I do like the fact that my 4.2 S/C is totally standard, and i suppose I really want to keep it that wy.

But my wife (and some friends wives) do struggle to get in sometimes, which leads me to think side steps would be better, since you cant get a decent foot hold on the tubes.

What do you think? Would it be sacrilege?

I think the tubes look nicer, but they are completely pointless from a getting in and out point of view.

Let’s be honest, your wife will make the final decision ! V8 or else ...

If you check ebay, there's a company in Hampshire (near Basingstoke) who sell replicas of the original Range Rover steps from factory.

They're a smidge under £200. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

Fixed steps are good only for getting the back of your trousers dirty.

i had them on my SC and found them very useful,

I also have them on my L322 (genuine ones) and I use them daily. They're also especially useful when tying things to the roof and over time, save the side of the seat from wear. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

Philip wrote:

Fixed steps are good only for getting the back of your trousers dirty.

If it's originality you're interested in then your car shouldn't have side tubes or side steps. When they left the factory they were bare

I like steps once you get used to using them. Even with my deployable ones I tend to step over them but the wife uses them every time.

David. 2002 4.6 Vogue SE - Alveston Red with Lightstone Leather
2012 Range Rover 5.0 SC Autobiography in Indus Silver with Jet/Ivory Interior
2012 Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography in Baltic Blue with Sand Interior

I thought I'd take my sidesteps off when I bought mine, but I decided to keep them on because:

1. The wife is short and whinges a lot if she has to struggle climbing aboard
2. I found I use them so I'm not sliding on and off at the sides of the seat which is what causes them to crack, rip, sag, age quickly
3. Great for climbing on to clean the roof, or put anything on a roof rack if you have one

Mine came with side steps which were very helpful for getting in and out. I got rid because I preferred the cleaner look - don't regret it. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

I didn't know they came with nothing attached-I don't know why but I thought the S/C came with tubes!

That makes the decision easier, I think i might get some steps fitted. Yes they can give you dirty trousers, but I leant with the D4 that you just step on them on exit and that solves that. Only seemed to get dirty trousers when trying NOT to use the steps on exit.

Thanks all.

batfink wrote:

I thought I'd take my sidesteps off when I bought mine, but I decided to keep them on because:

1. The wife is short and whinges a lot if she has to struggle climbing aboard
2. I found I use them so I'm not sliding on and off at the sides of the seat which is what causes them to crack, rip, sag, age quickly
3. Great for climbing on to clean the roof, or put anything on a roof rack if you have one

Oh and one more question....do the steps use the same holes on the car as the tubes?

They do indeed

At least your bolt holes won’t be corroded up if the tubes have been bolted up!

David. 2002 4.6 Vogue SE - Alveston Red with Lightstone Leather
2012 Range Rover 5.0 SC Autobiography in Indus Silver with Jet/Ivory Interior
2012 Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography in Baltic Blue with Sand Interior

I actually like tubes and didn't realise they were an OEM option. I've always thought the side steps were a bit agricultural looking (compared to my former GL's side steps) and along with them being a bit worn looking was contemplating a swap to bars, but only if I can find ones that have a couple of steps on them; which I can't  Encourage alternative fuels, use all the petrol!
2012 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2006 Mercedes GL420 CDI
2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
2006 Jeep Commander 3.0 CDI with GDE HOT Tune
1997 Nissan Patrol 4.2 GRSE
1995 Vauxhall Monterey Diamond 3.2 v6
1994 Range Rover 4.2 LSE Beluga Black, Softdash, Brooklands Body Kit - Loved it!
1993 Range Rover 4.2 LSE ended up converted to 300tdi