If anyone is looking to install side steps, I found this product on Ebay.
The side steps look very clean, very close to factory look. They install into factory holes, and are very sturdy. I was a bit nervous ordering, but cannot be happier with the results. They look exactly like shown on the picture below.
Kids and wife love them for getting in and out of the car.

 

 

They look good! But be aware: I ordered similar ones on eBay. They looked very nice in the listing and I contacted the seller to make sure the running boards were as pictured (price range $380). Unfortunately, the delivered product had very thin mounting brackets and the boards were "perforated" on the underside with very sharp edges.... I returned them immediately. Other sellers also told me at first that their product was as pictured: sturdy brackets and nice underside. However, after showing them what I received, they admitted that their product looked the same...

 

I ordered mine from Ebay as well. They look much the same as the one pictured. Installed perfectly and look GREAT. I use them every time I get into the vehicle, and my wife, who is relatively short, found it hard to get in without them. Highly recommend this mod/option/upgrade. From the factory these are over $1000!

 

Are these the same running boards?

 

I think a lot of vendors use stock images => only way to be certain is to ask directly.....

 

I have the factory running boards. The brackets are very thick forged steel. They look nothing like the Ebay pictures.
To jack my D5 the manual shows to jack it by the running board bracket. I've done this many times and nothing flexes at all.