Any pointers to someone new to the BMW world?

[The Hawk]

I just recently got a 2012 X5 35i with 108,000 miles. I’m aware of the possibilities of power you can make on these platform with the N55, but never owned one till now. Reading and watching a lot of videos online about the platform I know they have a tendency of the charge pipe and down pipes breaking, so I plan to replace them both with parts from VRSF. Also the other essentials like water the pump, Vanos solenoid, and oil filter housing filter leaking. Saying all that I was wondering if there’s anything else that I should be looking at to refresh on the car?

Also what else would I need to go stage 2?

[Smonkbmw]

MHD would say “stage 2” requires either intercooler or downpipe. “2+” requires both.

[jbash87]

Originally Posted by The Hawk

Any pointers to someone new to the BMW world?

Learn to wrench and get a copy of ISTA (protools is acceptable), or prepare to spend $$$$. Actually prepare to spend $$$$ either way

[StradaRedlands]

I recall reading here/somewhere that the E70 intercooler is a bit larger and more robust than in the other cars with a N55. YMMV on that, but it may not need an upgrade with just a standard stage 2.

I am tune-curious myself, so kind of poking around to see what's out there. I'm in California so need to be able to quickly and easily revert to factory every two years for emissions inspection. Actually worried the BMS charge pipe will make me fail... they're pretty strict. My E90 failed visual inspection with a Euro airbox so I had to throw the US one on real fast and re-do it.

[D2P]

Congrats on the new acquisition. I'd recommend the valve cover gasket be addressed if not already. I went the route of purchasing a new valve cover as the pcv/ccv is integrated. While doing that job, I also recommend replacing the spark plugs (I think you can go go one step colder for tuned vehicles but depends on whatever the tuner recommends) and ignition coils. You already mentioned the water pump (also replace the tstat) and OFHG as planned items so that's good. Might also be time to check the thrust arms for fluid leakage from the bushings and if so, replace the entire arm vs just the bushing.