M3 to X5
 

Hey All,

First post here and wanted to thank you all in advance for all the great posts here. I've been lurking a while and figured it's time to sign up.
I just traded in my '04 M3 convertible for a '06 X5 4.4.
I had a hard time giving up the "M" but I needed the extra room and I hope I got the need for speed out of my system.
Lovin the new ride. All I want to do is upgrade to 20" wheels (not sure if those fit the stock 4.4) and I also want to add running boards. Not sure if I want the stock BMW brushed boards or a much cheaper version off fleabay.
I'll have to see if anything has been posted on this.

First of all, Welcome!

As for the wheels, you can buy OEM 20" wheels. Most would be from the 4.8is or 4.6is version of the vehicle. They will definitely fit, and they will also look great.

As for running boards, do not, i repeat, do not buy those cheesy ones from ebay. If you do take the ebay route, make sure that they are OEM running boards and not from a different manufacturer. The "look-a-likes" look like garbage. The OEM running boards are going to run you upwards of 600. May I suggest ordering them from Morristown BMW in Morristown, NJ. The link i'm posting is Morristown BMWs ebay link for the running boards. BMW E53 X5 Brushed Aluminum Running Boards - OEM - BNIB : eBay Motors (item 120453928205 end time Mar-27-10 09:56:31 PDT)

There is also a DIY on how to install them, it looks a tad complicated, but if you have any mechanical mind in you, i'm sure it would not be that bad.

Anyway, looking forward to pictures, good luck with your X5!

EDIT: here is the link for Running Board Installation:

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...tallation.html

Congrates man! We can toss the glasses, its not that we are happy for finally letting off your "M" but "X" experience comes with even more goodies, in 4.4 speed is in there!.... as for advice NAZ said it all.

Welcome friend, I have been enjoying MY X for a couple of weeks now. This forum is great, and you will love all the information here.. congrats again...

20's will fit just fine on any X5.

:xoutpost:

Thanks for the warm welcome and the good advice guys. I'll be looking forward to reading thru the forums and hitting you guys up for advice on the X.
They truly are great machines.

20''? I'm running on 22'' without any issue. you will miss m....

You will definitely miss the M......Welcome

coming from a M3 coupe, you'll miss it, but there's something to a relaxed ride and less worry when hitting bumps/potholes.

I swear I would tense up and cringe whenever I see any break in the concrete. Having the car lowered, not having any issues with 19" BBS RGR's made me a believer in premium wheel companies.

No way. I have been in an X for 3 years now and I truly miss my modified Saab turbo. Of course that 4.4 probably moves pretty good.