[hiki08]

Hey guys, wary there's a few other threads sharing electric deployable side steps over the past year or so, but wanted to start a new one to discuss my 2022 foray.

There's the generic Jaguar Land Rover-style black plastic ones but I've been looking at a few Chinese sellers recently and saw a rather interesting "Maybach-style" running board (wider at the rear and with silver ascents) with BMW mounting brackets. I've been chatting with the seller. They say you won't need to drill holes as the bracket will be suited for the X5.

To use the jack points to lift the vehicle (which was an issue pointed out recently) they said it should be possible once you deploy the side steps. I don't know how true this is. Anyone with deployable side steps (including JLR ones) know how jack points are accessed when deployable side steps are fitted?

Another issue is aesthetics when they are not deployed. Because of the width of these Maybach- style steps, part of the rear sticks out from the body and a tiny bit towards the front. One immediate question I have for anyone well versed with the M Sport side skirt and X Line side skirt is whether the protrusion of the lower edge of the side skirt is more on the M Sport than on the X Line? Attaching photos of the side steps deployed and closed. Anyone who can share their knowledge would be much appreciated.

Also, while subjective, any opinion about the bit sticking out towards the rear? For an X Line which already has lots of silver highlights here and there, I think it'll probably be okay, though obviously altering the profile of the vehicle.

Thanks.

(I'll update this post more when I'm home with a computer)

My 2021 thread: https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1794652

Other discussion: https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1865399

[leehocrx]

Originally Posted by hiki08

Hey guys, wary there's a few other threads sharing electric deployable side steps over the past year or so, but wanted to start a new one to discuss my 2022 foray.

There's the generic Jaguar Land Rover-style black plastic ones but I've been looking at a few Chinese sellers recently and saw a rather interesting "Maybach-style" running board (wider at the rear and with silver ascents) with BMW mounting brackets. I've been chatting with the seller. They say you won't need to drill holes as the bracket will be suited for the X5.

To use the jack points to lift the vehicle (which was an issue pointed out recently) they said it should be possible once you deploy the side steps. I don't know how true this is. Anyone with deployable side steps (including JLR ones) know how jack points are accessed when deployable side steps are fitted?

Another issue is aesthetics when they are not deployed. Because of the width of these Maybach- style steps, part of the rear sticks out from the body and a tiny bit towards the front. One immediate question I have for anyone well versed with the M Sport side skirt and X Line side skirt is whether the protrusion of the lower edge of the side skirt is more on the M Sport than on the X Line? Attaching photos of the side steps deployed and closed. Anyone who can share their knowledge would be much appreciated.

Also, while subjective, any opinion about the bit sticking out towards the rear? For an X Line which already has lots of silver highlights here and there, I think it'll probably be okay, though obviously altering the profile of the vehicle.

Thanks.

(I'll update this post more when I'm home with a computer)

My 2021 thread: https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1794652

Other discussion: https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1865399

The pics don't look bad at all. I do not think i would mind the running board sticking out a little bit. When i tried to have the set i had purchased installed, i was explained that the jack pints would be at least be partially covered. There was no way to deploy the running board and hold it deployed so that the vehicle could be jacked up. Only way to trigger it was to open the door. So not sure how to keep it deployed.
My other problem was that i have X5 45e (plug in) and the battery pack didn't allow the rear of the running board to be attached effectively to the vehicle.
I have surrendered attempting to get this done. Having the plug in works so much better for me. Last time i put fuel in was 4.5 months ago and i still had over 40% of my fuel left.

[hiki08]

Originally Posted by leehocrx

The pics don't look bad at all. I do not think i would mind the running board sticking out a little bit. When i tried to have the set i had purchased installed, i was explained that the jack pints would be at least be partially covered. There was no way to deploy the running board and hold it deployed so that the vehicle could be jacked up. Only way to trigger it was to open the door. So not sure how to keep it deployed.
My other problem was that i have X5 45e (plug in) and the battery pack didn't allow the rear of the running board to be attached effectively to the vehicle.
I have surrendered attempting to get this done. Having the plug in works so much better for me. Last time i put fuel in was 4.5 months ago and i still had over 40% of my fuel left.

I think typically you can keep these deployed by opening door, closing door and stand on the steps. That way it won't retract until the next time you open and close the door.

Whether it completely clears the jack point is another question though I guess by protruding outside of the side of the vehicle it should clear the points. But yet another question is whether the deployed side steps would interfere with some jacks. Maybe the lifts used on garages will be okay, but probably not portable single point jacks.

I'm also wondering how the M sport side skirt compared with the X Line one in terms of silhouette at the bottom edge. In the last photo you see that a bit of silver is visible towards the front, disappears then a lot of it is visible towards the rear, when retracted. Im curious if on the X Line the silver would be visible throughout the entire length. If so, I think it might work out better than on the M Sport pictured...

[BimmerNewbie66]

Two things, newbie here! First, any pricing/availability info on these running boards? Second installation concerns. Is this something that I can take to a local mechanic who has BMW experience to install as this is DEFINITELY something I cannot handle!

[MADBMWX5MC]

Any additional info out there on installing these running boards?

[ipayincash]

Did anyone end up doing this mod ?

[eelnoraa]

For Jack point, even if you can force the running board out, and expose the Jack point, that will only work for floor Jack and stands, right? How about lift where support from the side, the running board will get in the way?

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by leehocrx

The pics don't look bad at all. I do not think i would mind the running board sticking out a little bit. When i tried to have the set i had purchased installed, i was explained that the jack pints would be at least be partially covered. There was no way to deploy the running board and hold it deployed so that the vehicle could be jacked up. Only way to trigger it was to open the door. So not sure how to keep it deployed.
My other problem was that i have X5 45e (plug in) and the battery pack didn't allow the rear of the running board to be attached effectively to the vehicle.
I have surrendered attempting to get this done. Having the plug in works so much better for me. Last time i put fuel in was 4.5 months ago and i still had over 40% of my fuel left.

I don’t see how 45e play a role here. 45e can have factory running board. If this running board use factory mounting holes, no reason 45e won’t work. Right?

[MADBMWX5MC]

I would so much install any electric running board for the X5MC if available.

[ipayincash]

Originally Posted by MADBMWX5MC

I would so much install any electric running board for the X5MC if available.

They do make them I’ve seen them on aliexpress but if im not mistaken they will cover up the running welcome lights which could be a deal breaker for some. I saw another user post a video I think it was on a X7 and the running lights basically were showing on the running board vs the ground. If you need them then it’s an amazing option but I’ve yet to see someone install them on a f95/f96 and show any more details on shipping time, installation, over all thoughts, reliability and so on. I’d def install them also, since BMW decided to make it a off road height vehicle they should’ve been an option to begin with imo

[MADBMWX5MC]

Less expensive truck I had, the 2017 Ford Expedition had them, but again, it was a bit taller compared to the X5

[UnclePat]

I just had the AutoTech Trends running boards installed on my '22 X5 m50i. Came out pretty good. I do lose access to the 4 jack points but have the run flats, don't have a spare tire or jack onboard. Other ways for a garage to lift a vehicle, and I'd rather have a mechanic a little irked at me vs having my short legged bride always struggling to get in on her side of the rig. Happy spouse, happy house.

Based on the boxes they were shipped in, Korean components from Houston based supplier. Mechanical components look rugged enough. Installation manual was not as clear as some but a good installer should be able to figure it out. I got charged 7 hours.

Open/Close actuation by key fob unlock/lock buttons or by opening/closing a door.

Lighting is bright, to the cool white end of the color spectrum.

Includes what I'd call an OFF/AUTO switch (mine was mounted up over the gas pedal); you can prevent actuation with it to keep the boards from extending or you can extend the running boards then switch it to the OFF position and the boards will stay extended.

Cheers!
Uncle Pat

[UnclePat]

Some additional comments on the AutoTech Trends running boards:

They advise that the units they offer for other BMW SAV's, including the regular X5, X6 including the M's and X7's including the M's that the units they ship are a little different - slightly narrower at 6" and those models do NOT lose access to the lift points like my m50i did.

Didn't want to leave you with the impression that all the X models would lose access to the jack points.

Cheers!
Uncle Pat

[sree.vasan]

I have just picked my new X5 M60i and this is my upgrade from my previous 2017 one. The only drawback that I face is the side step / running board which is essential for elderly people to get in and out of the car. Do these we would loose the warranty on the vehicle if we install anything outside authorized BMW agents. Any thoughts?