Side steps on a GLE - yea or nay?

andynpz

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SWMBO is getting tetchy about keeping the sill clean with the back of her jeans legs!

If any one has found side steps a help or otherwise, please comment. We don't have sidesteps.

TIA, Andy
 

flowrider

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I had side steps on both my ML's, I found them to be more trouble than they were worth. Trousers still get dirt on them as you have to step out further to avoid the step, if you stand on the steps they get tatty quickly and the aluminium never cleans up properly.
 

Srdl

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Side steps are like Marmite - people either love them or hate them. I insisted the dealer take them off my new GLC at their expense otherwise I would have waited for a factory order. Like Flowrider says, Mrs Andy is even more likely to get her jeans dirty on side steps as she would have to step out further.

The only benefit seems to be that they might help keep the side of the car cleaner by stopping road crud splashing up the sides but then that crud is going to wipe off on your wife's jeans anyway!
 

LostKiwi

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I'm not a fan of side steps to be honest as in my experience they just shift the bit you get dirty from to a different part of the car.
 

Blobcat

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Tell her to wear a skirt...:rolleyes:
 

Rob76

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I'm not a fan of side steps to be honest as in my experience they just shift the bit you get dirty from to a different part of the car.
And often fit to the jacking points.......making wheel changes more difficult / impossible
 

LostKiwi

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And often fit to the jacking points.......making wheel changes more difficult / impossible
Not a problem on this:
IMG_20150826_195332.jpg

Just jacked up using the steps...

Though to be fair they weren't so much steps as rock sliders!

The steps on my Range Rover were useless. Didn't prevent any mud getting on clothes.
 

Blobcat

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Not a problem on this:
View attachment 49541

Just jacked up using the steps...

Though to be fair they weren't so much steps as rock sliders!

The steps on my Range Rover were useless. Didn't prevent any mud getting on clothes.
My rock sliders have the cut outs for high-lift jacks built in :)

They’re also great at preventing car parking dings off of other car doors (that and no one parks within 100m of it...):D
 
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andynpz

andynpz

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Marginally in favour of NO side steps, then! Many thanks for your replies which have convinced SWMBO she must leap out more vigorously ………..…………. tricky when you are 76 :):)
 

ajlsl600

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i have not given any thought to lovelly,s jeans, i like/have the steps .2 reason keep a lot of shxxe further away from the metal and i stand on the step to clean the roof . .i understand mb cheap tinny alli covering is not going to look great in 2 yr and will be working on something like a nice hardwood insert replacement ( another! winter job, same applies to the rear boot /bumper alli strip.
 

McDonald

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Marginally in favour of NO side steps, then! Many thanks for your replies which have convinced SWMBO she must leap out more vigorously ………..…………. tricky when you are 76 :):)

You saved the key information until last. At 76, ease of access is the only criteria. A shiny car that you can't get into is entirely useless. Fit the steps if you want to enjoy the car.
 
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Andy.M

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Marginally in favour of NO side steps, then! Many thanks for your replies which have convinced SWMBO she must leap out more vigorously ………..…………. tricky when you are 76 :):)
Perhaps there is a chair lift in the options catalogue!

I'll get me coat...............................................
 

flowrider

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Perhaps getting a GLE was not the best choice if there are ingress and egress issues. My elderly in-laws always struggled to get in and out of my ML's and both cars had side steps.
 

keefysher

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My 86 year old mother with mobility limitations finds the side steps a benefit when getting in and out of my GLE. The front passenger seat is set to position 3 for her where the seat squab is at the bottom of its travel, and almost at full forward travel, the seat back is tilted back. We have developed a method where the door is opened fully, she backs up to the car so she places her bum on the seat squab, reaches up with left hand to the grab handle, then puts her right heel followed by left heel onto the side step, eases herself back onto the squab then spins her legs in. Exiting is a case of spinning to get her feet out, down onto the side steps, then slowly lowers her feet to the floor and takes her weight on her legs.

Rear seat is the same method except no adjustment available on the seat.

Its a slow process, but works well.

Not noticed dirt on trousers etc.

Ability to stand on the side steps is a boon when looking for daughter and friends across theme park pick up areas.
 

JBell

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GLC with them on, I think I it finished them nicely
3fb115f10a0cce7be9f7ef1d2a338e84.jpg


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andynpz

andynpz

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Thanks again for further suggestions and explanations - we are not bad for our age and entrance presents no problems, nor exit, except for the ease with which you can inadvertently brush the sills with the back of the leg …….. in the same way that you can find the knees of your trousers are mucky when you have reached into the boot for something well forward.

I am somewhat nervous about a foot slipping off such a narrow sill too. I am used to good wide sills - these on my Ghost are essential, as the floor is higher than a GLE in off-road mode!

No 1.JPG
 
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andynpz

andynpz

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This is slightly embarrassing. I'd like to start a new thread but I just can't see where to begin. Of course I have only been using this site for 7 years. please help an old fool!

My new thread was to ask if anyone would scan a page out of the little services guide ht comes with the gazette from another MB club. I think a page listed discounts offered by MB dealers on parts etc. I recollect most were offering 10%

Hi jacked my own thread _ is that OK?
 
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Blobcat

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This is slightly embarrassing. I'd like to start a new thread but I just can't see where to begin. Of course I have only been using this site for 7 years. please help an old fool!
Where would you like to start it?

Just click the "Start new thread" button at the top of each section - if it's wrong I can move it :D

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rorywquin

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GLC with them on, I think I it finished them nicely
3fb115f10a0cce7be9f7ef1d2a338e84.jpg


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Might be good for the kids on the school run. I think they are pointless (too narrow) on most cars and bling to disguise the gap below the "raised" sides. SUV's (like the one pictured) are basically road going cars and just not high enough that stepping on the (narrow) steps helps. I had a Landcruiser 200 series that I'd had modified (improved) for off-road (2" lift and better shocks etc) and the side step got used all the time (even by me & I'm 6'2") but, it was wide enough to step on easily and there are grab handles on the A pillar to help the process..
 

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