Official X5 M Modification Thread

[northern2020]

I thought we should start a thread for us X5 M owners with any modifications so it would be an easy reference without having to search the forum archives (STFA)etc. Hopefully this may be stickied or we could get a new sub forum.


Please post any mods regarding


Exterior - body, tint, wheels, grills, lightning, polishing details etc

Engine - ECU, airbox, filters,

Exhaust - Downpipes, cat back etc

Drivetrain/Suspension - Coilovers, springs, spacers, etc

I will start the show off, and update new pics after my ride height has been adjusted and new pics are taken! Promise!

[northern2020]

reserved #1

[alialsh3]

wat can i do to make the x6m sound very loud?

[northern2020]

Originally Posted by alialsh3

wat can i do to make the x6m sound very loud?

I would be doing this!

[northern2020]

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=518878

or this!

[alialsh3]

active autowerke tuning for the x6m/x5m, does it harm the engine?


plz pm an answer

[TimZ]

Originally Posted by northern2020

I would be doing this!

Pure win!! I need to get going on mods

[northern2020]

Originally Posted by alialsh3

active autowerke tuning for the x6m/x5m, does it harm the engine?


plz pm an answer

Can't PM from my phone

This is a loaded question - simple answer is it depends on your driving style. So yes, and no.

[northern2020]

Originally Posted by TimZ

Pure win!! I need to get going on mods

I think this is the way to go!

[md-370z]

hi guys, I recently received my x5m blacked out kidney grills, but am having trouble doing the install. The install seems different than my old X5, since the x5m has extra ducting towards to the intake. Does anyone have any advice on how to change front kidney grills on the X5M specifically.

thanks in advance!

[northern2020]

Originally Posted by md-370z

hi guys, I recently received my x5m blacked out kidney grills, but am having trouble doing the install. The install seems different than my old X5, since the x5m has extra ducting towards to the intake. Does anyone have any advice on how to change front kidney grills on the X5M specifically.

thanks in advance!

Man I would love to help but this is the only mod (besides tune) I had the dealer do.

I recall some plastic tabs that can be popped out with a screwdriver...

[baby huey]

Originally Posted by md-370z

hi guys, I recently received my x5m blacked out kidney grills, but am having trouble doing the install. The install seems different than my old X5, since the x5m has extra ducting towards to the intake. Does anyone have any advice on how to change front kidney grills on the X5M specifically.

thanks in advance!

I did mine - piece of cake. There is a lot of detailed info on the Internet which I followed, but basically a long, thin screwdriver will free the upper tabs, and then the kidneys rotate out. Reverse the process with the new ones.

[md-370z]

See ive read the opposite on some posts baby huey. I heard start from the bottom and , do the sides and the top will pop off! I am just scared to rip the plastic tabs off, as I am not known for my delicate fine motor skills! So anyone else have any tips?

[Trevor46]

Originally Posted by northern2020

I thought we should start a thread for us X5 M owners with any modifications so it would be an easy reference without having to search the forum archives (STFA)etc. Hopefully this may be stickied or we could get a new sub forum.


Please post any mods regarding


Exterior - body, tint, wheels, grills, lightning, polishing details etc

Engine - ECU, airbox, filters,

Exhaust - Downpipes, cat back etc

Drivetrain/Suspension - Coilovers, springs, spacers, etc

I will start the show off, and update new pics after my ride height has been adjusted and new pics are taken! Promise!

I agree - there is the mods thread for X6 vehicles so lets have an X5 'MODS' site only ! the grilles are a piece of cake to change - check the base of the new grilles and moulded clips and release the existings clips on the old grille (as baby huey says ) you have new grilles if you break the old grille so why worry !

[e kay 9]

swift motorsports flip out license plate.so you dont have to drill the front bumper(only states that require front plates)

[baby huey]

Originally Posted by e kay 9

swift motorsports flip out license plate.so you dont have to drill the front bumper(only states that require front plates)

I checked out their Website - pretty anemic.
Looking around, it sounds like there's a potential problem with the bracket sticking out in the front of some cars. Did you install on yours? Pics??

[e kay 9]

Originally Posted by baby huey

I checked out their Website - pretty anemic.
Looking around, it sounds like there's a potential problem with the bracket sticking out in the front of some cars. Did you install on yours? Pics??

i dont have any pics with it from the side but it does not stick out

[TimZ]

Mods will start soon on mine. Gonna order the basic IND parts within the next two weeks. Might have some ///M stripe on one of the front grills, any thoughts? Will it look like copying others that have done the same on their M's? Tacky?

Also gonna put a front lip, but waiting on availability on the M performance lip, feel like changing it up from the only current lip we have :/
We get no love! lol

[northern2020]

Originally Posted by TimZ

Mods will start soon on mine. Gonna order the basic IND parts within the next two weeks. Might have some ///M stripe on one of the front grills, any thoughts? Will it look like copying others that have done the same on their M's? Tacky?

Also gonna put a front lip, but waiting on availability on the M performance lip, feel like changing it up from the only current lip we have :/
We get no love! lol

What are your first mods? The painted reflectors etc?

[TimZ]

Yea the painted reflectors and grill first, also tints after. Then a front lip and hopefully someone makes a rear diffuser for us, like the x6m. During winter I'll get the ESS tune, thinking by beginning/mid december I'll have that, maybe even sooner

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by baby huey

I did mine - piece of cake. There is a lot of detailed info on the Internet which I followed, but basically a long, thin screwdriver will free the upper tabs, and then the kidneys rotate out. Reverse the process with the new ones.

You are correct. IMO taking the grills out is easier than my Z4M which takes minutes to take out. All you have to do is push the tabs past the metal stub and pull and they pop right out. Once you have them out start at the top and work inward and pull at the same time. Its about 7 or 8 tabs and they come apart. Then put the extra ducting on the new all black or all silver grills and snap them in and snap them onto your hood. Took me 5 mins to do the swap to all black.