Story of our X5

[MINIz guy]

I'm bored and am "stuck" with the X5 once again so I decided to make a timeline of our X5. Many of these photos were before I even got a permit to drive, and now I have a provisional license.

It started out like any X5. 12/02 build with TiAg exterior and gray interior.




First mods were mudflaps and red tinted taillights. Very subtle.


Still before I could drive, I got into detailing. The silver never showed swirls well so it was never buffed, but it did get clayed and waxed often.


Eventually, I got my permit. First thing I did was drive down to SC to the Spartanburg plant and do a 2-day BMW teen driving school. Got a few photos driving down the Tail of the Dragon too! Also one photo of the first snowstorm I drove the X5 in. Still on all-season tires.






After the winter, I really wanted to learn some more car control. Never had any problems with losing control, especially after my 2-day BMW Teen Driving School, but I figured the more I learned, the better. Did Audi Club of NJ's teen driving school and Tire Rack Street Survival. I've been at the limit of the X5 more than once so far. I would have to say these 3 driving experiences made me want something with a manual transmission so I could have control over what I'm driving.




The car stayed the same for a while. I eventually covered the interior trim in suede too.

X5 Woods 005 by MINIz guy, on Flickr


X5 Woods 004 by MINIz guy, on Flickr



I got bored the X5 again and did some more modding. Next up was roof rails delete and plaid interior trim. Eventually got my friends to sign my center console too after I covered it with matte black vinyl.


After Storm 001 by MINIz guy, on Flickr


Pads 005 by MINIz guy, on Flickr


Pads 004 by MINIz guy, on Flickr

This car let me do my first DIY ever too. Brake pads!

Pads 001 by MINIz guy, on Flickr

Then I finally wanted xenon lighting. So, BAM!, bi-xenon retrofit with eBay housings.





However, this wasn't enough. It was my first car, and as much as I hated it, I loved it. The X5 was a great vehicle but it was still a SUV. I needed a manual transmission. I needed an indestructible car. I needed something I couldn't get attached to. I wanted to have a car I could autocross in. So, out came this thing after the insurance company totaled my father's E46.

Subaru 012 by MINIz guy, on Flickr

Nevertheless, it didn't fit the bill. Indestructible, it wasn't. The Impreza was the best driving out of comparable cars, the Mazda3 and GTI. It is also a lease I cann't get attached to it. Sadly, it is at the dealership looking at a transmission replacement due to a droning noise. I think I'll be going back to a BMW after the Subaru. BMW's, even the X5, capture a driving feeling that I don't get with other vehicles. Planted, that is the only word that can somewhat relate to what I feel. I didn't know what was missing as the change from the X5 to the Impreza wasn't drastic, but the change back up is huge.

More will be added if I remember about it. I've run out of time now. Back to the X5.