[deathwish]

My wife recently leased a 2016 X3 28i. She is petite & her legs hit the side of the car when getting in & out. My salesperson told me that it was not an option on a 2016 X3 28i. I could have sworn I saw an X3 with running boards on it at the Performance Center.

I would like to get OEM running boards, especially because this is a lease. Are the running boards available on other 2016 X3s? If not, can anyone suggest an aftermarket running board that looks OEM or can be removed at the end of the lease?

[Peter_R]

They are available for the F25 in the UK. The link below only shows up to F25 [2010-2015] SUV.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X3-F25...-/380613712828

You may have to research ebay in the US.


Edit...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/11-13-BMW-F2...-/151039093966

That link only shows 11-13 BMW F25 X3 Aluminum Running Boards Pair Set Side Steps OE Style Rail Nerf

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

They are available for the F25 in the UK. The link below only shows up to F25 [2010-2015] SUV.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X3-F25...-/380613712828

You may have to research ebay in the US.


Edit...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/11-13-BMW-F2...-/151039093966

That link only shows 11-13 BMW F25 X3 Aluminum Running Boards Pair Set Side Steps OE Style Rail Nerf

But those look more cosmetic. I don't know how functional or how much weight it could support.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

But those look more cosmetic. I don't know how functional or how much weight it could support.

The Original Poster would need to check them out before buying them. Mine was only a suggestion.

But if you read through the literature.....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X3-F25...-/380613712828

Specification :
The board surface is designed for extra grip when entering and exiting your vehicle.
They are a must for everyone wanting easier access to their X3, both the interior and roof.
The overall length of these boards is 78.5 inches (1994mm).
The width of these running boards (3 inches, 76mm) gives a good platform to stand on and they are made to be stood on - not just for looks!
The price includes a pair of running boards, one for each side, and all brackets and fittings are supplied.

[gstyle333]

I purchased these exact running boards in February 2015. You can see them in images A, B, C and D.

I do not recommend you do the same for the following reasons:
1. The right side has clips, but the left side did not. See images E and F.
2. I didn't like it because they were asymmetrical
3. The worst part was that the side with the clips could just about hold half my body weight.
4. The side with the clips could not hold any weight except its own weight. If i went over a bump in the road pretty hard it would actually dislodge (but not fall off) and I would have to stop to kick it back into place.
5. Getting in and out is more difficult since you have to extend your foot further out to get out your car. (this is made even more difficult if you have sports seats)
6. Suit pants constantly brush against it when getting in and out and leaves marks on your pants. Frustrating if you have to always look your best for meetings.
7. And finally...because they extend so far out, you tend to smack you shins on them now and then. I learnt fast since I drive the car all day, but my wife and kids constantly complained that they have smacked their shins.

In the end, I got frustrated and removed them.
I replace them with the XLine Pro package which you can see on images G, H and I.
This included:
- Front spoiler
- Read spoiler
- Side spoilers
- Matching brushed aluminium mirror caps (you might not notice them because of the colour or the car but they are aluminum and the car in Sparkling Bronze)
- Chrome tailpipe
- Read mud guards

All in all I learnt a valuable lesson...BMW spends millions on researching accessories for their cars, and if they have not made one available, there is a bloody good reason why!

Oh, and by the way...If anyone is crazy enough to want them after all this explaining, you can have them for 50 Euros.

[Peter_R]

Good information. Thanks.

Big dog you have if that is a bone in picture F

[Tjalle]

Since running board is a problem, you could try to learn wife the "trucker style" in/out . Might be a problem with tight skirt .

In: enter right foot - grab steering wheel - slide in on seat. I take it you have leather seat?

Out: slide outward on seat- exit left foot - grab steering wheel and exit.

With a little training, and the right instructor, she should be able to enter/ exit graciously without getting dirty .

If this does not work, you could do what I did - lower the vehicle

[gstyle333]

Funny guy!!!
She doesn't drive the car. She smacks her shins while leaning inside the car to load things and to strap the kids in their car seats.

[Tjalle]

gstyle: no that is not what he said.

I lowered my vehicle for another reason - I am not petite.