New E53 Owner
 

All:

Just wanted to congratulate everyone on a great forum and I have thoroughly enjoyed the plethora of information that everyone has contributed.

I am recently the owner of an E53 manual 6-spd and love the car. I am looking to make a few minor adjustments to the stock setup and am looking for recommendations/guidance on a few mods. All your help is greatly appreciated on each topic.

1) Wheelset
I have the stock 18" rims and am looking to keep the for winter however, want something a little nicer for summer. To avoid the excessive "bling" factor I am thinking along the lines of the Beyern Multi Rims (http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/1...32456989_o.gif) however am a little concerned with sizing and feel of ride. If any body has put these on their X5 how much have the effected the ride? Will the 22" make a noticeably stiffer ride? There seems to be some debate on this in the threads. Additionally, are there any other rims that I might consider that still have the "Alpina'esq" look to them? Also, what is a suitable offset? 9.5" and 11"?


2) Xenon Hi-Beams
As with most of the E53's I have seen mine comes with the stock hi-beams (Halogen) and Xenon project lights. I am interested in getting rid of the mirrored hi-beams and going with Xenon projectors as a replacements. Additionally, I am interested in installing new Angel Eyes as well. Is there an entire new unit I can purchase that will alleviate all of this - and save me the headache of running angel eyes off my battery?

3) Exhaust systems
I have done an extensive amount of research and thus far it seems that the Eisenmann Race Oval is the best option for sound and performance. Does anyone have this on their car? Also, will it make that much of a difference on my 3.0i?

If there is anything I am missing please do not hesitate to add some suggestions.

Thanks..

Matt

WELCOME TO THE BOARD!!

1. As for wheels. The Beyern multi are a bit much in my opinion. But Beyern does make a great wheel. The Mesh look great on these cars. I also like the baroque. But the ride is fine with 20s. I actually like the ride better. I like the stiff feeling in the suspension, etc... check out BMW OEM style 87s. they are the best looking wheel for the car. I use them as my winter wheels and wish i had them year round!!

2. Xenon highbeams--interesting idea. do a search for member MRBMWX5 here, you will find lots of stuff he has done with modding headlamps, and will be able to mode them for you also. Check out member LightWerkz also Heres a thread to check out (http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...g-project.html) and as for mrbmwx5 threads, check this one out ( http://www.xoutpost.com/classifieds/...e-mrbmwx5.html)

3. I dont know much about exhaust. I know member RichiRich had a great exhaust on his 3,0i that gave it a really really nice sound. I am pretty sure he did a magnaflow X-pipe with a supersprint exhaust. Sounded SICK! especially for a 3.0...

Happy modding :)

and post pictures!

Congrats and :xoutpost: !

IMO, 22" wheels are too much. You will have a rougher ride and with all that extra unspung weight, your acceleration will suffer, especially with a 3.0. I'd stick with 20" but that's just me. In the right style, even 20" will look nice and big.

The headlights are a relatively easy mod. As Naz suggested, you could go to MRBMWX5 or you could go with DEPO headlights available on eBay. There are a bunch of people here who have tried them.

An exhaust on a 3.0 won't do much for you except for sound. I have a Remus quad tip and it looks great. The tips are double walled and thick. The sound is a bit deeper and definitely sounds better but I'm under no illusion that I'm getting any extra HP out of it.

Welcome to the club!

As others have said, I think you should rethink your choice of wheels. 20's are fine, and avoid the Multi Rims. They're a bit much...

I have an Eisenmann Race exhaust and I love it. Best money I've spent on my X5! :thumbup:

Have fun!

Stock E53 4.8is mufflers will give you a very good sound.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...eo-inside.html
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...cs-inside.html

mrbmwx5, how do your like the dinan, many miles later - still satisfied with the performance for the price?
Did it increase your redline, by any chance? or would another 'stage' do so?

Your experience with the 4.8is exhaust is what caused me to do it, best money I've spent in a long while (used, from here).