Updated Alpine White X5M Photos

[BimmerGeorge]

I have a 2011 X5M former dealer demo which I bought at a nice discount. This vehicle is fully loaded with the exception of rear entertainment which I would not want anyway. It came with the rims shown. I made a few minor cosmetic modifications which I think really look nice and clean the car up. Those mods are as follows:

1. Switch the front and rear reflectors from amber and red to white to match the body.

2. Switch the side turn signal lamps from chrome to black with clear lenses - I think white would also look good, but they may not stand out as much and call attention to the fact this car is an "M".

3. Fresh powder coat on the 22" rims in a semi-gloss. For some reason the original finish was painted on and it got chalky and was looking poor. While I was at it, I put new rubber on as well. Let me tell you, finding 22" tires for these rims was very difficult. Not many options out there.... Keep that in mind for those out there wanting or lusting after 22's....... Side note - I would not normally have gone the black rim route had I had the opportunity to select the rims. However, I have to say I love the fact that at end of a week of driving I cannot see any brake dust on the rims. The semi-gloss really hides the brake dust well. My car looks clean enough on Friday night to pick up your date without having to go to the carwash first!

4. Powder coat on the exhaust tips in a semi-gloss to match the rims - this I think is a really nice touch and has the added benefit of hiding the black soot which was annoyingly visible on the chrome.

5. Tinted windows in a light ceramic which darkens the windows but not too much. I also tinted the windshield with a very light tint that you can't really tell is there. I have had no visibility issues and love the fact that my leather wrapped dash board will be protected from UV rays....

6. Switched out the chrome kidney grills to the gloss black with matt gills.

7. Put the Lux LED angel eye conversion kit on.

I am contemplating some programming revisions by Patryk. Has anyone in the LA area done this? I would love some local feedback. Thanks and enjoy.

[northern2020]

Nice looking ride!

Throw some 20mm spacers on and some aftermarket Suspension and you are good to go!!

[TimZ]

Excellent!! Exactly like mine except for the wheels.
You plan on adding a front lip or engine mods?

[BimmerGeorge]

Originally Posted by northern2020

Nice looking ride!

Throw some 20mm spacers on and some aftermarket Suspension and you are good to go!!

Yeah, well they say copying/imitation is the highes form of flattery, and I got many of my ideas from your pictures! You gave me the lead awhile back on IND Distribution for the side blinkers. I also changed the front and rear reflectors out based on how good it looked on your rig. So thanks for helping me spend more money on my ride.....

I will not do the suspension though. LA freeways suck and mine is a daily driver so I don't want to give up the already not so supple but very tolerable ride quality.....

I'm not familiar with what the spacers do. Would that be to push the rims out further toward the edge of the fender? Please explain if I have it wrong if you don't mind. Thx.

[BimmerGeorge]

Originally Posted by TimZ

Excellent!! Exactly like mine except for the wheels.
You plan on adding a front lip or engine mods?

You know I thought about a Dinan upgrade to boost it to over 600 hp, but it ain't cheap so I've held off. I don't believe anyone on this forum has taken the leap on an X5M and I was curious to know from someone who had how they liked it and whether they felt it was worth it. I also recently dodged a speeding ticket and wonder whether adding HP is really a smart move for a guy like me......

I like the look of the front lip, but am afraid I would damage it. I've already come close to doing damage as it is.

[SV Concepts II]

Looks awesome! Well done...

[e kay 9]

looks great..nicely done...i cant wait to put my 22's on

[e kay 9]

i really recommend the clear bra.if not on the front at least the rear door and fender flare

[jacb1301]

Dig the wheels, looks very slick.

[northern2020]

Originally Posted by BimmerGeorge

Yeah, well they say copying/imitation is the highes form of flattery, and I got many of my ideas from your pictures! You gave me the lead awhile back on IND Distribution for the side blinkers. I also changed the front and rear reflectors out based on how good it looked on your rig. So thanks for helping me spend more money on my ride.....

I will not do the suspension though. LA freeways suck and mine is a daily driver so I don't want to give up the already not so supple but very tolerable ride quality.....

I'm not familiar with what the spacers do. Would that be to push the rims out further toward the edge of the fender? Please explain if I have it wrong if you don't mind. Thx.

I did the spacers to pop the wheels out and fill out the side fenders, now the truck looks more aggressive!

I also did the KW V3 suspension which is better than stock, with full height, dampening and rebound control.

This has eliminated all the excess body roll and has made this thing corner like my former M3.

I also have the Dinan ECU remap which is more noticeable at lower RPM's.

I recommend ESS because you can switch back to stock at anytime, but also because you can run catless Downpipes and gain another 50 horses or so.

I will be installing the Akra exhaust and catless Downpipes with the ESS software shortly.

In my opinion it's a toss up for which mod I like better - the ECU or the suspension...but with both, you will not be disappointed!!

[J-boogey]

looks good, like the painted reflectors

[jacb1301]

What type of wheels are those?

[Sedan_Clan]

Nice looking ride!

[MaxSpeedX5M]

very nice! clean ride...