Build Log: M57 X5

[ucsbwsr]

Originally Posted by Dieselfan

Nice! Very nice so far.
A few questions for you though.
1. How much lighter is the steering wheel with Xdrive delete?
2. Any traction control issue with tires being different ratio?

1. Hard to quantify this but "a little." The difference isn't as drastic as on my 535xi that has servotronic. I also flushed the PS fluid which usually helps a bit so it's hard to decipher which what did what but overall the difference is small but positive.

2. My understanding is the DSC system uses wheel speed variation to detect slip and the threshold for that is ~1% or just above so the rule of thumb is to keep the F/R rolling diameters of the tires <1.0%. My Michelin PSSs have a difference of 0.617% so no worries there.

[Dieselfan]

Originally Posted by ucsbwsr

1. Hard to quantify this but "a little." The difference isn't as drastic as on my 535xi that has servotronic. I also flushed the PS fluid which usually helps a bit so it's hard to decipher which what did what but overall the difference is small but positive.

2. My understanding is the DSC system uses wheel speed variation to detect slip and the threshold for that is ~1% or just above so the rule of thumb is to keep the F/R rolling diameters of the tires <1.0%. My Michelin PSSs have a difference of 0.617% so no worries there.

Thank you! Good to know.

[josiahg52]

Originally Posted by ucsbwsr

The CBBs are the latest high output/high kelving rating offering from Osram. They carry an eye watering price tag of ~$250 and I was curious to see how they perform. My go to is the Osram CBI which about 1 year ago can down in price from $140 to $110 so it's a hard to beat value for the performance, reliability, and aesthetics (color) if that matters to you. I am also a huge fan of the Philips WHV2 for a high performing bulb with a white color temp.



Nice recommendations.

As are yours. I forgot about the OSRAM CBB. The CBH is nice also. I prefer bulbs around 5000K but OSRAM has been able to put out bulbs in the cooler ranges that are still quite bright. That and I think their Kelvin ratings are just numbers at this point.

[ucsbwsr]

Originally Posted by josiahg52

As are yours. I forgot about the OSRAM CBB. The CBH is nice also. I prefer bulbs around 5000K but OSRAM has been able to put out bulbs in the cooler ranges that are still quite bright. That and I think their Kelvin ratings are just numbers at this point.

Testing showed CBH was a bit of a let down CBI had the same lux output and was ~1/2 the price. Osram just rolled out a CBA which is the CBH replacement (they already pulled it from market lol), the price of the CBA is even higher than CBB :/ Haven't seen how it performs.

My go to recommendation is the CBI all things considered but the WHV2 has the best pure white color at 35w IMO. CBI has a tinge of violet and the other CBBs etc. try too hard to be blue. I don't want blue, I want white!

[spyro235]

Originally Posted by ucsbwsr

Testing showed CBH was a bit of a let down CBI had the same lux output and was ~1/2 the price. Osram just rolled out a CBA which is the CBH replacement (they already pulled it from market lol), the price of the CBA is even higher than CBB :/ Haven't seen how it performs.

My go to recommendation is the CBI all things considered but the WHV2 has the best pure white color at 35w IMO. CBI has a tinge of violet and the other CBBs etc. try too hard to be blue. I don't want blue, I want white!

I've used CBI in my Acura TL a few years ago, and did like the output, but thought they were a touch too blue to put maximum light on the road. I might go CBI just for the price, but I'm tempted to do the nightbreaker laser's and see what kind of light they really throw. I sometimes do late night towing, right now just 100 miles, but have a plan for a 2000 mile round trip, and want to be able to see as well as I can at night.

[crystalworks]

Nice truck OP. I like where this is going.

BTW, I'm still pretty happy with my Night Breakers in my E53. Need to order some for the wife's X35d. Putting it off until I replace the headlights lenses on hers as I think they are past the point of refinishing @ 160,000 miles.

[heatmizr]

Incredible job, nice attention to detail.
And who knew a single post could hold so many pics!

[ucsbwsr]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Nice truck OP. I like where this is going.

BTW, I'm still pretty happy with my Night Breakers in my E53. Need to order some for the wife's X35d. Putting it off until I replace the headlights lenses on hers as I think they are past the point of refinishing @ 160,000 miles.

If you are pulling the lenses then that would be a great time to optimize or upgrade the stock projector. The AFS cradel is a bit of a pain and the "adaptive feature needs to be disabled if you want to fit a better projector, no worries since a high end projector "static" will outperform the stock E46 projector swiveling.

Originally Posted by heatmizr

Incredible job, nice attention to detail.
And who knew a single post could hold so many pics!

I like photos.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by ucsbwsr

If you are pulling the lenses then that would be a great time to optimize or upgrade the stock projector. The AFS cradel is a bit of a pain and the "adaptive feature needs to be disabled if you want to fit a better projector, no worries since a high end projector "static" will outperform the stock E46 projector swiveling.

True, but I will only be upgrading the LED rings like I did on my E53. The stock projectors are sufficient for me and the amount of time/money needed to retrofit others doesn't pass the cost/benefit calculation for me. I'll be using the same rings I used on my E53 in the appropriate sizing. Have to wait to open it for the measurements.

Here's the E53.

Originally Posted by ucsbwsr

I like photos.

So do I. Keep em coming.

[ucsbwsr]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

The stock projectors are sufficient for me and the amount of time/money needed to retrofit others doesn't pass the cost/benefit calculation for me.

I understand I am a bit of a black sheep when it comes to automotive lighting since standards are extremely high but it sounds like you haven't experienced a "legit" headlight setup. Most people consider a Morimoto H1 projector a retrofit and technically it is but not all retrofits are equal. It's like saying a Mustang GT is "fast" when there are Koenigseggs, McClaren P1s, and twin turbo Gallardos.

If I build my E70 headlights prior to your lens swap, perhaps I can inspire you and hopefully change your mind.

This is my E61