Looks good post more pics, how's the ride quality compared to stock

Some rainy day blues, New exhaust tips.

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/a...psvafppqok.jpg

Awesome tips! 3.0? Amazing job if so, let us know what you ended up buying

Thanks, yes it's a 3.0, are you asking what tips I bought?

Nice looking 3.0!

Yeah those really look awesome, would love to know which ones you got, love the walled tips!

I won't be biting your style as I already have Ractive tips but I will be fitting a 4.8iS resonator back exhaust soon.

Thanks for all the compliments, I got the tips on Amazon, not a bad price for the pair. They seem to be very well made.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009R6...&robot_redir=1

Nice looking quality man! I'm assuming you welded on?

Yes, I cut off about an inch from the clamp and welded them on. Didn't want them to stick out too far.

Lol same tips ive had since last winter.

:thumbup:

Are you running four front wheels? Looks like a square 87 setup from this angle.

Vic

You are correct, had a friend selling a square setup, so I picked them up pretty cheap. Would love to have some 315's on the back though.

Tips look great. :thumbup:

Hey ladies and gentleman,
New to xoutpost and new to BMW SAV. I have 2-e39's and a e36 m3 but this is my first e53. I love this thing. Def a nice car and am loving every min of it.

Its a 2003 3.0 e53 X5
100,000 miles
Always been a Texas car, flawless exterior, not door dings, no scratches, clean title. no accidents, never been repainted...etc. picked it up for a steal and couldnt resist it.
It has new oversized tires on it. not sure how that affects speedometer and gas but assuming it does. the tires are 245/70 17's...believe stock are 235/65 17.

Also just ordered the towing package for it so that will be going on soon too.
Looking for some sort of roof rack. I did a little searching and found some stuff but if anyone has a good suggestion for a decent roof rack thats functional that would be great!

But im loving it and just enjoying it and will slowly immerse myself in everything e53.


http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps860a2379.jpg

http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps379d020e.jpg

http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/a...psd80e8879.jpg

Hoooowdeee partner. Good color!

Sweet. I asked because I'm looking to also go with square fronts so the tires can be rotated. I considered four rears, but the added weight and rolling resistance might slow my 3.0 down more than I'd like.

One concern I have with fronts in the rear is whether spacers will bring the rears out enough. Id appreciate if you'd post a pic when you get your spacers. The thickest bolt-on (not bolt-thru) spacers I found were 30mm. Are there thicker?

Vic

Get the H&R bolt on spacers in either 25mm or 30mm for a flush look to the fenders and you'd look great on a square setup. Any larger and you are gonna want to fit rear fender flares because you will poke

Yea when I went from the stock 18's to 20's. my 3.0 felt so slow and sluggish It wasn't even funny

There is a calculation on how much power (torque) you lose by adding more weight to the wheels. Let me see if I can find the link... I was surprised how much you lose by increasing the weight by few lbs.

My baby :driver:

Really nice! Love the running boards and the color;)..oh, and the wheels!!

Beautiful. What color is that?

It's Sienna Red I believe...

Looks great!

update

Did an early "fall clean" this year.

Tried Mothers Ultimate Black on all the plastic, great stuff. The plastic has never been dyed, and has seen over 11 yrs of TX/FL intense sun exposure.

Nice drop. Coilovers?

Looks great TiAg, the Mothers has a bit too much shine for me, but it looks to be a good product.

I haven't ever dyed my plastic either, I tend to "maintain" it. Usually clean off oxidation and any dirt with an APC prior, then I dress it with a water based vinyl/plastic dressing, currently I use Adam's Super VRT, which gives a nice natural look and color to the plastic, really brings it back.

I also noticed after the first time I cleaned/dressed it, each subsequent application to the trim has been a longer interval until needing to do it again. You'll find that once it's been maintained the dressing will last longer on the plastic, and obviously a little goes a long way. If you find it runs at all, its being applied too thick and you can knock out the excess when its dry with a dry MF towel.

Although I'm sure you already know all that :)

If you didn't wipe down the trim prior to dressing, with a mild APC, next go around I would do that, should help it last longer.


@Mike, your wheels look much better than those old ones, 5 spokes much easier to clean and a simpler design is much better in general, the old ones were too busy.

@Junger, Mike has 2-axle EHC as do I, he is lowered via DIS which we all can do with a few minutes and a laptop on the 4-corner system.

Looks good. Do you have larger rotors? They seem larger than normal for 4.4.

Yeah, the Mothers left a hard shine but I think it will dull out after a few washes.

The plastic has been maintained well and still looks new. I apply plastic cleaner twice a yr to remove all dirt/sealer products before re-sealing, unreal how much dirt releases with the cleaner solution.

I hear that alot, the open spoke design of the wheels show more rotor/caliper, making them look larger.

Rb is correct on mine

His rims are not 20's just thicker tires, im assuming his rims are 18-19"

Yeah, I went with ultra-lightweight staggered 19"s, a rear rim/tire assembly tips the scale at >50 lbs.

After driving a few before (OE) /after (big, heavy) wheel swap vehicles I've become OCD about unsprung weight. ;)

I'm willing to give up the look/ultimate grip of big/wide wheels/tires for the lively "feel"/better ride of 255/285 on 19" light wheels.

FWIW, the 4.4s never came with 20"s

Out of curiosity, what are the specs on your tires? I have a set of te37's i've never used that might just look alright on my truck next summer

I'm running 255-50s & 285-45s on 19"s.

This is the standard size of 4.4 Sport Pkg E53s with the staggered wheel upgrade.

The rims I installed are only load rated to 680kg, right at the load limit with 4 passengers and cargo. If I load the X and tow a trailer, I have to install the OE style 74 18"s.

Just my luck, posted fall clean pics yesterday (last wash was early in July, has not rained here in over 2 mos), had to take the Hwy to Southlake this morning, rained, truck looks nasty now! :(

A lot of y'all have already seen it on a couple other threads. Just picked this up in July...I wasn't going to post any real photos until I had a chance to really detail it, but what the heck, it looks pretty already...so I'll just update it when it has the showroom shine back. :)

http://www.xoutpost.com/attachments/...today-rain.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...4869110326.jpg

Looks Good man...

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/09/20/jape5ase.jpg

2000 x5 4.4i Dinan S1

<3Topaz

Pottsy--very nice!

I should have waited for a topaz

Hi! this is my E53 on very rare STYLING 75:
http://i59.tinypic.com/2mmz9ki.jpg
http://i59.tinypic.com/2lxqaa.jpg
http://i61.tinypic.com/2aalopk.jpg
http://i59.tinypic.com/2m2b4go.jpg
http://i62.tinypic.com/2jbqux0.jpg
http://i58.tinypic.com/2j4op4x.jpg

Nice!

thanks. I was looking for this wheels over a year. they are so classic and lookin good :)

<3 your debadge and your OE Running boards

I finally took a couple pictures so that I have at least something to show.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/v...ps089ee53f.jpg

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/v...ps5a653557.jpg

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/v...ps283c0c25.jpg

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/v...psa1fae209.jpg

Looking good Josh... need to get some good pics of my "new" X. Will have to after I take it in for detailing and some minor trim paintwork.

Also will have to get some pics of my e30 fleet with it :) Nice IS btw. I rock a turbo'd 91 318is, 92 325ic, and my wife daily's an 87 325e. ;)

Josh, looking great!

I see you are also in the "debadge" club as well, the smoked side markers really flow well with the rub strips on the X as well (I have the same ones)

Joshdub---both look very nice!

Thanks guys!

Crystalworks,

I want to see those E30's. Do you have the stock M42 in there turboed? That is pretty cool. Usually people just swap them out.

RB,

Yeah I felt like having the black line broken up by the white reflector was a bit odd. Now it looks better and still lights up bright.

Hi guys! Does anybody have Kalahari beige e53 with IS body kit?

Figured I'd post these here too... well, because pic whore. :) Plus they fit here.

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...5/DSC_0165.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...5/DSC_0166.jpg

..So black kidney grill and vents actually do look very good on a Sterling grey silver!
I have never seen this combo before. And i haven't had the courage to spray my own titanium silver ones black yet. :D

Whoa..!

http://oi59.tinypic.com/2mmz9ki.jpg

That bull bar looks downright awesome!

Sad thing that we are not allowed to mount/modify anything on the front of our cars here i Denmark, :( (gotta keep our pedestrians alive).

Yep, I had them painted gloss black to match the sport trim. You can buy them flat black, but I wanted gloss. It was an easy decision for me because at some point the PO had changed them to the chromies after an accident. I'm guessing the titaniums were more $$$ than the PO wanted to spend to repair. :dunno:

The gloss black that Crystal did looks indeed awesome on sterling gray.
I used to have a sterling gray E39 and did the flat black kidney grills and hated the look.They just didnt look good.

I'm hesitant to spray my titanium as well since I saw a few pictures of flat black grills on lemans blue and I hate the look..but maybe its time to try a gloss black?and refinish my wheels in black chrome as well:rofl:

Thanks again guys. LOL I didn't realize no one had done this yet. I guess it makes sense... I could not find a reasonably priced gloss black replacement for the upper and front grilles. Some from UK were like $300 if memory serves.

Maybe I unintentionally started a trend? :thumbup:

Gloss black kidney grilles are 10x better than flat.

At least the outer surrounds (chrome on the stock grilles) need to be gloss black to match Shadowline trim.

My 2004 Kalahari Beige


http://waterdevil.users.photofile.ru.../133377717.jpg
http://waterdevil.users.photofile.ru.../133377704.jpg
http://waterdevil.users.photofile.ru.../133377702.jpg
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http://waterdevil.users.photofile.ru.../133377712.jpg
http://waterdevil.users.photofile.ru.../133377713.jpg

My whip for now



qhttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...c9818de5fb.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...eb41bbbfc5.jpg

double trouble ninja love?
lol.

Love the red wrap though.

thanks bud...it will be Whole Car Soon ...

Ugh, I really like those wheels. Niche GT5's right? I have been thinking of selling my 20's to get a set of those. Can you get them in a different color?

Unfortunately they are discontinued now I just bought the last four rears but they have all four at 10 1/2 inches

What size are you running up front? The 10"?

Show us your X5!!
 

Mike123 theyre 10.5" all 4's
275/40/20
315/35/20
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...e3238f2f2d.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...584fa05cac.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...618c9356da.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...027fc119bd.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...2411eb9145.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...dfdb826074.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...2f3f4cfb9d.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...d0f03f5e27.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...ddab37e001.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...5462da6e90.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...0de7d46e7a.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...0b2e0374b4.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...086143206f.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...5630702117.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...b0ba9df5a3.jpg

Great looking pics.

Looks :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

wicked colour combo mate! :thumbup::thumbup:

Thanks Guys.

https://flic.kr/p/poWfXA[IMG]https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7577/...f1bf540b_b.jpgDSC09025 by arturmartirosyan88, on Flickr[/IMG]Instagram @Redline.Cars and FB/redlinecars

Looks Great!

4.8is Beast (at rest).

Good choice!

Brakes done, Calipers painted and more.
Body > Clay, Polished, Waxed (3x on hood & roof), trim treated
Wheels > Clay and waxed.....

In the garage waiting for the salt to go away!

:thumbup:

^^Hawttttt - those inner barrels look clean enough to eat off!

Any tips on trim treatment? My Black to Black is good, but one little drive in the rain and it always comes off :(

Long-Lasting Tire Dressing, 16 Ounces - Griot's GarageTrim (exterior) and tires on daily drivers and sometimes drivers

Tar remover: 3M Adhesive Remover

Griot's Garage
Long-Lasting Tire Dressing, 16 Ounces (for black trim or tires)

Clay, polish, tar remover, speed shine, wax

Real simple project, take tire off, wash and dry, put on bench and go to it. I wax and leave over night with dehumidifiers running. Buffs right off in the morning.


Other rides....

Try Adam's super VRT
Works on everything .rubber gaskets, plastic trim, tires , etc
I'm really pleased with it.DetailersDomain sells it.

YUM! Some very pretvy IS's! I'm all about that blue! :)

I'll see 2 of your rides and raise you these :beerchug:
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps4xtrjtei.jpg

^^This is what I use as well. Be sure to clean the trim well with a plastic safe APC (some harsher concentrations can stain plastic), Optimum Power Clean at 3:1 or Adams APC "neat" will work fine.

When reviving trim its all about cleaning old dressings and oxidation off first.

Love 'em all. I even like your minivan in the drive way....:rofl:

That's the neighbor's, but I'll let them know though. :D

Got me!:thumbup:

My '04 Imola 4.8is
 

Here's my new toy. Love the color

That Imola Red is a beaut.

Here's mine sittin wide like Rick Ross

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/...5e83e9c5_o.jpg

I heart imola. Such a pretty color on everything they used it on.:thumbup:

red on the x5 looks amazing>

Here is mine. Picked it up for my wife after her car was rear ended just before Christmas. It was a VW Golf. She loved the Golf but felt that it sat to low. so for what the insurance gave us for the Golf we got this...

04 X5 4.4i E53
http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/a...psuj469z1v.jpg

Tcoop, looks good, how many miles?

It has 160,000 miles. It has some issues shutters when braking (already have the new arms and bushings to go in when I have the time) and hard shifting tin the lower gears, not to mention the sway bars were not hooked up and the stiffener pan was missing (now have those back on). I plan on changing the transmission filter and fluids soon. Even with that my wife can't stop smiling when she drives it.

I see you are getting it up to snuff. That's good.

Just picked up this x5 last week in need of some maintenance but got it for a good price..

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...psbc2hisur.jpg

Congrats!

Thanks

what's a good price?

Congratulations!

I wouldn't mention what you paid for it. All that counts is you are pleased.

2006 e53 x5
 

Larai's X5

Very nice!!!! Those BREMBOs worth it?? I was thinking of picking up a set but at $6,000-$7,000, are they really worth it?

Cheers buddy. They're actually PB brakes :thumbup:

New they are 'only' $4600 for the full kit front / rear.

And tbh they are excellent. I've even used them on track when I took the X round Spa in Belgium.

I'm actually thinking of selling them as my wife now has the X and she really doesn't drive it enough to warrant them.

Well hey.. they look freken sweet! if you want to sell them.. keep me in mind.. :-)

Oh2ball, RajB, Both are very nice!!!!

I really like the color matching Aero parts around the wheel lips and running board areas.

Will do buddy.

Agreed. Think it should have come from the factory like that.

Thanks!

06 with 56k
 

Truffle interior with sport package. Recently built a sub enclosure and add some bling to my running boards!

Sub
 

Made a huge difference in sound quality!

Sub
 

Finished look!

Nicely finished off with that grill gaurd, good job

Look great!

:thumbup:

The last chapter of what is now damn-near a decade long run...

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...o.jpg~original

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...x.png~original

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...x.jpg~original

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...j.jpg~original

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...j.jpg~original

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...a.jpg~original

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...t.jpg~original

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...4.jpg~original

^ nice pics. looks like you put in a lot of hard work to keep it that condition.

My sweet sweet baby girl
 

200k miles and going strong :-)

Hi, time to introduce my ride.
So far a not too much loved 2000 3.0i manual X5 with 143000 km (89k miles).
Planning a lot of restoration bits. Currently it is in the shop to start some of them.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d...412_202739.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l...412_202727.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D...412_202712.jpg

Welcome. We have the same year MT. I bought mine with the same mileage.

There is a manual transmission registry thread you can introduce yourself to as well.

Thanks Squidzilla, I just did the introduction in the manual registry thread :iagree:

Thanks puddinboo! Yes.....more than I'm willing to admit to!:bustingup

there's a lot I want to do to mine but just don`t have the cash to do it all at once .I just do a little bit here and there. maybe in a couple of years it will be where I want it.

Got her back in the fall. She's been a lot of work. But, when you see a picture like this, it makes it totally worth it.

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/...psoenfm46r.jpg

Just getting ready for first big tow trip of the season with my 414 HP, 4.8 liter (3.0 L with 224 HP up front + 1.8 L with 190 HP in back!). Let's see: 140,000 miles on this front driveshaft and original transmission fluid - should be fine, right :thumbup:

2002 X5 3.0 272,500 miles

Tried to reduce the resolution of a pic and ended up with a BMW Smart car :rofl:.....

Still looks better than the E70's. :rofl:

No doubt.

Here's a proper pic. Aug '03 production, almost 200k miles.....

Just picked her up a couple weeks ago:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/...psa2qhbrmq.jpg

Will get a build thread going once the maintenance issues are resolved.

looks good.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05...95676153e7.jpg

2002 E53 in Steel Gray. Took some photos of her the other night.


Flatlander

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05...1e2185e601.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05...94214e192f.jpg


Flatlander

She's a beauty!!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q...o/IMG_0751.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C...o/IMG_0750.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e...o/IMG_0746.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0...o/IMG_0760.JPG

A lot of awesome looking X's you got, guys!

Few pics of my 3.0 and 4.6:thumbup:

:thumbup:

The evolution of the X5 has been very well done. The E53 still looks like it is a current design and offering from BMW.

Aside from the newest X5's (forget chassis code) I think the e53 is the best looking X5 that BMW has made. Most reliable, no... but best looking, yes.

Taking it even further... the 4.8is is my ultimate will buy now that I am hooked on the e53 chassis. The 4.4i is great, but if 315hp is good... 350 is better. :thumbup: The 2006 4.8is is probably my favorite X5 variant of all those produced yet... excluding some of the M offerings.

Thank you mam4.6!!!

You do realize it is likely that 3.0, 4.4 and 4.6 owners will have lots of valid rational why they think their model is the ultimate.

And you'd all be wrong. Oil burners rule! :thumbup:

oopsie, we mustn't forget the diesels.

Which is why I specified... MY ultimate e53... ;)

I love my 4.4i, but will upgrade to a 4.8i now that I know I really enjoy the e53 platform. Would also LOVE to have a diesel... but we did not get those here. :(

I noticed the my, meant nothing negative by comment.

Gotcha. Nuance of conversation can be missed pretty easily on forums.

Definitely some nice looking X's here. Looking forward to getting mine to where I want it. If only I could find the time to work on it... :dunno:

X5 in Steel Grey
 

Another photo from the other night:

168's on Pre-facelift :)

Love the Depo's as well, set it off nicely! Clean!

https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...ca&oe=55EFE1E7

The 4.8is conversion of my Diesel X5 is underway. It's the famous ebay kit from Latvia and, as you can see, the front bumper lip is a bit too long :(

Angel Eyes
 

Hello Hello your all X5s looking amazing !!!!!, I need really bright Angel Eyes bulb i ordered some crap from Amazon 3w cant see them at all!!!! Please Help:rofl:

After spending the whole weekend getting the tunes in her, I needed to clean her up!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/MA...=w1102-h827-no

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07...e9b1240cc6.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07...ee7670ce8e.jpg

Very happy to discover last night that all four of my Milwaukee toolboxes fit in my back pack rack.

The wheels are "in progress"


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Had some fun in the dunes this weekend. Second time out and have never once felt like I was going to get stuck. I don't do anything big or crazy but she sure is capable of cruising through the sand and smaller hills.

What pressures do you run with for the sand?

This particular instance I was at 20psi. First time out I was at 25psi. Give or take as I think my pressure gauge is a little off. The next day we took my buddies brand new Rubicon Wrangler out and really worked it hard. A few scary moments, so I for sure will not be doing any bowls or steep hills with the X5. Perfect for cruising around the dunes though.

I live about 12 km's from the largest mobile sand dune system in the southern hemisphere and have had plenty of fun there in our Toyota Landcruiser (4.2 diesel, manual). Autos are far better in soft sand, so I've been toying with the idea of taking the X there sometime for a bit of a blast. During our summer months, the sand gets quite 'hungry' and I've had the pressures in the Landcruiser down as low as 12 psi to cope... always worrying if I'm going to roll the tyre off the rim at that pressure.
Might have to head out sometime soon and post a few pics.... it's great fun but the first dune to get up is a monster.

Wow if that is the entrance to your dunes please be sure to post a video of an X5 conquering it. That's nuts.

In the picture I posted, I was about to go up that hill, it's bigger than the picture shows. I let my buddies Jeep go first and followed his path nice and easy. Never once giving it much throttle. I made it up no problem. Not once did I loose any traction. These X5s are proving to be very capable. The stares I get from the bigger trucks are amusing. I am sure they all think I'm a bit foolish.

Coming down that same hill was tricky, only because your eyes play tricks and what looks to be a normal hill ends up being a steep drop off. So I had to make a quick turn at the last second to avoid going over. Playing in the sand is entirely new to me.

Driving in sand is a great learning tool and not for the faint-hearted. I've witnessed more than my fair share of fools wrecking their pride and joy, thinking it's indestructible and capable of anything - nothing is further from the truth and most people simply don't have the skills required when traversing steep dunes (both up and down). These dunes have sent quite a few 4x4's to their early grave. Can you spot the vehicle at the top of this dune?

I've had my 04 x5 for about a year and kept it all stock until a few weeks ago. Tinted windows, dipped wheels, and added an auxiliary input so far. Want to do some more stuff to it, but would love others opinions on what would look best.

So far I know I want to get a blacked/smoked side signal light but other than that I'm not sure. Looking for mostly style changed and not performance. Car has 125k on it.

https://imgur.com/FtK0wZ0.jpg

Sand dunes look like lotsa fun!

Cory, maybe dip the chrome on the kidney grills and smoked fender lights to keep with the theme? I really like that color on the X, nice truck!

The light that runs with the rubstrip? If so definitely replacing those.

makes the x look awsome just getting smoked lights .better then those ugly orange side markers . just a little thing but makes a big difference.

Here's my Panda
http://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51...29773978_n.jpg

New here, been lurking and reading, you guys really know your stuff, enjoying learning from you.

http://i.imgur.com/skLD7hWl.jpg

I've since cleaned up the headlights and replaced the hood emblem.

2002 with 106K, typical window issues and pixelated cluster. Runs and sounds great, bought it to tow my boat. Mechanic inspected it today and changed the oil, said it took 8.5 quarts.

Yup, those!

Smoked ones match the door rub strip for a cleaner look IMO.

Smoked side marker lights look good but reduce light output.

With all the distracted drivers on the road, I wanted the brightest markers possible.

Clear lenses (OE) with stealth bulbs (silver bulb, orange when lit).

Like the side lights! :thumbup:

Nice!

Where'd you get the XDrive logos? I've never seen those on an E53.

Thanks StephenVA.

The StealthBulbs are the only ones to go with, lifetime free replacement (burnout & peeling).

StealthBulbs uses the same Aerospace coating process NASA uses for space vehicles, these things NEVER peel.

Cheap silver bulbs are nothing more then an orange bulb with a light spray of silver paint, these peel.

The prior owner had BMW install those (service history docs show he paid over $200 for them, OUCH!).

The X was produced in 8-03, one of the last M62/NV125 TC E53s.

^Wow, $200 for logos? That's nuts. When did XDrive actually start on E53's? I didn't think that happened until the 2004 model year. Yours must be one of the first!

X-Drive wasn't available until the 09/2003 production date - it was only available with the N62 engine.

It's funny how much people will pay for vanity to advertised things the car doesn't even have. I think it's like one of those things where people just plaster ///M emblems all over a non-M car :rolleyes: Heck, BMW themself is doing exactly that these days with all those "M-sports" packages :(

That shot makes my pockets tight!

I hope that's not a bad thing. :confused:

Mine is one of the last non-X drive E53s (final weeks of production).

Wow previous owner paid $200 for the Xdrive badge. At that price it could have been a DINAN.

^Dinan badge is only $60 ;) but you have to have enough points

Congrats TMV,
I am not a fan of the Aero kit ,but on yours makes me change my mind!It looks fantastic and is about the best it can get :thumbup:

the areo kit looks sleek and smooth, follows the body lines perfectly.:thumbup:

Very True but there are some people on Ebay and other outlets that are selling their authentic DINAN badges to the highest bidder, for those who do not have the DINAN points.

Thanks guys. I love it regardless of what some thoughts about it. Everyone can get an "iS" kit nowadays. It's so much harder with the aero kit.

You've just give me an idea: maybe I'll buy the Dinan badges and sell them for profit :D

Not bad from the rear either.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psz3mowycg.png

That looks tits. I never cared for the areo kit until your car.

STOP IT TMV!!!!!

You have me hating how the E53 looks sans body kit!

Definitely unique and rear - an acquired taste:)

My 2005 E53 30d
 

Here is my E53 30d.

Hey guys. It looks like this thread got a long, overdue resurrection. I haven't done much for aesthetics but between the last 3 e53s I've owned the most common has been 31" mud tires, and exhaust/intake mods. I love the way the 19s grab the curves in the back roads but the extra sidewall really softens up the sporty ride through the Houston streets.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...5/P6120013.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...508_104527.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...625_190326.jpg

Do you have to do anything special for the 31s to fit? I was thinking getting a set of the 17" wheels and putting some ATs on since we have horrible roads here in OK.

Decisions, decisions, which one do I drive today?

Nikat, I use 265/70/17 (which is also the factory size for new Dodge Ram 1500 pickups in case you want take-offs to size up).

They fit with no rubbing unless your control arm bushings are worn out or inner fenders are bent in a bit from whatever. The X5 suspension doesn't flex much but I've found this to be the absolute largest size possible without rubbing.

Because of the taller sidewall and stiff suspension, there will be significant body roll under high speed cornering, but 70mph freeway merging ramps are still manageable without stress. I've tested them throughout and beyond the X5's capabilities and I will say adamantly, there is no need to try cornering about 85mph with this size tire on the X5. It just isn't safe. The stock 19s for the Sport Package will allow the X5 to do triple digit corners and even pull track-like Gs and grip, but not when you have this much sidewall on 17s.

It's always good for a laugh when the tire shops have to ask me 5 times over if I'm sure this is the right size tire I want. After it's all said and done the techs always want to take pictures and are amazed it doesn't rub.

Thanks Fox!

Yep yep. I'm a big fan of GoodYear tires for serious SUVs and Trucks. The DuraTrac has been my favorite for severe offroad grip and rainy weather driving and overall looks. For a more streetable tire on my tow pigs I use the Wrangler Silent Armor and that does excellent for commuting, highway, rain and sand.

You can get similar tread designs for cheaper but with the X5 you really want something with a strong sidewall.

I see the problem here. It would look a shit load better on a black 4.8. I think you need to take that shit off asap, and send it to me for a resolution to this problem.

Looks great. Not crazy about the rear exhaust openings, but as stated, that can be fixed by being fitted to a black car.

Why does the car look raked from the passenger side? Probably picture angle.

Spacers/ Picture X5
 

2004 X5 3.0

85K on the clock

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...cb8df4fa99.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...2d368e014d.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...da21ade6db.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2002 x5 4.6is 77k miles on it currently


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X5 4.4IS 2005:p:

Those breaks! *mmmmmmm* drool

You going to get the rest of the aero kit? Looks a little weird the way the body plastics end at the bumpers. Those fenders are interesting as well, can't say I've seen an e53 with those on before.

What break? :D :beerchug: