Another "My first X5 post"

[florida2002m3]

New to X series, not BMW's, only cars Ive ever owned.

Looking at picking up an E53 to replace the wife's E36. She is mostly concerned with the tailpipes, haha. She despises the 3.0 M54, not because it is slower, but because she hates the look of dual exhaust, she wants either quad or square.

I am open to going with a V8, except for the extra maitenance, so i would rather an I6. Plus I am currently in a ZHP and it is also a M54B30.



Long story short, how painful is it to buy/install a rear diffuser that will fit quad or square tips? Or is there some cheap trick people are doing to fit a bulkier exhaust look?

I am also wondering about self leveling suspension. If its good when I buy it im not concerned, when it breaks, or I get a good deal on a truck with a faulty SLS I plan to replace it with something a little less fancy, like Bilstein and coil springs...... It appears that 90+% of E53's came with at least rear (S220A) SLS. How common is it to find an E53 without SLS????


A little background:
I do all my own work, and I have a co-worker who does paint/body on the side.


I am really excited to get into the club. I didnt even know Xoutpost existed, Ive been an E90post and E46fanatic guy for so long, IM VERY COMFORTED THAT THIS FORUM EXISTST!!!!

Thanks