Thoughts on Mods in general....

[CarbonBlackX5UK]

I'm of the thinking that if you are going to mod your X you have to stick with BMW parts/mods, for example don't use Non BMW wheels they just don't sit as true.

Its ok to upgrade your 19's to BMW 20's and its ok to fit arch flares to your non 4.4 or non Premium Sport.

These type of mods are making improvements to the car and upgrading its looks to the next level of spec.

But where people go wrong IMO is by using non BMW mods, they just don't work.

Why change your interior lights to LED's?

Why bling it up with chrome everywhere?

Why re-trim your leather to your favourite colour combo?

Why fit non BM angels?

If it was going to improve the car then BMW would of done it in the first place or given you the option.

Apologies for any offence, non intended just interested in feedback in general

Thoughts?

[nra0707]

I'm of the same opinion...I always try to stay OEM on my cars, but ultimately, beauty is in the eye of the beholder...and if your pockets are deep, why not spend it accessorizing your Bimmer?

[jst2878]

The lesser the better. Oem parts are always a great option because they fit perfectly. I say if u have the money get your mods but make sure your mod money isn't needed for more important things like toilet paper and mouthwash and food

[tijanaw]

Hoping you're not Modcat/X54.4Blue, this topic has been covered a million times over the last 3 years this board has existed, We even have an offically elected resident ANTI-MOD member.
To me it comes down to this, only my signature figure on the check I send to the bank every month therefore watever I feel that can make it less painful to send that check monthly, I'll do including modding the car.

[EKS PYB]

I agree with some of your opinion. I do try to stay OEM and LESS IS MORE! That's what my college teacher brainwashed my design class way back when i was in school and I agree.

I usually do OEM upgrades unless that particular upgrade is not available with OEM parts or that OEM parts are just plain expensive and not worth spending the money when you can get aftermarket.

Unfortunately, with a 18 month baby and a bad housing market, I don't have that luxury of modding much.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by CarbonBlackX5UK

I'm of the thinking that if you are going to mod your X you have to stick with BMW parts/mods, for example don't use Non BMW wheels they just don't sit as true. - My wheels sit just fine, and the offest is way better and lighter than anything BMW makes stock

Its ok to upgrade your 19's to BMW 20's and its ok to fit arch flares to your non 4.4 or non Premium Sport.

These type of mods are making improvements to the car and upgrading its looks to the next level of spec.

But where people go wrong IMO is by using non BMW mods, they just don't work. - Because stock BMW parts cost more than aftermarket

Why change your interior lights to LED's? - Brighter interior. My car didn't come w/ LED's inside or HID headlights, so I paid $230 shipped from eBay and changed them - I don't even wanna know what it would have cost to order the HID's from the stealership

Why bling it up with chrome everywhere? - not my style, as i'm removing all the chrome and making it shadowline

Why re-trim your leather to your favourite colour combo? - also not my style, but my best guess is.....because they can. I've seen some nice examples of heatrests or replacement floormats w/ their personal company logo, initials, etc. Preferences

Why fit non BM angels? - because they're not bright enough and the aftermarket is the only, best and cheapest way to go to them brighter.

If it was going to improve the car then BMW would of done it in the first place or given you the option. - Some little nickel and dime, obnoxiously overpriced company called $$Dinan$$ comes to mind. Anyways, maybe you haven't noticed, but there's a billion dollar aftermarket industry to improve what the factory didn't do. Just because BMW didn't make it, doesn't mean it's the end all and can't be improved on. Aftermarket manufacturers aren't worried sometimes aren't worried about factory warranties because they're parts are for individuals. Stock BMW's are built for the masses so when grandma climbs into her 330ci, she doesn't have to listen to an intake or exhaust note...things i've happily paid to hear w/ intake and exhaust mods.

Have you ever upgraded or improved anything in your home? Why? If the original builder wanted it there, he would have put it in before you purchased the home. "Modding" you home is no different than modding your car....build it to what you want from it, your preferences, and to fit your individual needs and/or personality.

Apologies for any offence, non intended just interested in feedback in general

Thoughts?

Just my .02

[Bimmer360]

Originally Posted by EKS PYB

I usually do OEM upgrades unless that particular upgrade is not available with OEM parts or that OEM parts are just plain expensive and not worth spending the money when you can get aftermarket.

[StanF18]

Originally Posted by CarbonBlackX5UK

I'm of the thinking that if you are going to mod your X you have to stick with BMW parts/mods, for example don't use Non BMW wheels they just don't sit as true.

Its ok to upgrade your 19's to BMW 20's and its ok to fit arch flares to your non 4.4 or non Premium Sport.

These type of mods are making improvements to the car and upgrading its looks to the next level of spec.

But where people go wrong IMO is by using non BMW mods, they just don't work.

Why change your interior lights to LED's?

Why bling it up with chrome everywhere?

Why re-trim your leather to your favourite colour combo?

Why fit non BM angels?

If it was going to improve the car then BMW would of done it in the first place or given you the option.

Apologies for any offence, non intended just interested in feedback in general

Thoughts?

I respectfully disagree. There are some components/materials that BMW may not use because installing them would make the stock vehicle prohibitively expensive, or at the very least put it out of price competition with Acura/Inifinti/Lexus/Mercedes. But non-OEM is not always worse. There are certain component manufacturers that are fully compatible with X5s such as AC Shnitzer, Brembo (for brakes), Dinan, HRE and BBS(wheels), etc, etc. These are all high quality, tried-and-tested manufacturers. Some are true performance mods, while others are cosmetic. But in any case, when you're making a blanket statement such as "mods are no good unless it's BMW OEM" you're really short-changing yourself. Indeed, BMW North America has an "understanding" with the more reputable modding companies, such that it will NOT void your BMW warranty when installing them (for example Dinan).

Do yourself a favor and check out pics of some of the non-OEM mods that X5 forum members have installed. They really take their vehicle to the next level both in performance and looks. Start off with Wuzin. Check out his non-OEM 22" HRE wheels. Then check out zerochief's Remus tailpipes and his custom interior. These guys have some of the best E53 X5s on this forum. It makes a stock X5 look....well....un-interesting!

If tastefully done, the right mix of OEM and non-OEM mods will always take your vehicle up a notch....or 2 notches.

[zerochief]

I'm all OEM (less the electronics) but I like checking out others take on styling

[E61Silver]

Originally Posted by CarbonBlackX5UK

I'm of the thinking that if you are going to mod your X you have to stick with BMW parts/mods, for example don't use Non BMW wheels they just don't sit as true.

Its ok to upgrade your 19's to BMW 20's and its ok to fit arch flares to your non 4.4 or non Premium Sport.

These type of mods are making improvements to the car and upgrading its looks to the next level of spec.

But where people go wrong IMO is by using non BMW mods, they just don't work.

Why change your interior lights to LED's?

Why bling it up with chrome everywhere?

Why re-trim your leather to your favourite colour combo?

Why fit non BM angels?

If it was going to improve the car then BMW would of done it in the first place or given you the option.

Apologies for any offence, non intended just interested in feedback in general

Thoughts?