Just an update; we tried the 285s on the front this morning and to no surprise, they rubbed a little (not bad though) so I ordered 265/65/R18 which are apparently the same circumference as the 285/60/R18s. Since they are slightly narrower, I shouldn't have a problem with them rubbing and achieve the offroad-ability I was after. The last thing I want to do is rack this thing up due to shity tires and if I need to drive over a curb or someone's lawn, heaven forbid, I won't get stuck in the flowerbed. LOL

Can't help but think what Jeff Foxworthy would say:


If you put over-sized tires on your BMW so that you can drive over curbs, lawns and flowerbeds without getting stuck......you might be a redneck. :rofl:

So then after I get the tires on, mounting a 50BMG on a trypod pointing out the back end wouldn't be out of place then?? LOL

Friday was a little stressing since the rear tires didn't really fit all that well in the front fenders so I had to go with Blizzak 265/65/R18 while the rears were 285/60/R18s. I'm very happy with the ride, no real road noise which is nice also. I definitely feel that I'm sitting off the pavement more which is ok for the winter at least.
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I think my speedometer might be off a little since I was passing everyone while doing 110kms/hr but I'll figure that out. No sensors or alarm bells are going off either which is a huge relief. Thanks for all your help guys.

If the tires are a larger diameter the speedometer is definitely off a bit, you just need to figure out how much it is off to keep yourself from getting in trouble ;)

And that first pic shows why I instantly had to black out my grills when I tinted my headlights! They looked so out of place to me...

The grill, I know. I'm actually planning on getting the whole vehicle vinyl wrapped for 2 reasons actually. One, to protect the paint and secondly, to want it to be different and more menancing looking then most out there. I'm working on plans to change up the exhaust and do something a little different then the norm yet still stylish as well as some performance work.
I've priced out these rims already and they'll fit the factory 20" rubber and be a much lighter wheel which should translate to a bit better formance also.
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I'll keep this X5 forever so I might as well make it my own.

Waste of time and money trying to make the the E53 into a serious off roader. Just be thankful that it has more off-road ability than most people think provided it's specced right. 17-inch wheels are the best option (won't fit 'is' models) as they give you more tyre and less wheel in any given diameter. This means you'll have a more success when you air down for soft sand (where the X5 is excellent), or for rock climbing (where the X5 is poor). More tyre and less wheel also means less chance of sidewall and wheel damage as well as a more compliant ride. One of the drawbacks of the E53 off-road is that the ride is too stiff due to the short-travel suspension so the smaller wheels also help here. Standard rather than Sports suspension is also the way to go.

GOFAST GUY you dont happen to have an escort radar detector with laser jammers. I see the sensors in the front bumper and rear license plate, my moms 4.6is has the EXACT same set up

That's the one. LOL I can't be bothered by not know where the cops are. The lazer jammer is an awesome invention!!!! I've also got a FLIR camera mounted in front of the middle of my engine fan looking through the bumper to see animals on the roads or ditch. It works very well actually. The hardware I picked up from Nav-TV out of Miami.

As for making this machine a little faster, that's only for street use with summer rubber. Aside from having a bit more rubber on my winter rims, that's about as far an off roader is I think I'm going to push the issue. A good friend of mine just put a 2" lift on his Exterra Off Road with aggressive oversized tires to match and he got it seriously stuck and waterlogged. That's not something I'm interested in doing AT ALL!!!. I love my X5 way too much to try to make it a rock climber.

I love her set up. i remember flying by a cop at around 95 on the highway, the indicator showed "shifting laser" and BAM the cop didnt follow me!

I have a valentine 1 and love it also, but i havent integrated anything, i should work on that