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Great build subscribed!

Depo smoked indicators
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/P-...mtgKhp=s975-no

With the exterior theme of the X5 getting darker the rear lower valance (Titanium color stock) got Dipped.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dh...=w1300-h976-no

Upgraded the rear sway bar to an Ultra Racing bar, this is the beefiest sway I could find for the E70. This is 24mm compared to my OEM 21mm. Endlinks were also replaced with Meyle HD units.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7V...=w1300-h976-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dL...=w1300-h976-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/om...=w1300-h976-no

Nav screen and the anti-glare coating has seen better days so I hit it with a 3" DA polisher and some Chem Guys V38
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Lm...iWBabO=s975-no

People on FB (apparently those who have never done this mod) were in an uproar saying this was super dumb and they would never do it as the glare would be unbearable.... mmmkay.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8w...=w1300-h976-no

Like a GLOVE.... OEM style 167 M6 wheels fit nicely in the rear.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gE...=w1300-h976-no

Picked up a M Sport steering wheel. I am on the hunt for a clean heated M Sport/X5m wheel but in the meantime I came across this nonheated wheel for a great price so I will run this in the meantime. I also prefer the M sport paddles over the X5M paddles so I can keep these paddles and make a hybrid wheel if I end up with an X5M wheel, which I probably will.

I am always shocked at how careless dismantlers are with parts considering they plan on selling them. This wheel has a tiny little cut up top and a few dents on the left side of the wheel. I have already used a heat gun and some finger massaging to relieve some of the creases and are about 50% better, I will see if I can find a local upholstery shop that can maybe fully release them.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/J_...=w1300-h976-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Yk...=w1300-h976-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PP...=w1300-h976-no

Stud Conversion in the works, waiting for spacers and fender flares.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/17...=w1300-h976-no

Very nice build I'm happy to see how it develops! I'm in San Diego too - also with PG E70 X5 (I'll refrain from posting any of my pics in your thread) and also have an E46 M3 but always looking for a nice wagon... great minds.

Did I miss the part where you got your Nav on satellite image, is that just a setting or part of programming?

Quote:

Originally Posted by D3R3K (Post 1164588)

That is just how my nav was when receiving buying the X5, I am sure it's linked to a software update.

What kind of wagon are you looking for? I have 2 project wagons which will be up for sale soon; an 08 535xi E61 and a 540i E39 which will be manual swapped. Both have tons of maintenance and some tasteful mods done (IMO).

More info on the builds here:
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...php?p=12892969
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh....php?t=1245562

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/EV...=w1300-h976-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/r9...=w1300-h976-no

Great great work so far! Keep it up!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Can I ask why OEM hitch? most of us went aftermarket as we didnt want to cut into the bumper nor liked how the OEM looked after it was installed?

Good job so far, may I suggest painting the fenders to match the body....

Continued nice work. Wish I could work as fast as you do. Be careful with the taller aspect tires from stock. They can get expensive. I went up on my E53 x5 to 285/40/20 up front, which weren't bad. But the rears to match had to be 325/35/20 which are only made by Pirelli. And list for something like $550/tire. :( They have really helped though in terms of usability and have saved my Forgestars from one or two possible curb rash incidents over the years.

Did end up getting an e61 for the wife and I but it's boring TiAg. Just got some style 230's wrapped in tires for it yesterday. Maybe I'll do a build over at the Fest as yours, but it won't end up nearly as nice. ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by WuCreW (Post 1164858)

Not doing to paint the fenders as that means painting the lower bumper corners and it looks cheesy and cluttered with so many panels IMO. The only way I would do it is with an M sport front bumper and M sport or X5M rear bumper but my paint (A68) wasn't offered on the X5M and is super rare on M sports the chances of finding those bumpers is slim to none, sourcing the bumpers and having them painted along with the fenders and rocker panels isn't a welcomed expense. My dark grey paint does a good job of hiding the black plastics and to be honest I don't mind the contrast of the utilitarian look of the plastics.

I went with the OEM hitch as the other main prospect, Curt Hitch, requires a stabilizer strap for bike racks which is just stupid and what I consider to be a design flaw. OEM is kown for having robust construction. As far as the trimming of the bumper I will modify the electrical connector mounting plate as others have done and trim the bumper as minimally and cleanly as possible to accommodate the 2" receiver only. This means that only the receiver will show (like the other aftermarket options) but sit higher in the bumper so it will be even cleaner looking (IMO).

I looked at the stealth hitches but the concept of using what is essentially extensions for the receiver and/or towing ball adds another piece that can wobble around, given this will be prodominantly used for a bike rack (1UP Super Duty) and my Pole Evolink is one of the longest bikes on the market this was a big concern. Not to mention all the stealth hitches are wildly overpriced.

This was my inspiration for the OEM hitch, mine should look even more stealthy with my lower valence black as opposed to OEM silver.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/IR...p=w960-h720-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/J1...H=w960-h720-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/cW...H=w960-h720-no

Quote:

Originally Posted by crystalworks (Post 1164912)

Congrats on the E61! Yes, you should start a build log!

I am familiar with the tire options, if you think 20" is bad try looking for 21" tires. lol! There is a silver lining however, Mercedes/Porsche/Audi have Continental make their SportContact 5 and 5P in the sizes I want. 285/45F 325/40R but the problem is the 285/45 didn't fit up front so I am forced to run a 285/40 but I should be able to squeeze the 325/40 in the rear. Having x-delete will negate the F/R diameter concern. As a bonus there are some tire shops which have new old stock of these and can be had for very reasonable prices, $550 for all 4 tires. After I confirm the tires will fit I might stock to have some extras.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ucsbwsr (Post 1164921)

Thank you. The wife was very impressed with how big the 5er is compared to the x5's. Fits more stuff and has more room for the kids.

Gotcha on the tires. I must have missed the Xdrive delete. Should look VERY nice with the extra sidewall and mild drop.

I think I am going to do those UR bars as well. I have used them on other vehicles but never a BMW and forget they actually make a fair amount of reinforcement/upgrade products for them. Thank you for reminding me. :thumbup: