330I ZHP - 2012 X5///M build thread
 

I have had a few people ask me to prepare and keep up with a build thread for my X5. Here you go:

I purchased the vehicle in December 2012 and it is Carbon Black and loaded with every option except the rear DVD video system.

When new:

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...M/DSC05362.jpg

Before I even rcvd the vehicle - I had parts showing up

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...M/IMG_1993.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...M/IMG_1994.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...M/IMG_1996.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...M/IMG_2019.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...M/STU_4247.jpg


http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...psf1b23ff8.jpg


Painting all of the reflectors and front grills body color:

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...psd51ec24a.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...psc1a43bbc.jpg


Eisenmann rear section


http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...psdcbfc4f6.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...pse61b697c.jpg


HRE's mounted and ready to be installed (was waiting at that point to install the COs)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps84f7440d.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps03a70e89.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps87b861e1.jpg

My two children

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...pse6d6ec0e.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps45a2c9ea.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps43af9ceb.jpg


http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps966409f0.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps51382a0d.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps32b87fad.jpg

I cut the trailer hitch assembly and turned it 45deg so that I would not have to cut the rear bumper/diffuser
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps23a2b78a.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps25ba805d.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps971dff20.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps6ba21655.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps22dd5121.jpg

OEM LED wiring harness from Germany via Robolop in Belguim
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...psa5867673.jpg

A little CF touch
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps5cfdbc3d.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps79f37bb0.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...psdad9a5ac.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...psd9dce28e.jpg

Adding the 6 disc DVD player
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...psd2e50701.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps6216bd3f.jpg
I have added this - but don't have any pics
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...psee4b43fd.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps2a631cc9.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps17999fa3.jpg



ESS tune and AR Design downpipes
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...psd738a06c.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...ps8effd374.jpg

LOTS MORE TO COME

Awesome!

this is more how the downpipes actually look

http://www.ardesign.info/store/media...img_0837_2.jpg

sick.

What is the point of the downward facing hitch? Obviously you are wanting to avoid cutting the rear bumper but from the pictures it looks like you have very limited ground clearance back there. Especially with a hitch installed. IMO it would look and function better in the stock position with a very careful cutout for a snug fit.

There is about 7in of clearance with the adapter installed. My utility trailer (and the car trailer I have) both have very low tongue heights.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...1/STU_1058.jpg

As you can see with the Taho I had to use a drop hitch to make the trailer sit level - even before leveling the load to insure load on the hitch

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...n/STU_0871.jpg

Those GMT900s have ridiculously high hitches. Our Escalade has a 6" drop hitch and it still isn't enough for our featherlight trailer.

Do you have pics of the M with the hitch adapter installed? Just curious.