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.

I miss the BOOST on my previous 300ZX Twin Turbo... running 650HP!

I was shaking my head agreeing while reading

could have got a 4.6is if you wanted closer to M car type of performance. I've owned a few M's - E36 M3 and E39 M5, and the 4.6is shares some of that DNA for sure. It is not quite the drivers car that an M3 or M5 is, but it is damn good and just short of amazing for an SUV.

Welcome!

The X is my first BMW...i am hoping in the next couple years to pick up a e46 M3.

Congrats man! You'll love the X5 and I'm sure one day circle back to an m-car.

It's funny, I have an E46 M3 and the X and you see which boards I'm posting on....

Go figure.

Enjoy the X5 it's such a blast to drive!

I couldn't agree with JCAPX5 more. I also have a e46 M3. I was really surprised how much I enjoy driving the X around. I don't freak out with every bump and curb I approach. The X is a tank.

Welcome, you shall enjoy your time on this board. A lot of pleasant folks here with a lot of info.:thumbup:

I agree 100%. This board is still what the M3forum was a few years ago. Great information with a hint of sarcasm. Just right.

Congrats! You will miss the e46 but given the choice these days I drive my x over my m. If anybody is looking for an e46 let me know. :). Lol... I don't even bother with m3forum anymore. Xoupost is where it's at

Yeah, I miss the M but I'm a big guy 6'6" and I've been looking forward to the extra room in the X.
Besides, I was able to enjoy the car on the Autobahn for a few years and was really able to drive the car as it's meant to be driven. There's a stretch of Autobahn heading towards Munich that's slightly down hill and I almost got her up to 170mph. She's just a dream to drive on the Autobahn. Simply a great handling car.
I also drove an X 3.0 over there for a few years and always thought it was a bit underpowered for the Autobahn. That's why I had to go with the 4.4 over here. Now I'm on a mission to find me some 20" wheels to beef it up a bit.
Not sure if I want to go with reps or OEM's. I just want a wheel that will be "flush" with the wheel flares. I love the 214's.

Oh yeah, by the way I've been enjoying reading through some of these threads. There seems to be a good atmosphere here on the board.

[QUOTE=Naz24;721699]First of all, Welcome!


.................................................. .......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........................................... ..

Naz is spot on with that call. Try the Search option and look up "Ekval, running boards", he is a forum member in far off Norway with a very nice black X. Man, he went through a rough deal with his after market side steps/running boards.

Good luck and oh yeah, welcome.

OK - we've let this dude slide long enough. We want pics of the X and your M3 or you are banned from this place. :popcorn:

Congratulations on your new ride, and like others have said, post up some pictures!

Welcome to the board ... I sold my X but I am still here :D
Such a great forum!

As requested, a few pics of the M and the X. God forbid I get "banned" before I even get started here... ;)
Bailey enjoys riding in the X a bit more. And there's less clean up for me. :thumbup:
I don't have any great pics of the X yet but this will have to do. I'm trying to imagine what she'll look like with 20's on. The current wheels aren't bad but I want to fill out the rear flares a bit more.

The old, the new and the exchange...

both are nice looking rides!! phew - now you can stay!! :bustingup

Haha me too! She drove the M3 for the past two days and I did an awesome 400 mile round trip from North Jersey to Maryland and just got home. The X5 was perfect for my drive in the POURING rain yesterday and was packed to the gills with work stuff. Love the X5, although getting back in the M3 tomorrow will remind me why I'm so fortunate to have both.

Here's a quick shot of my dream-driveway (ok the driveway sucks but my cars oh the cars!!!). We bought them both as low mile CPO cars and couldn't be happier. I feel so fortunate to own these wonderful automobiles, enjoy yours! :thumbup:

Bro, that's a nice lignup! I wish I could have kept the M but I'm happy with the X now. I'm loving the extra space in the ride.

Yea, you'll enjoy it in the snow, pouring rain and dirt too!

Congrats man!