aftermarket black bull bar
 

Anyone installed this product? Seems like the price is right. Would it look lame if I kept the bra on? They also have a "high" version. I assume these are functional since they bolt directly to the frame.

Standard Version
http://www.octanemotorsports.com/ima...BW-141-36S.jpg

High Version
http://www.octanemotorsports.com/ima...BW-145-38S.jpg

Had anyone installed this one? I'm thinking of purchasing the standard height one..

The problem I have with those is that BMWs versions look nothing like either of those bull bars. I question the quality and usefulness if you ever hit something. They just don't look right, and whenever you buy aftermarket you are asking for fitment issues.

Plenty on eBay I noticed...

I agree, those are going to need some fabrication through the bumper to get them to fit and to bolt on. From the picture, it looks like a 3" diameter when the BMW OE is more like 1 1/2" to 2" diameter tubing.

And the BMW OE "bull bar" is essentially a decorative item. If I am not mistaken, it is made of plastic.

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/x5_photo_gallery/x10.jpg

Now that would actually be funny if that was the case! What BMW X5 driver needs a bull bar (apart from Michelle)?

I didn't realize there were so many options for bull bars for the X5 :dunno:

That's too bad about the OE being plastic. Lame.

This "underride" guard is the way to go.

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/5390/51999833.jpg

Interesting. What would one use one of those for (excepting for catching on curbs)?

I think the idea is that if you are off-road it protects the vital engine components.

The reality is that most people buy it bc it looks cool.

Edit: see,

http://home.comcast.net/~saykin/ur-3.jpg

hmmm i have that OE bar if thats plastic then thats some hard plastic...
My daugther bashed into a car with it when learning to park. She got scared and the X went from 2mph to 25mph. I sit on the bar all the time it doesnt feel plastic to me.
I could be wrong though.