Spec X5 Overland Build

[thstone]

I have been building an Overland X5 and thought that I'd share it here on XOP.

This is my 3rd E53 and 5th BMW (two E46s). The first X5 was used as a family hauler and the second was used as a grocery getter. I traded my way into this (3rd) E53 by buying my older son's E36 M3 when he moved to NYC. Then my younger son wanted the M3 so I traded it for his R56 Mini Cooper S. Then I traded the Cooper S to a close friend for this X5.

The plan for this Overland X5 is to be used for off-road trail driving to get to more remote hiking spots and towing a travel trailer to provide support when I'm racing my race car and boondock camping. Its also intended to be a counterpoint to my classic air-cooled 911 daily driver.

The starting point is an almost bone stock 2003 e53 3.0. The only upgrade is the audio system consisting of an Android head unit, amp, and speakers that was professionally installed. The truck has been well maintained and the entire suspension was replaced about 10K miles ago so it rides like its brand new.

That's enough talking, here are a couple of pic's of the starting point. Let's get to upgrading!

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by thstone

I have been building an Overland X5 and thought that I'd share it here on XOP.

This is my 3rd E53 and 5th BMW (two E46s). The first X5 was used as a family hauler and the second was used as a grocery getter. I traded my way into this (3rd) E53 by buying my older son's E36 M3 when he moved to NYC. Then my younger son wanted the M3 so I traded it for his R56 Mini Cooper S. Then I traded the Cooper S to a close friend for this X5.

The plan for this Overland X5 is to be used for off-road trail driving to get to more remote hiking spots and towing a travel trailer to provide support when I'm racing my race car and boondock camping. Its also intended to be a counterpoint to my classic air-cooled 911 daily driver.

The starting point is an almost bone stock 2003 e53 3.0. The only upgrade is the audio system consisting of an Android head unit, amp, and speakers that was professionally installed. The truck has been well maintained and the entire suspension was replaced about 10K miles ago so it rides like its brand new.

That's enough talking, here are a couple of pic's of the starting point. Let's get to upgrading!

The X looks like a strong starting point but I want to see pics of the race car.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Overboost

The X looks like a strong starting point but I want to see pics of the race car.

I raced a Porsche Spec Boxster for 5 years and bought a SCCA Spec Racer Ford (SRF-3) last December and raced it this year.

I am also a licensed racing instructor.

[Overboost]

Nice! I miss Rosamond. I used to be there and Buttonwillow every week when I lived out there. Love the Spec Boxster and Spec Wrecker Ford.

[Ragnarok]

[soursamo]

Exciting to see!
I am also doing the same thing, just picked up a 3.0.
Test fitting some 285/70/17s today and looking for rear bag > spring kit and a lift.

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by soursamo

Exciting to see!
I am also doing the same thing, just picked up a 3.0.
Test fitting some 285/70/17s today and looking for rear bag > spring kit and a lift.

I'm also going the "offroad/overlander" look but I'll be a straight up poser

I have no intentions of doing any real off-roading and HATE camping but living in the country I do have some decent snow drifts to deal with and want more ground clearance.

I'm finding it hard to figure out what size tires will fit, if you need spacers and if so how much spacer?

I think something I was reading mentioned needing a 30 mil spacer for the rear?

I've never been good a tire sizes so I'll be looking at what you guys find out

What part of Canada are you in? I'm in Southwest Ontario

[thstone]

Originally Posted by c-bass

I'm also going the "offroad/overlander" look but I'll be a straight up poser

I'm finding it hard to figure out what size tires will fit, if you need spacers and if so how much spacer?

I think something I was reading mentioned needing a 30 mil spacer for the rear?

Stay tuned. I have a lot of examples (that I will post) which I used to help me decide about wheel and tire sizes.

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by thstone

Stay tuned. I have a lot of examples (that I will post) which I used to help me decide about wheel and tire sizes.

Sweet!!

[soursamo]

Originally Posted by c-bass

I'm also going the "offroad/overlander" look but I'll be a straight up poser

I have no intentions of doing any real off-roading and HATE camping but living in the country I do have some decent snow drifts to deal with and want more ground clearance.

I'm finding it hard to figure out what size tires will fit, if you need spacers and if so how much spacer?

I think something I was reading mentioned needing a 30 mil spacer for the rear?

I've never been good a tire sizes so I'll be looking at what you guys find out

What part of Canada are you in? I'm in Southwest Ontario

Other coast, out in BC!
I'm also picking up some 265/70/18s to test fit on the stock wheels to see how that will fit!