E53 Aero Kit Questions

[StanF18]

I'm thinking of spicing up my 2006 4.4 with a full Aerdynamic Kit. But I'm a little confused about what's in the 2006 Accessory Catalog.

1) It looks like there are the running boards that come with the kit, but I don't see the kit running boards in any of the photos. And then there's the brushed aluminum running boards, which look real nice, but apparently are not compatible with the fender flares. How much worse are the running boards that come with the kit?

2) Is it worth it to get the door accents? It looks on the photo like they are just begging for someone else to open their car door and bang into them.

3) Is the E53 Aero Kit even available still? Does BMW still carry it?

Thanks guys.

[StanF18]

This is weird. I checked RealOEM.com and I don't see ANY bodykit stuff available for my model year. I'm using the part numbers out of the 2006 Accessories catalog. No full Aero Kit, no running boards, no fender flares... WTF?

[tijanaw]

I have the full aero kit but mine is for a pre-facelift X, I know another member Fulanito bought the aero kit for his 4.8, so if you do a search, you'll find something.
The Brushed Alu RBs are included in the aero kit but they use them as support therefore has to be covered by the another piece. It has to be installed that way, stupid if you ask me but that's the was it is. BTW I love my aero kit, it really makes my X stand out.

[Bimmer360]

im not a fan of aerokit, and i prefer the 4.6/4.8 kit, but you can find the aero in the BMW X5 catalog.

[PersonaNonGrata]

Personally, I like about 75% of the aero kit. Some details aren't the best but overall, it's nice. The main issue you will have if you get it is that you MUST get bigger wheels to go with it. That body kit will scream for 20's.

Remember: It's expensive to be cool.

[acitydweller]

The aerokit is still carried by the dealer as a special order item. It may take 2 days to a week to get the parts in depending on where your dealer is located.

[StanF18]

Thanks for the replies! I have some more questions based on your replies.

Bimmer360: When you say you prefer the 4.6/4.8 kit, do you mean the 4.6/4.8 kit would be compatible with a 4.4 X5?

Kevin: Which details don't you like? They don't show all the angles in the Accessories catalog.

City Dweller: Great info. Good to know the dealers still have access to it. Did you install it on your X?

[mrbmwx5]

Originally Posted by StanF18

Thanks for the replies! I have some more questions based on your replies.

Bimmer360: When you say you prefer the 4.6/4.8 kit, do you mean the 4.6/4.8 kit would be compatible with a 4.4 X5?

Kevin: Which details don't you like? They don't show all the angles in the Accessories catalog.

City Dweller: Great info. Good to know the dealers still have access to it. Did you install it on your X?

#1 yup bimmer360 prefer the 4.6/4.8 kit those compatible with your 4.4i
#2 i think kevin didnt like the kit because it need that 20'' wheels all the time so it dont look bad ( if you ever need the car for winter and snow) it will look funny with the 17'' snow tire with the aerokit.

[acitydweller]

in the accessories catalog, the aero kit is shown with 18"s in certain photos (the front cover shows the stock 19's)... I thikn the aerokit is one of those nice to have mods that are largely cost-prohibitive to a majority of x5 owners.

I intend to keep my car stockish as to not draw too much attention (parking in urban areas) ... that's still up to debate of course

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by StanF18

Kevin: Which details don't you like? They don't show all the angles in the Accessories catalog.

The rear apron is a little fussy, especially with PDC sensors. Also, the way the exhaust area is emphasized requires larger tips. I've seen a 3.0 with the kit and the single droopy exhaust coming out looks weak. A 4.4's quad tips would look better but still not as strong as 4.6/4.8 or Remus tips.

Here's the rear shot.



Check out this link for more pictures and info.

Oh, and yes, without 20's the kit doesn't fit very well.