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      01-09-2015, 06:53 PM   #1
RVA_19
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Need help with a mod list

Hey Everyone,

Relatively new here but spent a lot of time researching all of the great knowledge before I purchased my 2012 X5 diesel in space gray. It has the usual list of upgrades (Sport, premium sound, premium package, tech, etc).

I've never really done mods on a car but really have the itch and some extra cash laying around that I would like to customize with. I was hoping people on the forum would make some suggestions.

Here is what I have so far:

Painted front reflectors (in hand but not installed)
Tint - done
wheel spacers (12/20) (in hand but not installed)
weathertech cargo liner
Wheels - last one the list since it will take me a while to choose
Plasti-dip the kidney grills and rear badge black gloss - done

Things I've considered:
JBD Tuner (seems to be the best from the research I've done)
OEM Aero Kit
Oval exhaust tips (can't seem to find ones that will work)
BAV Sound upgrade

What else do you think would be good upgrades? I'll post some pics soon. I'm going to do a full detail once the weather breaks a bit. Thanks!
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      01-09-2015, 08:38 PM   #2
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Check with TTFS (Frank Smith Tuning) for you ECU tune. You won't be disappointed. He can remote tune or you can go see them at their shop outside of Baltimore.

I had a '11 35d for few years. Great truck.

I have a '10 48i now. Looking to add side steps, roof cross rails, and some of the goodiies you're considering.

Do you like the brushed aluminum lower front grilles? I'm going to pick up a set of those also.

edit - here are the part #s for those grilles if you're interested : 51117168633, 51117163957
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      01-10-2015, 11:33 AM   #3
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Thanks JTM - I'll definitely check out TTFS. You also reminded me that I did install running boards on my X5 the day I got it. I didn't include that on my list.
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      01-10-2015, 01:26 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RVA_19 View Post
Hey Everyone,

Relatively new here but spent a lot of time researching all of the great knowledge before I purchased my 2012 X5 diesel in space gray. It has the usual list of upgrades (Sport, premium sound, premium package, tech, etc).

I've never really done mods on a car but really have the itch and some extra cash laying around that I would like to customize with. I was hoping people on the forum would make some suggestions.

Here is what I have so far:

Painted front reflectors (in hand but not installed)
Tint - done
wheel spacers (12/20) (in hand but not installed)
weathertech cargo liner
Wheels - last one the list since it will take me a while to choose
Plasti-dip the kidney grills and rear badge black gloss - done

Things I've considered:
JBD Tuner (seems to be the best from the research I've done)
OEM Aero Kit
Oval exhaust tips (can't seem to find ones that will work)
BAV Sound upgrade

What else do you think would be good upgrades? I'll post some pics soon. I'm going to do a full detail once the weather breaks a bit. Thanks!
I really like the aero kit on the LCI sport models, you don't see those too often.

I would recommend an X5M steering wheel, though you have a diesel and I don't believe the paddles would work so probably not worth it. Though the wheel is thicker and has the tri-stitching which looks real sharp.

You have a 2012 so you have at least the hi-fi sound package at a minimum and perhaps the Premium Sound Package…not sure how much the Bav upgrade would really improve your setup? I haven't read the best stuff on that package. If you had an '11 with the base audio it would probably be worth it.

Let's see some pics
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      01-10-2015, 01:34 PM   #5
RVA_19
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I'm going to get some pics up once I can get it cleaned up. I've been traveling a lot and the weather here isn't allowing for a proper cleaning. It does have premium sound but I still find it somewhat lacking.
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      01-10-2015, 03:25 PM   #6
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Did you diy the running boards? I'm ordering the retro fit kit this week.
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      01-10-2015, 03:35 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JTM09 View Post
Did you diy the running boards? I'm ordering the retro fit kit this week.
No, I didn't unfortunately. I had the dealer do it. From what I've heard it's pretty simple though.
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      01-10-2015, 07:40 PM   #8
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I'd save the money and skip the bav sound "upgrade". The system in a 12 was already upgraded a lot from the pos in the 11. The only upgrade that will sound better is a full system. I know because I did a full system upgrade on my 11.

The Oem aero kit is just gaudy imo.

The most fun would be a jbd. Definitely do that one!!!
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      01-10-2015, 08:02 PM   #9
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Btw can you please post a couple pics of the car?
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      01-11-2015, 06:55 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joe_planet View Post
I'd save the money and skip the bav sound "upgrade". The system in a 12 was already upgraded a lot from the pos in the 11. The only upgrade that will sound better is a full system. I know because I did a full system upgrade on my 11.
What type of upgrades did you do to your 11? I've looked at alternatives to the BAV offering and the two quotes I got were drastically different which made me hesitate. There is surprisingly little information on the forums about upgrading systems. One quote I got was $2300 and another one was $4000+. Completely difference approaches.

I'm surprised you feel that way about BAV. The reviews out there seem to be extremely positive. I figured it's relatively inexpensive and if it still lacks power I can add a new amp at that point. I will add that I am no audiophile so I'm learning as I go.
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      01-11-2015, 08:22 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RVA_19 View Post
What type of upgrades did you do to your 11? I've looked at alternatives to the BAV offering and the two quotes I got were drastically different which made me hesitate. There is surprisingly little information on the forums about upgrading systems. One quote I got was $2300 and another one was $4000+. Completely difference approaches.

I'm surprised you feel that way about BAV. The reviews out there seem to be extremely positive. I figured it's relatively inexpensive and if it still lacks power I can add a new amp at that point. I will add that I am no audiophile so I'm learning as I go.
I did a musicar northwest system. Processor, amp, new tweeters (old system didn't even have them lol, yours does), new mids and upgraded the underseat woofers to 8" units. I do remember pulling out the stock mids and noticing that they were very good quality. Big magnet with a non paper cone. I did the installation myself but if I had a professional do it I'd budget 500 to 1000 for it. The whole interior comes out, seats and all plus you have to make a custom solution for mounting the amp and processor.

Everything depends on your goals however. Take a look at this thread for premium audio system discussion http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=546703

My system was 2k plus misc stuff like fabbing an amp mount for the rear of the car. I had a shop do that bit for me.

I just think you will be disappointed in the bav sound speakers. Yes you're changing out the speakers but you're leaving the processing and amplification the same. Do a search online on this topic. If you're really unhappy with the stock system a new one is the way to, imho

Last edited by joe_planet; 01-11-2015 at 08:31 AM..
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      01-11-2015, 11:11 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joe_planet View Post
I'd save the money and skip the bav sound "upgrade". The system in a 12 was already upgraded a lot from the pos in the 11. The only upgrade that will sound better is a full system. I know because I did a full system upgrade on my 11.
The base system in the '12 still sucks major ___. I test drove one with my iPhone hooked up to it and it sounded terrible on everything I threw at it.

I have the premium sound in my '13 and while it's not bad, it's still not as good as the upgrades I've done in my 135i. I would go straight to Musicar to upgrade if it were my ride.
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      01-11-2015, 11:27 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 135ivert View Post
The base system in the '12 still sucks major ___. I test drove one with my iPhone hooked up to it and it sounded terrible on everything I threw at it.

I have the premium sound in my '13 and while it's not bad, it's still not as good as the upgrades I've done in my 135i. I would go straight to Musicar to upgrade if it were my ride.
The base '12 system (S676A) and premium sound '13 (S677A) are going to sound pretty much the same. Premium just adds the DVD player in the glovebox, satellite radio, a I think the 2 speakers in the very rear…from what I understand. The '11 base system (S645A), down several speakers from S676A & S677A, was discontinued for 2012 models in the U.S. That's the one that sounded pretty bleak.

I think the 2012 audio sounds just fine with an iPod hooked up to it. Of course if you're super particular about sound there's plenty of options, but figure at least 2000K minimum to do it right in the X5 given all the speakers that would need to be replaced (plus processing & amplification upgrades).
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      01-12-2015, 09:17 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jiggz View Post
The base '12 system (S676A) and premium sound '13 (S677A) are going to sound pretty much the same. Premium just adds the DVD player in the glovebox, satellite radio, a I think the 2 speakers in the very rear…from what I understand. The '11 base system (S645A), down several speakers from S676A & S677A, was discontinued for 2012 models in the U.S. That's the one that sounded pretty bleak.

I think the 2012 audio sounds just fine with an iPod hooked up to it. Of course if you're super particular about sound there's plenty of options, but figure at least 2000K minimum to do it right in the X5 given all the speakers that would need to be replaced (plus processing & amplification upgrades).
haha, yeah I had the base in my '11 with 4 mids and 2 crappy woofers.
I'm still very impressed with the musicar system which fit my budget and audio quality goals! It is a colossal improvement on the base system for sure.
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      01-12-2015, 05:26 PM   #15
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I actually had the musicar website bookmarked but hadn't gone back to read up on it. I'll definitely check that out. What's the difference between theirs and BAV?

On a side note, I did stop by the dealer today to talk to them about the aero kit. Nothing ordered but getting close. I am also considering ordering black roundels for the entire thing.
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      01-12-2015, 06:47 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RVA_19 View Post
I actually had the musicar website bookmarked but hadn't gone back to read up on it. I'll definitely check that out. What's the difference between theirs and BAV?

On a side note, I did stop by the dealer today to talk to them about the aero kit. Nothing ordered but getting close. I am also considering ordering black roundels for the entire thing.
It could be different on the X5's, but for the 135i BAV was merely drop-in speakers. Musicar dealt with signal processing and added amps as well as upgraded speakers. It was a more expensive solution, but more complete as well.

FWIW I thought I could do better buying stuff off of amazon, etc. But when you factor in installation costs & harnesses and all the other crap you have to buy, Musicar was actually a cheaper solution. I wish I had gone that way from the beginning - hence my recommendation.
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      01-17-2015, 05:27 PM   #17
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Finally got around to taking two poor quality pics of my X5d after a quick bath today.

I also did trade a bunch of emails with Musicar and I'm leaning toward going that direction.

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      01-17-2015, 06:05 PM   #18
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Looks great! Really like the 214's on the LCI models.

Maybe it's just the light but to my eyes it looks more like Platinum Gray than Space Gray? Especially in the 1st pic…
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      01-17-2015, 07:31 PM   #19
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It is Platinum Gray.... Long story short, I almost bought a space gray one before I found this diesel and the name stuck with me.
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      01-17-2015, 08:08 PM   #20
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I thought so! I like both colors but platinum is definitely more rare….great color.

Your X looks great
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      01-18-2015, 07:27 AM   #21
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Thanks! Hoping to put my spacers and body color painted reflectors on this week.
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      01-18-2015, 10:10 PM   #22
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Wow congrats RVA_19. Your x5 looks great. I just bought one too and also on the same path as you, deciding on the MODs. Subscribed, hope to get some inspiration from your thread. Cheers
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