X5 M Sport & Running Boards - FINAL

[zimbakin]

Putting all conjecture and personal opinions aside.
I want to know conclusively, can OEM Aluminium running boards be fitted to a 2013 E70 X5 with an M sport pack?
If so, are there any fitting issues.

Half the community agree and the other half disagree. Attached is a picture of what looks like an M Sport with running boards.
BMW say no due to the large guards, however, I beleive this may only be their position in order to protect the brand.
Only interested in comments from anyone with real knowledge and experience.

Cheers

[X5X]

Yes, no problem. I would just recommend painting the plastic in the factory colour.

[zimbakin]

Originally Posted by X5X

Yes, no problem. I would just recommend painting the plastic in the factory colour.

Thanks. Can you elaborate?
Any problems fitting or any gaps? Someone reported a gap when fitted ie. not flush.

Cheers.

[Hammer]

Yes. Someone's already done it and even posted some pix of it in this forum. Some modification is needed to complete the fitting. Do a search in this forum for it, I'm sure you'll find it.

[X5X]

I saw a 35d at my dealer, m sport with running boards. Looks pretty flush to me, and my dealer said it was a simple swap if the old panel for the running boards.

[zimbakin]

Originally Posted by cashsosa

So I just picked up my X5 5.0 Msport that I had custom ordered with all the goodies yesterday night. As expected, it just looks a bit bare without the running boards. I spent all night trying to see if someone did it but only one poor picture exists which was the black one and you can't see where the running board meets... Ultimately, looking at the front end it doesn't look like it's really an Msport but rather they painted the body moldings. So i purchased the running boards this am and had them put on... Sure enough, it looks retarded... Doesn't match up at all due to the flared fenders.

However, we have found a solution. We're going to cut off the ends from the stock running board and fuse them together with the aluminum running board so that the ends match up perfectly with the fender flares. Once they are fused, you sand down the plastic, apply primer and then paint the entire running board (minus the aluminum) for a custom look and fit. It won't be ready until Friday but bet i'll be posting.. Here's the two pictures of them on the vehicle so that people can see for themselves that they do not in fact fit without severe modifications...

Looks like it can be done, however, modifications need to be made for a flush fit. Seems complicated.

[zimbakin]

Originally Posted by cashsosa

Hey Everyone, i'm really sorry for the delay but i was waiting on the wheel spacers and a couple other things before i took the final professional pictures. However, I've received a few emails about it so here's a quick picture from just my iPhone so you can see that it did in fact get done and looks perfect. In the forthcoming weeks i'll finish it up and get some professional shots done.. In the meantime, enjoy...

Here's an enhanced version to highlight where his running board joins the flared M Sport guards:

[DCC]

Originally Posted by zimbakin

Putting all conjecture and personal opinions aside.
I want to know conclusively, can OEM Aluminium running boards be fitted to a 2013 E70 X5 with an M sport pack?
If so, are there any fitting issues.

Half the community agree and the other half disagree. Attached is a picture of what looks like an M Sport with running boards.
BMW say no due to the large guards, however, I beleive this may only be their position in order to protect the brand.
Only interested in comments from anyone with real knowledge and experience.

Cheers

Those are some nice wheels...what type/model are they?

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by zimbakin

Looks like it can be done, however, modifications need to be made for a flush fit. Seems complicated.

Zimbakin,

Do you complete the install of the running boards with the modified ends? Can you share details and pics?

I'm looking at an M-sport and would like to do the same ...

Thanx.