Gixxer's X5M
 

I have been into specialty Bimmers and M cars for awhile...
My first BMW SAV was a 2000 X5 4.4, then I quickly graduated to the 4.6is

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...after I sold the 4.6is, I bought an e34 540i/6 Msport (which I wanted to upgrade to the performance level of current M-cars by way of a Procharger and a promise by a local tuner to get 500+ hp out of it).

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The shop performing the work failed to get the Procharger figured out after a year and a half, so my frustration set in and I ditched the project.

After giving up on the Msport, I decided to go back to an M....
an X5M with 555hp!

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The first upgrade was an Active Autowerks tune for an increase of 86 Rear Wheel HP and 117 Ft lbs of Peak torque!
This provided an awesome upgrade that you can actually feel!


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Then I added BMW Performance black kidney grills and matching gloss black sidemarkers.
http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/attac...1&d=1422114902

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/attac...1&d=1422061294

Then after looking at various 22" wheels, I decided on BBS SVs:

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/attac...1&d=1422204712

and a set of H&R Springs

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/attac...1&d=1422142290

Finally lowered with H&Rs and BBS wheels:

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Did you notice my X5M Badge?

At VIR last month;
....and No, they would not allow an SUV on the track!
:rolleyes:

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I decided to do away with my front bumper plate mount, fix the holes and have the front bumper professionally resprayed.

Once the bumper came off, I started looking at the side skirts and the rear bumper and the rest of the truck. I noticed that the side skirts have the typical "road pitting" next to and extending into the rear fender extensions. The rear bumper also had one or two small imperfections... these pieces were the only distraction to the overall finish of the truck, so I decided to take them off and finish them properly (bumpers and side skirt).

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While the bumpers were off and since I have all of my LED retrofit headlight stuff and a little time on my hands, I decided to to attempt the LED headlight mod myself. The retrofit manual says 3.75 hours...hahaha! I was once an Aircraft Maintenance Tech, so am a little anal about doing it right the first time.

Refreshing front end with Brand New LED Headlights!!!

New LCI LED: Brighter and squinty eyed with flat bottom halo rings + lenses are crystal clear with no pitting...

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6/25/15 I started on the left (drivers) side this morning, removed the front wheel, inner fender and Left headlight assembly. Next, I removed the access covers in the engine department, opened up the access to the main fuse panel and to the Footwell module. I began routing the retrofit wiring from the FRM module through the firewall to the left headlight and across to the passenger footwell. The FRM module was removed at this point. After lunch, the left headlight plug was configured and the left headlight was installed according to the instructions. The left fender is now buttoned back up and the wheel is back on, but the day is over and we need to reposition cars.

My X5M is not happy with me at the moment.
I left the FRM module unplugged and my lights obviously do not work, but neither do my windows or my mirror adjustments. There are a slew of error messages because PDC is also disconnected. The truck nearly refuses to be moved... put it in drive and the brakes immediately lock and the transmission goes back into park mode with more error messages. I am finally able to "limp" maneuver the truck into it s new designated spot and there it sets.... One LED headlamp in, no FRM, wires everywhere, no bumpers or side skirts...

I finished pinning out the wiring in the connectors, installed fuses, pulled the final leg of the harness from the fusebox into the PS wheel well, installed the FRM3 module and buttoned up the panels inside the vehicle.
All I have left to do is finish installing the right side headlight assembly, button up the fender well and code the new headlights.

The smartphone images really do not capture how impressive the new LED headlights look.
It looks/feels like I have just traded up to a much newer model.

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The LCI/LED retrofit is not for the weak minded, however, I was able to find a better/quicker way around a few things. One quicker way to the passenger side access... Once I had all the filters and airbox removed, I started looking for ways around removing the DME box, then I discovered another route for wiring through the grommet (just like the drivers side).... forget removing anything under the hood on the passenger side, all you need to do can be accomplished inside the fender well. There is a thick rubberized access panel underneath the fender liner that is held in place by 4-8mm bolts. Remove this panel and you will be able to see the factory wiring harness grommet underneath the DME Box.... The grommet is still a pain in the ass just like the driver's side, but at least you don't have to deal with removing everything under the hood!

I was also able to maneuver the LED headlight into place without removing LED computer module, however it was extremely tight; it may have made it a little easier having the module out of the way.

I left one stinkin' bolt out and now I remember where it goes: behind the fender well that has already been riveted back together.....arrrrrrghh!!!!!

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Look at what just arrived a few moments ago from Active Autowerkes:
(these things are freaking HUGE!!!)

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Awesome car. My favorite color. Looks like you're having a good time with it. Where'd you source the lights?

From a yard that specializes in BMW.
I sourced the retrofit wiring harness from Latvia.
...and the FRM3 module came directly from BMW.

Nice

OutFookinStanding X!
WholyGuacamole...

Classy mods, and car looks great...Exc photos, too.
GL, mD

Great pictures - with some of the errors, try moving the steering wheel all the way to the right, then all the way to the left. That should help clear the BRAKE and 4x4 errors.

Don't ever run the car without the modules - not a good idea :) Always disconnect the battery anytime you unplug any module.

That 4.6is is awesome - loved the E53, still have mine, 53k on her now. I only have a 4.4i but I love those naturally aspirated motors, the E53 just feels very connected to the road.

Great mods BTW - and great pictures.

Chris

Awesome M