear

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

hc7777

Mine is supposed to be delivered on March too

Jim Brady

Petite significant other says get em. Saw one at the dealer vs non, looks better.

lboudreau

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

Kaasmann

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.

Nanook

I like them..helps protect side of car from front tire road rash...also finishes the gap at the bottom of the rockers

ML350toy

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.

STRADALEF1

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.

Nanook

Even my car has running boards............................sorta

STRADALEF1

Nanook

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..