Zeus | E70 X5D Build Thread
 

Been lurking over the past few months posting here and there and after having my X5 for about a month and a half now I finally decided it was time to start my build thread. I know some of you guys are probably thinking, build thread, what does that mean? Honestly the best way to describe is that it will be the journal for my 2011 X5 35d, which I call "Zeus".

Zeus' Bio:
2011 X5 35d (03/2010 build)
Platinum Gray Metallic
Black Leather Interior
Options: HUD, Lane Departure Assist, Comfort Access, Comfort Seats, Ventilated / Heated Front Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, Tow Package, Sport Package, Premium Sound, Rear Side Shades, Lighting Package, Rear Climate Control, Etc.......... Basically the only thing it doesn't have is Rear Entertainment, Extended Leather, Rear Heated Seats, 3rd Row and Adaptive Drive.

It took approx. 6 months before finally finding this vehicle and what really sold it over my other color options was the remaining 12 month CPO warranty and maintenance plan that would be transferred with the car. Clean history and only two owners. Car was located in TX all its life and after making the deal I had her shipped over to CA.

Some Initial Plans for Zeus:
- Full Detail/Restoration including undercarriage and suspension
- Painted Reflectors
- Slight Drop (maybe Eibach)
- Upgrade Wheels (not determined yet)
- Roof Rack Delete
- Possibly Retrofit M-Sport Front/Rear Bumpers & Side Skirts (maybe consider X5M rear bumper)


Lastly, before I kick off the thread, I just wanted to say that I hope this thread helps build some inspiration, provides some educational purpose and most of all is entertaining. If you haven't seen my previous build thread from M5board or E46fanatics, those should give you a pretty good indication of what to expect from this thread. You can seen the threads here:

Galatea | E46 325i Build Thread

Jarvis | E60 M5 Build Thread


Of course sponsor support is always welcome :thumsup:


Anyways, enough talk and onto the intro photos I took this afternoon (Car is actually pretty dirty):
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...pshia5qzv1.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psh7sjhmjr.jpg

Nice ride.

I'm jealous you found a diesel with ventilated seats. There was no option I wanted more than that but I wasn't going to wait for forever for one to show up, either. So here I am "stuck" with normal seats. Good find

Yes, but he missed adaptive drive :)

I did miss the Adaptive drive but holy crap....finding a 35d with the options I wanted AND adaptive drive seemed like an impossible mission. Would have liked to have it but honestly it handles just fine for what it is. I'll never get real spirited with it so I compromised. No regrets at all!

The guy i bought mine from built his new from the dealership and picked his options..
no sport package, no HUD, no rear AC, no smart access, no vented seats and the no list goes on and on Pshh, should have bought one off the lot would have been better lol

Oh well :p

Mine has sport package with 20" wheels, but no adaptive drive. Honestly, i have never driven one with the adaptive drive, but I dont feel like i am missing much. I drive pretty agressive, even the X5, but i dont feel it is leaning that much. And once i got rid of the RFT the ride became comfortable without being plush. With these oversized tires i can out-turn 90% of the cars on the road.
Having to replace both front adaptive shocks on my wife's 2009 Z4 makes me a bit more happy about not having the adaptive drive. But what i really miss on mine is the HUD and especially the SLS, for my towing needs.

IND - Color Matched BMW Performance Grills
Big thanks to the folks over at IND for not only offering high quality products but taking pride in what they do. The packaging of their products along speak to their commitment to perfection.

Anyways, here's a few product shots along with a before and after pic of them installed on Zeus. Once I get the black grills I think the front will look even better. BTW install was a breeze, 10min tops even after cleaning up the paint in the surrounding area.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps7zvqdcgg.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps9w8btjgp.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psmmgnyhqo.jpg

Before:
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psyo8bqwse.jpg

After:
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps7vuagu9i.jpg

Oh, it's just cosmetic build?

http://new2.fjcdn.com/gifs/Abe_e3efae_248989.gif

Nope. There will be a large mix of things that will be done. I have a few mods I'll be starting off with but already have a list of things to do on the detail/restoration side of things. Stay tuned.