Found my 4.8is!

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by nom3rcy

Yea I think if it was any worse I would have refused the car.

It was definitely frustrating, but overall I am still happy with the purchase.

On a side note - I had a couple of questions about your X.

First, where did you get those wheels? I found some reps on ebay that looked just like those, I think they are originally M5 wheels?

Yup. I got them from ebay and they're M5 reps. They may not be available anymore. 20x9.5 all around but I run staggered tires (265 front & 295 rear).

Second, when you recalibrated the suspension to the lower ride height, have you ever had any issues with it bottoming out or rubbing?

Never bottomed out as in hit the road but scraped on the tires 3-4 times since the change. Only time it happens is when there's some crazy dip in the road that I didn't expect. But even then I have to be running highway speeds - never scrubbed when doing city driving.

Third, did you buy a running board 'kit' that included the front fender flares? If so part number for the kit? I am looking to go that route soon
Thanks much!

Yes. See below for more answers.

This thread should help but I went ahead and pasted the info. you need below too:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/58739-running-boards-flares-explained.html

4.6/4.8 – Aluminum Running Boards WITH Front and Rear Flares.

NOTE 1: Must buy the RB Retrofit Kit (51710017315) and the additional parts below which will REPLACE all your wheel arches.
NOTE 2: The Front and Rear Flares are DIFFERENT for vehicles with or without RBs.
NOTE 3: If you already have RBs, then you ONLY need the Front Flares below and 14 Blind Rivets (51717002953).
NOTE 4: You can choose to save money by re-using your REAR 4.6/4.8 Flares. See this thread: How to re-use rear flares

Part Number ------ Description --------------------- QTY
51 71 7 051 035 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR LEFT ---- 1
51 71 7 051 036 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, REAR RIGHT --- 1
51 71 7 051 037 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT LEFT --- 1
51 71 7 051 038 -- FLARED WHEEL ARCH, FRONT RIGHT -- 1


So, buy RB retrofit kit part 51710017315 (see Note 1 above). The RB kit comes with new wheel arches that will work with the RBs BUT they are not flared! That's why, in addition, you need to buy whatever flares you want (assuming you want to keep the 4.6/4.8 look):

Rear Flares = see parts 51717051035 and 51717051036 above.
Front Flares = see parts 51717051037 and 51717051038 above.

Optional: Note 4 above.
You can save money by re-using your existing rear flares instead of buying new ones. Really it's modifying the new rear wheel arches that come with the RB kit to accept your old rear flares. Follow the link if interested.

Here's a link for install help:
Running Board Retrofit Kit Instructions