10 Days with my E53 (new owner here)

[Orangebang]

So I picked one up 10 days ago. It's an '03 3.0 with 70K on it that I got for a really good deal locally.

I was picking out wheels before I even bought it, so I got the 214 style in 20 with toyo proxes ii. In hindsight, I think I prefer something with a lip, but I still think they're sweet.

I put in a USA-Spec ipod interface so far. I'm probably going to work on the sound system first, and exterior later.

I worked in autosound for years while I was still in school, so I'm handier with low voltage than your average shmuck.

I look forward to more posts and reading more of your fine threads.

I must admit though, the problems encountered on the board are getting me paranoid. I did come into the car fully aware of reliability issues, so I got that going for me...which is nice.

Quick question: I want some running boards but I've read somewhere that the aluminum ones won't fit with 20's? I don't know if that's true. Also, does the fender trim look corny, or is it nice? Do I have to paint them? I have access to a body shop/paint booth, so cost is not an issue.

Sorry for that terrible photo (off my iphone). That's in an alley where I was waiting for my daughter to finish her ballet class. It's the only chance I've had to take a photo of the car in the daylight hours.

[Orangebang]

btw, is it me, or does the car sometimes look blue? It's supposed to be grey.

And another thing. I love how this thing drives. I had just turned in my Q7 lease in July, and it's like night and day.

[bigwave2255]

i would swap you my running boards except im in Australia, i know everybody loves them, but i,m not a fan, for me they get in the way when getting in and out, they are not practical to use as a step in my opinion

i would probably paint them body colour along with the wheel arch extensions and leave the horizontal step part black, like i see some of the e70 cars