Build Log: M57 X5

[Toothbrush]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

I have that same thought every time I read one his updates.

Kids/wife/house/fleet take up all of what used to be my "modding" time.

Ditto [except I 'draft' the kids into helping - sometimes they're happy to help, sometimes not so much]


One question about the ZL1 wheels... Any plans on replacing that Chevy center cap? If you already answered that question, just chalk it up to me drooling over all the pics in this thread and not paying much attention to the text...

[RDAvena]

Thanks for the differential update, waiting on your full DIY as I have front and rear 3.15s holding down the garage floor. Did you notice any issues running the 3.64 front and 3.15 rear like you did? Would have thought there shouldn't be any with the torque split built into the X5, but going by a few of the "you must change both diffs . . ." statements. Again thanks for the modding inspiration.

[ucsbwsr]

Originally Posted by Toothbrush

One question about the ZL1 wheels... Any plans on replacing that Chevy center cap? If you already answered that question, just chalk it up to me drooling over all the pics in this thread and not paying much attention to the text...

The GM centercap is about 10mm smaller than BMW ones. If there was an easy PNP swap to get a BMW cap in there I would consider it but I am not embarrassed that a GM product is on the X5, the reality is it's a far superior product than any OEM 20" wheel designed for the X5 so I am happy to use the product. Besides it is a nice conversational piece.

Originally Posted by RDAvena

Thanks for the differential update, waiting on your full DIY as I have front and rear 3.15s holding down the garage floor. Did you notice any issues running the 3.64 front and 3.15 rear like you did? Would have thought there shouldn't be any with the torque split built into the X5, but going by a few of the "you must change both diffs . . ." statements. Again thanks for the modding inspiration.

I am running the X5 in RWD. As people have mentioned, you would be entering a world of hurt if you installed mis-matched diffs and ran in AWD mode.

Evan

[ucsbwsr]

I was able to get the X5 on some dynos, both a Mustang Dyno and a Dynojet.

Mustang was 317whp 504wtq
Dynojet was 370whp 520wtq

For those that don't know Mustang dynos use load and typically read lower. In general Mustang dynos should be more accurate but it's hard to say since it all comes down to proper calibration. Dynojets are more common for "big stick" comparisons amongst enthusiasts as dynojets are simply and measure power based off how quickly the vehicle can spin a drum, less variables to manipulate the numbers.

The dynojet operator was starting the pulls at way higher RPMs then he should have, shame on me for not picking up on this but he was going WOT between 2,500 and 3,000 rpm (seriously) and the M57 makes peak TQ around 2,950 so for my observant BMW diesel enthusiasts you may notice the Dynojet TQ numbers seem low, this is why, with a clean pull TQ #s would likely be ~550wtq.

On the Mustang dyno I was able to compare my custom inlet to the OEM airbox and although the data isn't perfect since the engine was getting a little heat soaked, it looks like the intake does flow better and offered more power, roughly +10hp +10tq. I am patiently waiting for the shop to email me the overlaid graphs.

On the Dynojet I did 2 pulls with my custom intake and 2 with just a 3.5" velocity stack mounted on the MAF. The pulls are so chaotic and the data so sloppy it's hard to discern what's going on but there was no measurable difference between the two.

Mustang session


Dynojet session


Custom Intake


Velocity stack

[CleanIsFast]

Went through all the pages, really inspiring stuff! Love the attention to detail and craftsmanship. Thinking about getting back into a 35d myself
Subscribed

[ucsbwsr]

It's been a while but this update is a good one!

I finished building and installed my Brembo big brake kit, which uses F10 M5 front calipers and rotors along with Porsche Panamera rear calipers with F85 rotors. 6-piston front 4-piston rear monoblock Brembo calipers.
I posted details on the BBK here:
https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...ml#post1182346

Here are some pics of the finished product.









In other news I also got around to installing my Provent 200 OCC. It's a bit of a pain to install given it's huge size but I am happy with how it came out. Time will tell if I need to make revisions because some people have had issues with hoses becoming compromised over time from oil, leaking fittings etc.

I built a block off plate out of some 1/4" aluminum. I hacked it up with an angle grinder, a drill, and Dremel. Surprisingly it came out pretty good! I also bought some adapters from Australia via eBay that step the HGUE 1" hose bungs on the Provent down to a more manageable 19mm 3/4" hose. This offers many more hose options and the smaller hoses are easier to work with. I built a bracket for the Provent out of another bracket I had laying around (LED light bar IIRC) and some aluminum stock.




I also chopped down my dipstick, it was obnoxiously high as it was designed to have the engine cover and large air intake box installed so I cut it down so it's still functional but out of the way, this also freed up some room for more direct Provent hose routing.



For vacuum source I use the OEM plastic pipe that runs along the valve cover, I bored it out so a 10orb to 12an adapter could be threaded in. I am happy with this as it can be removed and the system can 100% be reverted to stock relatively easily, I don't plan to do this but it's nice having the option.


I modded the Provent as others have done to regulate the strong vacuum on the system. You can also see the clear hose in the background which I use for my drain, it's plugged a ziptied away by the transmission splash shield. Some have ran this back into the dipstick but I prefer to drain the oil myself so I can see how effective the system is.


While I really wanted the OCC to be out of sight, given it's size and the layout of the engine bay I couldn't find a decent solution even while exploring relocating items like the HVAC coolant lines and valve. Where my Provent has a fairly prominant location, it is very accessible and it does visually block some unsightly vacuum and fuel lines just behind it. This location also allowed for fairly clean and direct hose routing.






With the X5 in the garage for a bit I also repaired the boost leak on my ATM intercooler up pipe


Installed X6 OEM black grills


Replaced the cabin air filter


Clay-barred the paint


....and cleaned the leather
BEFORE


AFTER



Here are some additional pics!

[CleanIsFast]

Looks great! That's some serious stopping power now. Engine bay is OEM+++++. Upgrade cluster is a must now for me after seeing yours.

How would I go about removing the engine vanity cover and air cleaner lower plenum as well to free up space and overall show the intake manifold like yours? Rerouted the air intake system to the passenger side?

[ucsbwsr]

Originally Posted by CleanIsFast

How would I go about removing the engine vanity cover and air cleaner lower plenum as well to free up space and overall show the intake manifold like yours? Rerouted the air intake system to the passenger side?

Sorry I don't follow your question.

[CleanIsFast]

Originally Posted by ucsbwsr

Sorry I don't follow your question.

Sorry for confusion. I went back a couple pages and found out.

I believe on Page 8, you removed the OEM stock intake system (and beauty cover). Fabricated your own intake. I think you started a separate thread for it, so I'll search for it

[ucsbwsr]

ZL1 wheels repaired and powder coated Prismatic "Graphite Black" it's essentially a black with a fine metallic flake and a satin finish. I liked the way the OEM GM satin black finish looked so I used that as a base and I figured the slight metallic finish of the graphite black would compliment the Platinum Grey Metallic on the body. The powder coat turned out to be slightly different than I was envisioning but overall I am very happy.

With my front left sidewall damaged and the other tires on lower tread it was time to replace the tires. I jumped from a 295/40/20 square setup of Pirelli Scorpion Verde to a slightly taller set of Hankook Ventus ST RH06 in 295/45/20. I knew they would be tight and after much research, measuring, and guesstimating I still wasn't confident they would fit. I was relieved to find out the fit perfectly.

I was going between these Hankook RH06s in 295/45 or doing the Michelin Pilot 4 SUV in 305/40. I run Hankook Evos on all my other cars and appreciate the value the tires offer; good grip, quiet ride, adequate tread life, and a fair price. My personal experience combined with the reviews I read were enough for me to give the tires a shot. The Hankooks are about 1/3 the price as the Michelins too.

For the way I use my X5 this 295/45 20x11 square setup is perfect. Given the limitations of the vehicle, tire options, DXC, etc. I can't think of anything I would change. Jumping back up to a taller and heavier tire does zap some of the acceleration performance but the added comfort of the beefy tires is welcomed and worth the trade off.

I am glad the X5 is back from my wheel guy but it was REAL fun dailying the E61 again, never a dull moment.


Garage space was taken by my e39 touring which is getting engine work and a manual swap so I had to get creative in the drive way with 2 jack stands and removing 2 wheels at a time to swap tires. lol


Tada





No rubbing except at full-lock to the right. I will heat, melt, mold this vent further forward. It eats up a lot of space but I can work with it.


I love tight fitment. Looking at the X5 from afar it looks fairly normal but poke your head in the wheel well and you can see where all the research, calculations ....and luck paid off! lol



A look at the tread pattern.