Member Since: 09 Nov 2019
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 19
Side Steps
Hey All,
After much deliberation on what Side Steps to go for for MY2014 XS (do I go with All Black or Chrome Trim ones, side bars etc etc) I have decided I think Chrome Trim ones would look better (will match the wheels and the other bits of chrome)
Question is, are the ones you see on Ebay any good? Sturdy? I'm happy to have a go and fit them myself, seen some YouTubes and it looks straight forward.
Any thoughts on where to get them from would be great.
Cheers all, have a good weekend!
26th Nov 2022 1:20 pm
DIY Ace
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 971
If you need the step up for ease of access then fine, but if you're going with something there for protection (or frankly just looks) then I'd go with Terrafirma rock sliders instead.
https://terrafirma4x4.com/rock-sliders-wit...and-4.html2022 BMW i4 M50. Bought Oct 2022. 10,200 miles and counting...
2014 BMW 435d convertible. Bought July 2021. 58,000 miles and counting...
2005 Discovery 3 HSE Auto. Bought Feb 2019. 169,000 miles and counting...
2009 Freelander 2 XS Manual. Bought Sep 2013. SOLD Aug 2021 (already regretted!)
Member Since: 09 Nov 2019
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 19
Thanks for that DIY Ace,
Yes, it will be mostly for access...... I do like the rock sliders though, look good! Hmmmmm got me thinking again now LOL
26th Nov 2022 1:55 pm
DIY Ace
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 971
They do look smart, in black they're subtle but still provide protection, easier access and purposeful looks.
2022 BMW i4 M50. Bought Oct 2022. 10,200 miles and counting...
2014 BMW 435d convertible. Bought July 2021. 58,000 miles and counting...
2005 Discovery 3 HSE Auto. Bought Feb 2019. 169,000 miles and counting...
2009 Freelander 2 XS Manual. Bought Sep 2013. SOLD Aug 2021 (already regretted!)
To answer the question about ebay quality ... even OEM ones don't last, so at least with the copies it's not a massive hole in your wallet when you replace them.
There have been reports of some where the brackets aren't quite right but generally they are all much the same..
Dean
====================================
2011 D4 XS - OBD port protection, RLD spare wheel protector, All LED interiors lights, Timed Climate enabled, iiD tool paired.
2011 D4 Landmark - Stolen from same dealer before I paid for it
2011 D4 GS - Stolen whilst at dealer ... All LED interiors lights, DRLs, Spare Wheel protector.
1996 300Tdi - Eaten by tin worms
26th Nov 2022 4:47 pm
Sparky73
Member Since: 09 Nov 2019
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 19
Thanks Dean,
You're right, at least its not a massive hole in the wallet so I'll go ahead and get some. I think the chrome strip is removable right? If so then I could at least remove that, sand it, prime it and paint it Loire Blue if need be I guesss.....
I've done a few updates to it in the short time I've had it - All LED interior lights, The armrest bezels, foot pedal updates. Don't want to pimp it, just want those little additions that make a little difference.
I do like the Rock Sliders but budget dictates otherwise at the mo
26th Nov 2022 4:55 pm
ronp
Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 15264
You have to be aware when you/others talk about Rock Sliders.
Rock Sliders are effectively just reinforced sills (to protect the sill area when rock crawling)
Tree Sliders on the other hand, are the ones that protrude outwards (to protect the body against brushing trees) and you do get extra sill protection too.
Edited to add: if it’s just for looks, you could always go with Side Tubes (in silver or black.)
...... always on the road less travelled 🚧
26th Nov 2022 6:16 pm
Sparky73
Member Since: 09 Nov 2019
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 19
Thanks for that ronp
I'm going to stick with the Ebay Side Steps for now, had them on my D2 and D3 so will stick with them for now
Mrs has said she'll get them for me for Xmas so win win
Member Since: 23 Nov 2017
Location: Norway
Posts: 117
You are aware there is a little button on the centre console that allows you to lower the vehicle for access.
Buying a vehicle that can be raised and lowered at the touch of a button, but then fitting steps to help
access has always seemed an odd way of solving a problem.
28th Nov 2022 10:00 am
Shamrock
Member Since: 16 Jun 2022
Location: South Kerry
Posts: 114
Quote:
You are aware there is a little button on the centre console that allows you to lower the vehicle for access.
Access position is for the vehicle to access parkings... Not for people to access vehicle.
28th Nov 2022 10:15 am
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8230
Shamrock: You learn something every day, 19 years of D3/4 ownership and I’ve always used access mode for…..access.
There are chrome finish side tubes available with a flat on top where the doors are for access, they look good.
The outside strip on most side steps isn’t chrome, it’s a type of molded plastic/alloy good idea to paint it if it will take paint as it vary quickly loses colour and goes a dull grey. If you go ahead with conventional side steps my strong advice is to give them a coat of Hammerite anti rust paint before fitting even if you buy genuine as they are no better than the ones offered on EBay and will be red rust underneath in 2 years or less.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
28th Nov 2022 10:32 am
rrhool
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4523
Shamrock wrote:
Quote:
You are aware there is a little button on the centre console that allows you to lower the vehicle for access.
Access position is for the vehicle to access parkings... Not for people to access vehicle.
But it works perfectly well to allow people easier access? Richard
D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.
Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone
Like others in my 20 odd years owning D3s & D4s I have used the Access mode every time when I park with a lady passenger, and on a few occasions to get under low obstacles.
NJSS
28th Nov 2022 11:34 am
DIY Ace
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 971
Same, habit is to park up and drop down the suspension. Easier access, not least to the boot where most stuff inevitably ends up squished against the rear seats and is a full arm stretch to get to.
Access mode - for better access.2022 BMW i4 M50. Bought Oct 2022. 10,200 miles and counting...
2014 BMW 435d convertible. Bought July 2021. 58,000 miles and counting...
2005 Discovery 3 HSE Auto. Bought Feb 2019. 169,000 miles and counting...
2009 Freelander 2 XS Manual. Bought Sep 2013. SOLD Aug 2021 (already regretted!)
Member Since: 31 Aug 2015
Location: Essex
Posts: 831
Yes, this is true for boot access. Unfortunately for me, when in access mode, my head hits the upper tailgate when open. Regardless of the fact its generally me that puts it into access mode, I regularly forget MY2012 D4 HSE Nara Bronze with some extra stuff
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
... All LED interiors lights, DRLs, Spare Wheel protector.
