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      09-07-2015, 10:34 PM   #1
socale39
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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


Anyways, enough talk and onto the intro photos I took this afternoon (Car is actually pretty dirty):


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      09-08-2015, 12:23 AM   #2
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Looks good but you should have gotten a 50i!

Just kidding…not looking to go there again - lol!

Love the platinum gray, one of the better E70 colors. Why roof rack delete…X5's look goofy w/o the rack (IMO at least). What about some different exhaust tips to add to your list? Those 35i/35d tips look weak/cheap.

The painted front reflectors should be easy on your X, they're much harder on the M Sport. Looking forward to more updates I've got a ZHP so I've seen your 325i thread on E46F - you are definitely particular (and I mean that as a compliment!).
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      09-08-2015, 12:28 AM   #3
socale39
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Haha. I was seriously considering a 50i, loved the power! Unfortunately I've learned that BMWs with more power requires more maintenance and so I opted to go the diesel route. Nothing like the 50i but I do like the torque.

I'm glad you mention the exhaust. Definitely going to swap out some tips and will be looking into tunes to get a little more power. Was under the car today checking out the work ahead of me and I was surprised at how simple the exhaust layout is. Might consider calling up my exhaust guy and see what options I have.

Awesome that you are on E46fanatics, I'll keep my eye out for you. Still have the E46 and it runs great. Wouldn't mind a ZHP but it gets me from point A to B. Still have a few more things to do to that car but haven't had the time.

Last edited by socale39; 09-08-2015 at 12:41 AM..
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      09-08-2015, 09:19 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by socale39 View Post
Haha. I was seriously considering a 50i, loved the power! Unfortunately I've learned that BMWs with more power requires more maintenance and so I opted to go the diesel route. Nothing like the 50i but I do like the torque.

I'm glad you mention the exhaust. Definitely going to swap out some tips and will be looking into tunes to get a little more power. Was under the car today checking out the work ahead of me and I was surprised at how simple the exhaust layout is. Might consider calling up my exhaust guy and see what options I have.

Awesome that you are on E46fanatics, I'll keep my eye out for you. Still have the E46 and it runs great. Wouldn't mind a ZHP but it gets me from point A to B. Still have a few more things to do to that car but haven't had the time.
I like those black exhaust tips from the 2013 M Performance Package, but I've read the exhaust tips are not removable on the E70 (unless you have it done custom)?

I don't frequent E46F much anymore…it was fun for a long time though (I joined back in '03 or so when I got my 1st E46)
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      09-08-2015, 11:56 PM   #5
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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.







Before:


After:
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      09-12-2015, 09:01 AM   #6
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Grills look great! I got the same ones on my vermillion red x5
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      09-13-2015, 10:53 PM   #7
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Drivers Side Suspension Detail
Well, this weekend I let my OCD run wild and spent the good part of today taking on the beginning task of doing a full undercarriage detail. Today's goal was to complete the drivers side suspension. Next up will be the passenger side followed by pulling off all the undercarriage panels and detailing those. The goal is to get a "like new" look of the suspension to make it easier to work on and track any leaks later down the road should one develop.

Materials use:
- Diluted Simple Green
- Sonax Wheel Cleaner
- Brakleen
- Assorted Brushes
- Scrubbing Pads
- Fine Steel Wool
- Adams Undercarriage Spray


Front Suspension:














Rear Suspension:











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      09-14-2015, 09:17 AM   #8
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I cannot believe no one has commented yet, but the undercarriage detail is very impressive! How long did that take you? Jealous!
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      09-14-2015, 10:01 AM   #9
socale39
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Thanks. As for the time, it took approximately 6 hours but that also included detailing the inner wheels barrels which I don't have pics of. Also I spent a good 20 minutes with the pressure washer getting all the dirt out of the rear liner. I seriously had a pile of mud under the car when I was done. A lot of work but IMO well worth it. In two weeks I'll be tackling the passenger side.
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      09-14-2015, 02:58 PM   #10
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That is impressive work - reminds me of your E46 detailing thread.

In S. CA that work probably lasts you quite a long time? In Seattle where it rains and there's leaves/crap all over the roads I doubt this would be worth the effort?
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      09-14-2015, 04:21 PM   #11
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Fantastic work on the detailing. I have major OCD when it comes to detailing too (i've spent 80 hours wet sanding my X5) but i'm yet to detail the areas you have done. Couple questions if I may. Did you scrub all the major components with fine steel wool or was it case the cleaners did alot of the work on penetrating the grime/dirt?

Thanks.
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      09-14-2015, 04:34 PM   #12
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You are crazy, very nice result. But still crazy (in a good way)
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      09-14-2015, 04:57 PM   #13
socale39
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Haha thanks guys. As for the cleaning part, a lot of it comes down the scrubbing. I only used the steel wool on more difficult areas that were metal such as the brake dust shield. Most of the scrubbing I did was with a non metallic scrubbing pad so it was less abrasive and did not scratch the plastic or painted parts.

Last edited by socale39; 09-14-2015 at 05:16 PM..
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      09-14-2015, 06:30 PM   #14
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Love the detailing! What kind of product did you use for the control arms and links? It looks brand new!
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      09-14-2015, 06:31 PM   #15
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oh and if you upgrade wheels, I want to be first in line for those 214s lol
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      09-17-2015, 12:44 AM   #16
socale39
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Lux H8 160 Angel Eyes Installed
Seeing as I don't have the all so desirable LED headlights my options were to spend the money for a retrofit or purchase some LED bulbs and save some cash. Obviously looking at the title here I opted for bulbs, at least for now. So far I'm pretty impressed and while they aren't comparable to OEM LEDs, they are definitely a step above the OEM setup.









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      09-17-2015, 06:48 PM   #17
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Nice but why do you have the chrome grills on the car??
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      09-17-2015, 06:49 PM   #18
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Btw on mine i also replaced the silver plastic piece underneath the front of the hood with a black one. Its an option
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      09-17-2015, 11:20 PM   #19
socale39
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I actually installed the angel eyes prior to the grills, just forgot to post it up.
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      09-27-2015, 10:27 PM   #20
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Right Front Suspension Detailed
Been somewhat busy the past couple weekends so I finally had a chance to tackle the right front suspension. Unfortunately I ran out of time and couldn't finish the rear but that will be for another day. For whatever reason this side required more work and apparently at some point during previous ownership someone ran over some paint because there was spray everywhere. At first I was about to just say screw it and buy new liners and wheel flare but after an hour of scrubbing I finally got it all off.

Let's just say I'll be happy once I'm finished with the suspension detail.....its been quite laborious. But of course its all worth it once I see these before and after pics....





















And a few more of the finished work...



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      10-06-2015, 01:32 AM   #21
socale39
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Finished up the suspension detailing this weekend and just ordered some Eibach lowering springs this afternoon. Have a few other little things to do this week and will post as I finish.
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      10-06-2015, 04:12 PM   #22
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Hats off to you, love the dedication to get it that clean. Must do mine.
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