Mercedes GLS Running Boards: Ultimate Effortless Access

Mercedes GLS Running Boards: Add effortless style and superior access to your luxury SUV.

Climbing into a large SUV like the Mercedes-Benz GLS might feel like a challenge for some passengers. That’s where running boards come in. They offer a convenient step to make entry and exit much simpler and safer for everyone. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Mercedes GLS running boards, helping you choose and understand their benefits.

Why Mercedes GLS Running Boards Are a Smart Upgrade

Owning a Mercedes-Benz GLS means enjoying the pinnacle of luxury, space, and capability. However, its substantial stature, while appealing, can present a slight hurdle for younger children, shorter adults, or anyone who prefers a little extra assistance. This is precisely the problem that well-designed running boards solve, transforming your GLS into an even more accessible and practical vehicle.

Beyond mere functionality, the right running boards can significantly enhance your GLS’s aesthetic. They blend seamlessly with the vehicle’s design, adding a touch of rugged elegance or sleek sophistication, depending on the style you choose. They are not just accessories; they are an integration that elevates both the form and function of your already premium SUV.

Enhancing Accessibility for All

The most immediate benefit of installing running boards on your Mercedes GLS is improved accessibility. Think about:

• Children: No more struggling to lift younger children into their car seats or helping them climb in. Running boards provide a stable step, giving them independence and making your life easier.
• Shorter Individuals: Passengers who find the GLS’s ride height a bit too tall will appreciate the added boost, making ingress and egress comfortable for everyone.
• Elderly Passengers: For older passengers, even a slight rise can be a challenge. Running boards offer crucial support, ensuring they can enter and exit the vehicle safely and with confidence.
• Anyone with Mobility Issues: Providing a wider, lower surface makes the GLS accessible to a broader range of individuals, promoting inclusivity and comfort.

Boosting Safety and Reducing Risk

A larger SUV can sometimes be daunting to enter and exit gracefully, especially in less-than-ideal conditions. Running boards significantly mitigate this risk by:

• Providing a Stable Platform: This reduces the chance of slips or stumbles, particularly vital during wet weather or when wearing less-than-ideal footwear.
• Lowering the Entry Point: Passengers don’t have to stretch or strain as much, lowering the risk of muscle strain or falls.
• Reducing Wear on Seats: Passengers may be less likely to use the side bolsters of the seats as makeshift steps, helping to preserve the pristine condition of your luxurious interior.

Elevating Your GLS’s Style

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for their sophisticated design, and running boards can be chosen to complement and enhance this. Whether you opt for a polished, chrome finish that echoes the GLS’s luxury cues or a more robust, matte black design that hints at off-road capability, running boards add a distinct visual appeal. They can give the GLS a more grounded stance and complete its profile, making it stand out even more.

Practicality and Added Value

Running boards are not just about comfort and style; they also add genuine practicality. They can:

• Protect Your Paintwork: They act as a shield against minor impacts from debris kicked up by tires and can help prevent scuff marks from shoes near the lower door panels.
• Increase Resale Value: Many buyers appreciate the added convenience and features of a vehicle, and running boards can be a desirable option that enhances your GLS’s appeal when it’s time to sell.

Types of Mercedes GLS Running Boards: Finding Your Fit

When you’re looking for running boards for your Mercedes GLS, you’ll encounter a few primary types, each offering distinct advantages in appearance, functionality, and material. Understanding these differences will help you select the perfect set for your needs and style preferences.

1. OE-Style (Original Equipment) Running Boards

These are designed to mimic the look and feel of running boards offered by Mercedes-Benz itself. They often feature a sleek, integrated appearance that follows the contours of the GLS’s bodywork seamlessly.

• Appearance: Typically feature a smooth, premium finish, often with integrated lighting or a piano-black insert. They project an understated elegance.
• Materials: Usually constructed from high-quality aluminum or composite materials, ensuring durability and a lightweight design.
• Installation: Designed for a factory-like fit, often utilizing existing mounting points on the GLS chassis.
• Pros: OEM-like aesthetics, high-quality construction, often includes vehicle-specific features like puddle lights.
• Cons: Can be more expensive, may offer slightly less grip than some aftermarket aggressive designs.

2. Tubular (Side Step) Running Boards

These are a classic choice, characterized by their tubular or bar-like structure running along the sides of the vehicle. They offer a durable and functional step.

• Appearance: Range from simple, single-tube designs to more elaborate multi-tube configurations. Available in polished stainless steel, black, or chrome finishes.
• Materials: Primarily made from stainless steel or robust aluminum for maximum strength and corrosion resistance.
• Installation: Bolt-on kits are common, attaching to the GLS frame.
• Pros: Durable, robust, offer good ground clearance, can provide protection against minor side impacts.
• Cons: Can sometimes interrupt the vehicle’s smooth body lines, may offer a less “integrated” look than OE-style boards.

3. Running Board with Integrated Steps (Tread Plates)

These combine a solid, board-like structure with a textured or patterned surface to provide excellent traction. They aim for a balance between a sleek look and maximum grip.

• Appearance: Often feature a flat, wide profile with a non-slip surface, such as a diamond plate pattern or rubber inlays.
• Materials: Typically aluminum or composite, designed to be strong yet lightweight.
• Installation: Usually a bolt-on installation process.
• Pros: Excellent grip in all weather conditions, provide a substantial step area, can appear very modern and functional.
• Cons: The textured surface can sometimes be harder to clean than smoother finishes.

4. Power Running Boards (Deployable)

These are the most technologically advanced option. They automatically retract flush with the vehicle’s body when the doors are closed and extend downwards when a door is opened, providing a step exactly when and where you need it.

• Appearance: When retracted, they are virtually invisible, maintaining the GLS’s clean lines. When deployed, they offer a substantial, often illuminated, step.
• Materials: High-grade aluminum and durable electric motors and components designed for automotive use.
• Installation: More complex than fixed boards, requiring connection to the vehicle’s electrical system and door sensors. Expert installation is highly recommended.
• Pros: Ultimate in convenience and aesthetics (invisible when not in use), provide a very solid step, often include premium lighting features.
• Cons: Most expensive option, requires electrical integration, potential for mechanical failure over time (though high-quality units are very reliable), can add significant weight.

Material Considerations:

Aluminum: Offers a great balance of strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. It’s a popular choice for most types of running boards.

Stainless Steel: Extremely durable and resistant to rust, making it ideal for tubular designs that are exposed to the elements. Polished stainless steel offers a premium look.

Composite Materials: Often used in OE-style boards, these can be molded into complex shapes for a seamless fit and offer good durability while keeping weight down.

Choosing the Right Running Boards for Your Mercedes GLS

Selecting the perfect running boards involves considering not just the type but several other factors to ensure they meet your expectations for function, form, and longevity. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:

Compatibility with Your GLS Model Year

It’s crucial to confirm that any running boards you consider are specifically designed for your Mercedes-Benz GLS model year. The chassis and body design can change between generations, so incorrect fitment can lead to installation issues, poor alignment, or even safety concerns. Always check the product description or consult with a reputable retailer to verify compatibility.

Material and Finish

• Durability: Consider how you use your GLS. If it’s primarily for city driving and weekend trips, most durable materials will suffice. For more adventurous use or areas with harsh weather (salt, snow, sand), opt for highly corrosion-resistant materials like high-grade stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum.
• Aesthetics: Match the finish to your GLS’s styling. Polished stainless steel or chrome can complement the luxury chrome accents on many GLS models. Matte black or textured finishes can add a more rugged or sporty look.

Load Capacity

Running boards are designed to support a certain amount of weight. Ensure the load capacity meets your needs, especially if you anticipate passengers putting significant weight on them. Most quality running boards can support at least 300-500 lbs (136-227 kg) per side, which is ample for most users. Check manufacturer specifications for exact figures.

Ease of Installation

This is a significant point for DIYers. Running boards can range from straightforward bolt-on installations that require basic tools to more complex setups that may necessitate drilling or electrical wiring (especially for power running boards).

• Bolt-On: These are the easiest, typically attaching to pre-drilled factory mounting points on the GLS frame.
• Custom Brackets: Some applications may require custom brackets specific to the GLS.
• Electrical Integration:** Power running boards need to be wired into the vehicle’s electrical system, which is best left to professionals if you’re not experienced.

For a DIY installation, look for kits that explicitly state they are no-drill and use OEM mounting locations. Resources like Popular Mechanics guides on automotive installations can provide a general understanding of the process.

Design and Style Integration

The running boards should complement the overall design of your Mercedes GLS. Consider the lines of the vehicle, the existing trim, and the desired look.

• Seamless Fit: OE-style boards are designed for maximum integration.
• Complementary Lines: Tubular or tread-plate styles can also look great, but ensure the curve of the tube or the width of the board visually aligns with the GLS’s body panels.
• Brand Aesthetics: Mercedes-Benz vehicles have a distinct sophisticated image. Choose running boards that enhance this, rather than detract from it.

Added Features

• Lighting: Some higher-end running boards, especially OE-style or power-deployable models, come with integrated LED lighting. This enhances visibility at night and adds a touch of premium flair.
• Puddle Lights: These small lights illuminate the area around the step, further improving safety and convenience.
• Anti-Slip Surfaces: Essential for all running boards, ensuring a secure footing in any weather condition.

Installation Guide: Mercedes GLS Running Boards (General Steps)

Installing running boards on your Mercedes GLS can be a rewarding DIY project, but it requires patience, the right tools, and attention to detail. While specific steps vary by manufacturer and running board type, this general guide will outline the common phases. Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your running boards.

Tools and Materials You Might Need:

• Your new running board kit (including boards, brackets, and hardware)
• Socket wrench set (metric sizes, typically 10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 17mm)
• Torque wrench (important for ensuring hardware is tightened to specification)
• Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
• Applicable drill bits (if drilling is required, though many kits are no-drill)
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves
• Pen or marker
• Wire strippers and connectors (for power running boards)
• Rust inhibitor spray (optional, for any exposed metal after installation)
• Jack and jack stands (if extra clearance is needed, use with caution and ensure a level surface)

Step-by-Step Installation Process:

Step 1: Preparation and Safety

Ensure your GLS is parked on a level, stable surface. Engage the parking brake. For easier access, you might consider using wheel chocks. If you will be working underneath the vehicle, proper jacking and support with jack stands are imperative. Always wear safety glasses and gloves throughout the installation.

Step 2: Locate Mounting Points

Reference your GLS’s owner’s manual or a service manual to identify the factory-intended mounting points along the frame or pinch weld on each side of the vehicle where the running boards will attach. Many aftermarket running boards are designed to use existing holes, eliminating the need for drilling. If your kit requires drilling, mark the locations precisely according to the provided template or instructions.

Step 3: Install Brackets (If Applicable)

Most running boards come with specialized brackets that bolt onto the GLS frame. You may need to install these brackets first before attaching the boards themselves. Ensure you use the correct hardware provided with your kit. Tighten bolts firmly but avoid overtightening initially; you’ll fully torque them later.

Some robust kits use specialized brackets. For instance, companies like SW-Motorsport often detail how their specific mounting systems integrate with chassis points.

Step 4: Mount the Running Boards

Align the running boards with the installed brackets. Many kits use a sliding or adjustable mechanism to fine-tune the position before securing them. Insert the bolts through the running boards and into the brackets. Hand-tighten all hardware at this stage.

Step 5: Connect Wiring (For Power Running Boards Only)

This is the most technical part for deployable running boards. You’ll need to connect the running board’s wiring harness to the vehicle’s electrical system. This often involves tapping into the door sensor wiring or a power source. Follow the manufacturer’s diagrams meticulously. Ensure all connections are secure and waterproofed to prevent corrosion.

Step 6: Final Tightening and Torqueing

With the running boards positioned correctly and all hardware in place, it’s time to tighten everything down. Use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque values. This is critical for ensuring the running boards are securely mounted and will not loosen over time. Overtightening can strip bolts or damage components, while undertightening can lead to safety issues.

Step 7: Test and Inspect

Once everything is tightened, carefully test the running boards. Step on them to check for sturdiness and stability. For power running boards, open and close the doors to ensure they deploy and retract smoothly and correctly. Inspect your work for any loose parts or anything that seems out of place.

Step 8: Clean Up

Remove any tools, debris, or protective coverings. Clean the running boards and the surrounding areas of your GLS. You might consider applying a rust inhibitor to any bolt heads or exposed metal on the vehicle frame if applicable.

Important Note: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or unsure about the installation process, especially with electrical components, it is highly recommended to have the running boards installed by a professional automotive technician or a Mercedes-Benz dealership service center.

Maintenance and Care for Your GLS Running Boards

To keep your Mercedes GLS running boards looking great and functioning optimally for years to come, regular care and a simple maintenance routine are key. Like any exterior accessory, they are exposed to the elements and daily wear and tear.

Regular Cleaning:

• Frequency: Clean your running boards every time you wash your GLS, or at least once a month.
• Method: Use a mild car wash soap and water. A soft cloth or sponge is ideal for washing. For tougher grime, a soft-bristled brush can be used, but always ensure it’s safe for the material of your running boards to avoid scratches.
• Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue.

Dealing with Stubborn Dirt and Grime:

• Mud and Road Salt: These can be particularly abrasive. A good soaking with water and gentle scrubbing should remove most of it. For stubborn caked-on mud, a pressure washer on a low setting can be effective, but keep a safe distance to avoid damaging finishes or seals.
• Tar and Road Grime: Use a dedicated bug and tar remover or a degreaser specifically designed for automotive use. Test in an inconspicuous area first.

Protecting Finishes:

• Polished Metal (Stainless Steel,