Rock Crawler Build - E53 3.0L

[acannell]

Originally Posted by Skyline

Sorry, but I think this is a silly build that is trying to "make a silk purse out of a sow's ear" as the expression goes. Consider my "contribution" as steering others away from such a silly path. There's no question that you can turn a Camaro into a mud truck if you want...anything is possible if you're crazy or redneck enough. But some SUVs have the right "bones" to become good off-roaders..others do not.

I have plenty of experience building and breaking off-road vehicles. Even beginner trails at most of the off-road facilities I've been to would be impossible with an X5 without huge expenses in modifications, while a stock 10 year old Jeep Grand Cherokee or Toyota 4 Runner with the right factory options could handle these same trails with ease. It's not just what kind of trail you can get through, it's what you can get through without breaking your car, or smashing the body to bits. Or taking your life in your hands. Most off-road parks won't even let you in to the beginner trails without a low range TC.

you dont see the ridiculous irony in suggesting that one way heavily modifying a vehicle for "off roading" makes more sense than another way?

the forest from the trees.....

[Best4x4xFAR]

Originally Posted by Sarek

right now it is mounted in the spare tire well. It only pulls to the rear at this point. I'm still trying to figure out how to get the cable to the front. I have some ideas but as you well know it is in an easy path. I will post some pictures if I choose to keep it this way. I may just mount it on the front and be done with it. As far as the x5 versus the Jeep engine I'm assuming you're talking about the BMW inline 6? Or are you talking about the 8 cylinder?

Here is a decent description and photos of the IBEX vehicles mid mount winch (pulls front or rear). Unfortunately, finding a routing path is going to be difficult, especially since there is no actual vehicle frame to work with. The IBEX has the luxury of having the frame designed to accommodate the winching system from the beginning..

'BEST4x4xFAR' is not in reference to our X5... LOL!

[TheClaw]

Absolutely love this thread and the build. Nice work Sarek. You just may have saved me from selling my '03.

I've been itching for a FJ, 2 Door Tahoe or something to replace my expensive to fix BMW. But you've given me the inspiration to make a few changes to spice things up. Granted, my plans are mostly cosmetic, bigger tires (wheels), rino rack, lift.

Cool stuff. Thanks.

Jeff

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

I really think you missed the point here. The guy has a cool ass build and we are all enjoying it. If you cannot contribute, don't.

There is nothing silly about the build or going against the grain. That's the source of innovation. Out of the box thinking should be admired and praised not belittled. What makes no sense is a list of why something cannot or should not be done when it already is. A redneck saying--when you got notin' to say you say it.

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by acannell

you dont see the ridiculous irony in suggesting that one way heavily modifying a vehicle for "off roading" makes more sense than another way?

the forest from the trees.....

It's not how you modify it, it's how much you have to change and upgrade before you get to a finished product that can handle certain trails. Some SUVs come with a lot of off-road capabilities right from the factory, they come with many components rugged enough for off-roading. Other SUVs come with very little. The X5 is very poorly endowed in this area.

Look at a Jeep JK Rubicon as an example. To make an X5 as capable as a stock JK, would cost more than buying a new Rubicon. So yes, pretty silly to do. When it come to SUVs, the X5 is one of the worst choices as a starting point to go off-roading.

[acannell]

Originally Posted by Skyline

It's not how you modify it,

Yes it is.

Look at a Jeep JK Rubicon as an example. To make an X5 as capable as a stock JK, would cost more than buying a new Rubicon. So yes, pretty silly to do. When it come to SUVs, the X5 is one of the worst choices as a starting point to go off-roading.

By that logic, "off-roading" is pretty silly. Whats the point of spending hours crawling over rocks when you could take a perfectly good highway or just hike?

[Sarek]

Skyline still misses the point. It is a good platform to start with. I have proven this to myself with a stock 3.0 on the trails here. The point is to have a challenge. Anyone with some cash can modify a jeep ect. I like the idea that people like Skyline doubt me.
Maybe skyline needs to take the Off Road Course at the BMW performance center in spartanburg sc. Hmmmmm.... "one of the worst platforms". Pretty bold statement. Wonder why BMW tests them this way if they are so terrible. They obviously put this in the design concept of the x5...
U see all those jeeps in my previous picture. They dont let fords on their property... for some reason they keep inviting me back..

[Sarek]

Skyline still misses the point. It is a good platform to start with. I have proven this to myself with a stock 3.0 on the trails here. The point is to have a challenge. Anyone with some cash can modify a jeep ect. I like the idea that people like Skyline doubt me.
Maybe skyline needs to take the Off Road Course at the BMW performance center in spartanburg sc. Hmmmmm.... "one of the worst platforms". Pretty bold statement. Wonder why BMW tests them this way if they are so terrible. They obviously put this in the design concept of the x5...
U see all those jeeps in my previous picture. They dont let fords on their property... for some reason they keep inviting me back..

[Sarek]

Sorry. Dont know why its duplicating my posts.

[beamertruck]

Sarek your build is what I have been wanting to do for a while. This thing is definatly one of a kind! Anyone that thinks these mods are "useless" or "a waste" are obviously not enthusiasts. Anyone can build a jeep but you have an off road X5! Btw do you have the rear self leveling suspension?