My 4.8is from Scotland!

[Scottiboy]

Hi all, I am from Sunny Glasgow in Scotland. I have browsed this forum a good few times for various information etc so I thought I would bite the bullet and sign up!

First and foremost I would like to say well done on a superbly ran forum. I have already had a browse round the site and it looks a great BMW community.

Thought I would introduce my e53 BMW X5 4.8is finished in Black Sapphire Metallic. This is the second e53 4.8is I have owned, previously had one in Sterling Grey:





I am addicted to the driving position, feel, handling of these big machines - the v8 rumble from them puts a smile on my face every morning.

My previous BMW M3 in Alpine White:





Anyway enough of my chat here are some pics for your viewing pleasure, my current X5 4.8is:











Where the magic happens......excuse the dirty engine bay I had just picked it up!





Upgraded BMW Cream Nappa Leather Executive Comfort Seats with electric function:









Airmatic Adjustable Suspension:



Original Main Dealer Keyring......I know I know I am sad :ymdaydream:



Rear and Rear Quarter Blind Upgrade:









OEM Retractable Load Floor Upgrade:



Rear View Mirror in build Digital Compass Upgrade:



2 Stage Rear Heated Seat Upgrade:



Climate Comfort Front Windscreen:



Light Poplar Wood Trim, not 100% sold on this to be honest so that may change:







Electric Power Folding Folding and Auto Dimming Mirrors:



A few pictures of it on its travels to the country:











Who said a 4.8 v8 can't be economical-ish...... :d



Germany is never scared of America :twisted:



Little drive with some friends:











Result of 'little drive' with friends..... :roll:



First things first I completed a fairly simple modification that I do to all my cars, lighting upgrades:

Xenon Number Plate Lights:







Full Interior and Puddle Light Xenon Upgrade:







In my opinion a modification that transforms your car. I sell these bulbs if anyone is interested at all!

My next modification was one I had wanted to do since I got the car. Steering wheel trim. Having owned an X5 before I know how horrific the rubbery/plastic steering wheel trim is and it is pron to scuffing and scratching. Mine sadly had a few little scuffs on it that really bugged me, the steering wheel is the first thing that greets you after all.

Before: Slight scuffing at the corners





So.....purchased a brand new OEM one and had a friend spend some time with it to Hydrograph the mould! I could not have been happier with the results:









So I was rather eager to get it fitted....

















Tricky little job, however hugely worthwhile. I was over the moon with it.

Next upgrade......my obsession with lighting upgrades continues!

My 'Check Park Light' popped up on my X5 the other day - quick look round, the drivers side angel eye was out :roll:

In the true spirit of 'modifying' I thought - upgrade rather than replace. After scouring many different forums I soon realised that this process would be a little more complicated than first thought.

Many X5 owners with the OEM angel eyes have tried and failed with various cheap bulbs upgrades with suppliers promising the world and in reality delivering poor light output and extremely short longevity - two things I disgust in lighting upgrades.

Having ruled out the most successful route of gaining super white bright Xenon angel eyes - split the headlights and upgrade the angel eyes - I got to work doing a bit of recon on various bulbs and suppliers and plumped for a 7000k Xenon White Bulb kit. The kit was certainly not on the cheap side however after lengthy chats with the supplier and various photographs of these fitted I felt confident these would work a treat.

Please excuse the horrific pictures, it was a rain filled day in Sunny Glasgow surprise surprise!

Before, yellow OEM angel eyes:



A little comparison pic:



After, 7000k Xenon White Angel Eyes:



The pictures do not do them justice at all, I shall get some better pictures when the rain clears and with my camera instead of iPhone.

-. Super easy plug and play fitment with excellent fitting instructions. However Passenger Side bulbs was a little trickier to fit due to the e53's power steering reservoir conveniently more or less blocking access to the bulb holder for anyone with hands bigger than a infant - BMW designers I tell ya!!

-. No bulbs error dash lights as promised

-. Super bright white which I desperately wanted!

-. Excellent bulb clarity - no blurring of the OEM ring, very clear

-. Blend in with the OEM Xenons perfectly

Overall really happy with them - I shall get some better pictures up when/if the rain ever stops!!! :crazy:

That is all so far, I have added my private plate to the car and just been generally maintaining it. Future plans - I was toying with the idea of colour coding the plastics around the body, wheels arches etc, still not sure though.

Also considering fitting an X-Pipe which seems a very popular modification with all you guys on here

Sorry for the picture overload - thank you for stopping by.

..Scotty..