2014 V2.0 UPDATE STARTS HERE


WARNING: This thread contains material that a BMW "Purist" will probably find offensive, and therefore should probably leave now;).

Ok, with that out of the way on to the more interesting tid bits. With some new wheels and tires set to arrive shortly, I needed to find a solution to the atrocious wheel gap that will ensue. So switching over to an air ride system with some sort of digital ride height control was the answer as i need the ability to keep my clearance for winter. I searched high and low for aftermarket kits, arriving at the conclusion that it was a choice of either airrunner or kits that looked like they were more novelty items than anything.
The only problem with the airrunner system being that unless you order the complete kit, they do not warranty anything.

So with all that being said, the final verdict was to do some sort of hybrid factory/aftermarket set up.

So here's the plan:
-BMW's air struts and bags
-Ride Tech valving
-Dakota Digital Ride Height Controller
-Viair Compressor
-Some sort of desiccant air Dryer (still sorting this one out)

Everything except the struts, bags and dryer are on order, and should arrive shortly, so as the building commences I plan to keep this thread updated on the progress!

One last thing, (sorry for the long and somewhat dull post!) before someone jumps in and points out that the project is probably not the most economical solution...:nanana: on you! :)

UPDATE:
Just thought I'd post a teaser of what the kind UPS man brought. Sorry for the iphone pics, was in somewhat of a hurry!

Most of the components arrived.
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t..._7925328_n.jpg

Ride controller with the "brains" of the operation.
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t..._6912259_n.jpg

Wheels. The Bridgestone Dueler HP Sports are also sitting in the garage for these bad boys.
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t..._1331598_n.jpg

UPDATE #2:
Here are a couple pictures of where I mounted the air compressor, and ran a SS line over the top of the rad to the air box securing it to the top of the rad with rubber clamps. I used the intake air filter to also filter the air for the compressor. I did have to strengthen up the air box wall just as a precaution; to make sure it would not crack after putting in the bulkhead fitting and connecting up the line. Next to mount the compressor in that location I had to fab up a bracket for it to sit on. Power wires run through the existing rubber insert for the factory harness, to a relay controlled by a pressure switch on the tank. I still have to get another bulkhead fitting to connect the main airline up to the SS line coming off the compressor. Anyways, enjoy.

Comp. Intake Line:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...D/DSC_0045.jpg

Comp. Mounted:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...D/DSC_0048.jpg


Stay tuned for more!!

Originally Posted by TriX5 (Post 801554) Great idea. Love to hear how it turns out. I had an Audi 6 allroad and it could be driven at three different settings I believe. Never understood why BMW didn't do that on the X5.

Originally Posted by X5SND (Post 801265) WARNING: This thread contains material that a BMW "Purist" will probably find offensive, and therefore should probably leave now;). Ok, with that out of the way on to the more interesting tid bits. With some new wheels and tires set to arrive shortly, I needed to find a solution to the atrocious wheel gap that will ensue. So switching over to an air ride system with some sort of digital ride height control was the answer as i need the ability to keep my clearance for winter. I searched high and low for aftermarket kits, arriving at the conclusion that it was a choice of either airrunner or kits that looked like they were more novelty items than anything. The only problem with the airrunner system being that unless you order the complete kit, they do not warranty anything. So with all that being said, the final verdict was to do some sort of hybrid factory/aftermarket set up. So here's the plan: -BMW's air struts and bags -Ride Tech valving -Dakota Digital Ride Height Controller -Viair Compressor -Some sort of desiccant air Dryer (still sorting this one out) Everything except the struts, bags and dryer are on order, and should arrive shortly, so as the building commences I plan to keep this thread updated on the progress! One last thing, (sorry for the long and somewhat dull post!) before someone jumps in and points out that the project is probably not the most economical solution...:nanana: on you! :)

Originally Posted by X5rolls (Post 801708) Sounds interesting, can I ask what the budget is for this set up?

Originally Posted by J.Belknap (Post 810082) Have at it.... Commscope eCatalog - Dehydrators Not sure on your plumbing design... but here's my pick based on actual use. Andrew SD-003 If it's good enough to keep the waveguides of some (expensive) Terma RADAR systems dry, it should fit your bill, volume requirements, and at 5"x2", your space limitations.