Hello FullFatters

Hope you are all well

I have a question about deployable steps on the 405.

If I find my ideal L405 and it has deployables, how easy is it to have them removed and fixed side steps added. I've seen the deployables 'added' on Youtube and the guy had to cut some panels or something to make them fit so would new parts have to be added. I know this will be an interesting discussion but personally I'm not a fan. I've seen a couple of cars driving around with one hanging down.

Looking forward to all the comments

 Range Rover 2002 P38 4.6 Vogue
Range Rover 4.4 Vogue. Black
Range Rover 4.4 Vogue. Giverney Green
Mercedes S600L
Mercedes SL500 AMG
Mercedes E220 Estate Night Edition
Mulsanne

I have deployable side steps fitted to my VSE, I cant see any panel modifications. They just seem to bolt on underneath.

HTH

Ivan 2013 Vogue SE SDV8
2013 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Luxury

if there are no body mods then you can unbolt the deployables and fit fixed steps using the same holes.. ... - .- -.




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.

You don’t want side steps on your car.

They belong on American pickup trucks, not on Land Rovers.

Got to be honest, I'm loving the side steps....... all smug in my new plug!

2021 Westminster Black D300
2013 Vogue SE - gone
Some Porsche Cayenne guff pretending to be a 4x4!!
2006 Vogue
2004 Vogue
2001 Vogue

I fitted fixed steps to mine when I had it a few months back.
When you fit side steps, either fixed or deployable, you need to cut out a couple of small sections on the plastic/fibre undertray panels fitted underneath on each side behind the cills.
The cutouts are pre-marked on the panels and are only necessary to provide clearance for the side step brackets to be fitted.
The cutouts are not visible at all except when looking underneath the car, even if you've taken off the side step brackets.
If you remove deployables then fixed steps are an easy fit, especially if using genuine RR ones. 2017 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography
2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster - Gone, but not forgotten

Boatmechanic.
Unfortunately I'm vertically challenge

Rob99
That seems to be what the fitter did on Youtube. Yes, they will be genuine parts.

BUT, I will try them and take all the information into consideration when viewing the right vehicle to see how I get on with them

 Range Rover 2002 P38 4.6 Vogue
Range Rover 4.4 Vogue. Black
Range Rover 4.4 Vogue. Giverney Green
Mercedes S600L
Mercedes SL500 AMG
Mercedes E220 Estate Night Edition
Mulsanne

The L405 has different front trim on lower part of wing as wraps around step. See photo of one of mine (sorry its a bit grubby, needs a clean)

I have deployable on both of mine and wouldn't be without them, cant stand the fixed ones, they look cheap in my eyes. Also they do save the seat bolsters.



Last edited by DrF on 29th Jul 2021 5:02pm. Edited 2 times in total

Stick with the deployables, look so much better than the fixed steps. The car I found didn't have them, so I pad the dealer £2.5k to have them fitted and would do the same again after living with them for over a year. I'm not vertically challenged, I'm 6'2, but like stepping into the car and it will keep the side bolster looking OK. MY23 Panamera E-Hybrid
MY19 SDV8 Autobiography - Sold

Thanks for the comments so far and they have been great, pointing me in the right direction.

I've been looking at some side-on views of the 405 with the fixed and deployables. And three things I've noticed.

1) the fixed must reduce the clearance

2) the fixed do actually look like they are after market 'stuck ons'.

3)deployables give a much cleaner line

Looking forward to some more thoughts, Thank You  Range Rover 2002 P38 4.6 Vogue
Range Rover 4.4 Vogue. Black
Range Rover 4.4 Vogue. Giverney Green
Mercedes S600L
Mercedes SL500 AMG
Mercedes E220 Estate Night Edition
Mulsanne

You’ve got it covered with your 3 points!

They aren’t that obvious, only when you know what you’re looking for.

I specifically wanted a car without deployables however, the one I bought has them and I'd never have one without now. They're most excellent.

I too am a short-arse and I love my deployable steps. They were a mandatory feature when I was looking around for my L405.

I'm really not a fan of the fixed steps on the L405 for the exact reasons mentioned in the previous posts above. Kev

2014 L405 RR Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8 in Corris Grey
2010 L320 RRS HSE 3.0 TDV6 in Stornoway Grey

deansmith wrote:

I specifically wanted a car without deployables however, the one I bought has them and I'd never have one without now. They're most excellent.

On a safety note, my snowflake daughter dropped her life (Iphone) while getting out of the car.
She closed the door and started to put her hand in between step and car.
I shouted at her so loud she herself, but it had the desired effect of her pulling her hand out just in time.

I had visions of fingers everywhere and it's still on my mind, are they failsafe? do they re-open if they see an obstruction ? 2018 SE SDV8 4.4 Byron Blue