Story of our X5
 

I'm bored and am "stuck" with the X5 once again so I decided to make a timeline of our X5. Many of these photos were before I even got a permit to drive, and now I have a provisional license.

It started out like any X5. 12/02 build with TiAg exterior and gray interior.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...zguy/X5013.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...zguy/X5002.jpg

First mods were mudflaps and red tinted taillights. Very subtle.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m.../X5Snow001.jpg

Still before I could drive, I got into detailing. The silver never showed swirls well so it was never buffed, but it did get clayed and waxed often.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...y/Shoot002.jpg

Eventually, I got my permit. First thing I did was drive down to SC to the Spartanburg plant and do a 2-day BMW teen driving school. Got a few photos driving down the Tail of the Dragon too! Also one photo of the first snowstorm I drove the X5 in. Still on all-season tires.
http://i.imgur.com/P1aqq.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ZcszL.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m.../X5Snow004.jpg

After the winter, I really wanted to learn some more car control. Never had any problems with losing control, especially after my 2-day BMW Teen Driving School, but I figured the more I learned, the better. Did Audi Club of NJ's teen driving school and Tire Rack Street Survival. I've been at the limit of the X5 more than once so far. I would have to say these 3 driving experiences made me want something with a manual transmission so I could have control over what I'm driving.
http://brianja.smugmug.com/Cars/Car-...68_JDkT7-M.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E...A/s800/051.JPG

The car stayed the same for a while. I eventually covered the interior trim in suede too.
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6089/6...0cc0260c_z.jpg
X5 Woods 005 by MINIz guy, on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6070/6...4e65f35c_z.jpg
X5 Woods 004 by MINIz guy, on Flickr

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...uy/Suede07.jpg

I got bored the X5 again and did some more modding. Next up was roof rails delete and plaid interior trim. Eventually got my friends to sign my center console too after I covered it with matte black vinyl.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6062/6...3dfd0003_z.jpg
After Storm 001 by MINIz guy, on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6095/6...aee6acbb_z.jpg
Pads 005 by MINIz guy, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6...6de3d9a4_z.jpg
Pads 004 by MINIz guy, on Flickr

This car let me do my first DIY ever too. Brake pads!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6...93951880_z.jpg
Pads 001 by MINIz guy, on Flickr

Then I finally wanted xenon lighting. So, BAM!, bi-xenon retrofit with eBay housings.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...etrofit032.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...etrofit041.jpg

However, this wasn't enough. It was my first car, and as much as I hated it, I loved it. The X5 was a great vehicle but it was still a SUV. I needed a manual transmission. I needed an indestructible car. I needed something I couldn't get attached to. I wanted to have a car I could autocross in. So, out came this thing after the insurance company totaled my father's E46.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6...89c036e3_z.jpg
Subaru 012 by MINIz guy, on Flickr

Nevertheless, it didn't fit the bill. Indestructible, it wasn't. The Impreza was the best driving out of comparable cars, the Mazda3 and GTI. It is also a lease I cann't get attached to it. Sadly, it is at the dealership looking at a transmission replacement due to a droning noise. I think I'll be going back to a BMW after the Subaru. BMW's, even the X5, capture a driving feeling that I don't get with other vehicles. Planted, that is the only word that can somewhat relate to what I feel. I didn't know what was missing as the change from the X5 to the Impreza wasn't drastic, but the change back up is huge.

More will be added if I remember about it. I've run out of time now. Back to the X5.

....

I like your write up, but I have too say...that interior with the plaid, and the writing on the console. Is demoralizing to such a beautiful car. Why did you do that?

your cornering picture looks funny with those wheels on it :D

Like I said, I "hated" the X5. I'm also in high school. It wasn't sporty enough so I figured that I'd make it look cool and be different. Everybody has done carbon fiber so I wanted to be different. I first did suede so it was "classy" and then did the plaid as the suede wasn't high quality and lost its texture quickly.

Looking back at it, I wish I didn't do it. I like how it pops but it doesn't fit the X5 well, it fits me well. I should have just gone with matte black vinyl all around and had everybody sign it that way.

However, I can still remove everything. The center console is super easy as I'd be peeling a sticker away. I'd have to scrub a little on the other trim to get the glue off but that shouldn't be a problem to return to OEM either.

Performance Driving School is something every BMW enthusiast should do. Great experience they've put together for their US customers. Learn to drive the cars at and beyond the limit - you truly get a feel for what makes a BMW special - unlike anything else you can get behind the wheel of. Looks like Matt there in the white shirt - good guy - told me more than once I was "a bit overconfident" in certain driving exercises :thumb up:

Your interior mods may not be everyone's taste, but that's what makes it individual and special to you. We may not like what our fellow Bimmerphiles do to their rides, but at the end of the day its yours and if you like it, why the hell not?

:iagree:

Always nice to see someone personalise his car!

Thanks for the comments guys. I like to see some guys take the time to read my (unexciting) story.

As much as I'd like to get away from this X5, it keeps bringing me back in. NJ got 4 inches of snow here and I went out today to have some parking lot fun! The last time it snowed was on Halloween and I didn't get to go out as I was busy with fire department calls. The X5 got me through 6+ inches of unplowed roads around my town easily and I had to reminisce today.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...erStorm022.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...erStorm024.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...erStorm027.jpg

MINIz guy: nice post, story writeup and pics!
And, kudos to a young man in HS with an interest in cars, safe/performance driving,
your pride and enthusiasm, imo. :thumbup:
GL, mD