flapjack’s Melbourne Red X5M Build

[flapjack]

Hey Everyone – I’ve been meaning to post a build thread for a while now, as I’ve found other threads like this extremely useful in answering several questions I’ve had with my truck.

Year: 2013 BMW X5M
Production Date: November 2012
Exterior Colour: Melbourne Red
Interior Colour: Bambus-Beige
Options: Fully Loaded

A few pictures when I first picked it up:
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[flapjack]

The first set of modifications I made were:

• H&R 2” Springs
• 25mm Spacers (Front and Back)
• VSRF Stainless Steel Catless Downpipes
• JB4 with BCM

Pictures after being lowered and with spacers installed:
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[flapjack]

Next up, I did some minor cosmetic changes:

• Clear Euro Reflectors in the Front
• M License Plate Frames with Smoked Covers

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[flapjack]

Following the installation of the Downpipes, I still found myself craving a little more ‘noise’.
After reading countless threads on exhaust’s and talking to my mechanic, I decided to do the OEM Exhaust Modification as described in a few threads on here.
We however decided to remove both mufflers within and replace with straight pipes.

I am extremely happy with the end result. The exhaust valve is still functional and when open just adds another degree of intensity (which I personally love, but I know is not everyone’s cup of tea).

1. Pictures of opening the top of the Exhaust and removing the Mufflers within
2. Welding the straight pipes on
3. Sealing it back up

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[flapjack]

Next up, intake. I was contemplating this for a long time and thought about fabricating my own (as I’ve seen many on here do as well).
Ultimately, I decided to purchase, RK Autowerks Carbon Fibre Intake (shoutout to Mike at RK for making the process very easy and for literally walking me through the install over the phone as I was installing).

These are beautiful in person, easy to install and functional. I noticed the truck being more ‘peppy’ after the install.

Pictures of the intake installed:
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[flapjack]

Along the way I’ve made a couple of other smaller changes, but one to call out was the installation of a throttle controller: Sprint Booster v3.
I tend to do a ton of research before buying anything, but with this one I really didn’t know what to expect. I figured for the small capital outlay, that if I didn’t like it on the truck, I could use it one of my other vehicles.
Installation was extremely simple and took less than 15minutes with me hiding the wires. Couldn’t be happier with the end result (with 18 different programs, I feel like it has something for everyone).

I have a few other things on order that I am currently waiting for:

• V Style Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser
• RK Autowerks / Cedar Performance Stage 2 Tune

After installing the rear diffuser, I will determine what to do with the Exhaust Tips. Also looking at potentially changing the rims, installing a BBK and I’m sure some other things! Will continue to document the progress in this thread.
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[argento]

Gorgeous! I love Melbourne Red. Great insight on these mods, thanks for sharing. Putting the sprint booster on my list. Looking forward to seeing your diffuser...

[Koko M3]

Originally Posted by flapjack

Hey Everyone – I’ve been meaning to post a build thread for a while now, as I’ve found other threads like this extremely useful in answering several questions I’ve had with my truck.

Year: 2013 BMW X5M
Production Date: November 2012
Exterior Colour: Melbourne Red
Interior Colour: Bambus-Beige
Options: Fully Loaded

A few pictures when I first picked it up:
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Congratulations love it

[KingMidas38]

Great build so far! Where did you get your clear euro reflectors?

[flapjack]

Originally Posted by KingMidas38

Great build so far! Where did you get your clear euro reflectors?

Thanks!

You can get the reflectors from ECS Tuning:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...3147187087~kt/

[x5m Fritz]

Hellou,

i am new registered here, but i read quietly just for weeks here.

Soo finally i make my frist post now, ideal here to congratulate flapjack you for your beautiful red x5m - and of course to read about your interesting modifiactions....!


greetz from italy

[flapjack]

Finally got around this weekend to installing my rear diffuser and getting custom exhaust tips installed.

Fitment and quality of the diffuser wasn't that bad. I did have to fiddle with it for a while and I'm still not 100% happy with the way it is sitting. I'll be pulling off the bumper when I get some time to get it up to my standards, as I'm extremely picky with things like this.

I decided to go with 4" double wall, angle cut exhaust tips in a polished finish (I may change these out for black tips in the future if I decide to run black wheels). In the end we ultimately cut off the stock tips/pipes and welded on extensions, along with reinstalling the valves - this was easier for them to line everything up as I wanted.

Pictures of finished product below:
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[argento]

Thanks for sharing, really looks great on your Melbourne. Is it a double-sided tape install? Nice work on the tips, positioned very nicely. Well done

[flapjack]

I'll take some better pics of the actual piece for you when I take it off to reinstall, as I know you wanted to see the quality.

I actually used no double sided tape at all right now. I will however to seal it entirely once I take off the bumper to reposition a bit.

[0-60Motorsports]

That looks great! Would you happen to have a link for the tips please

[flapjack]

Thanks for the kind words. I'll have to confirm what brand/model (I went to a local custom exhaust shop and picked from a plethora of options they had in stock).

[flapjack]

I caved and ended up doing the Android Headunit install.
I was going to undertake this myself, but reading about all the nuances with it, I decided to find someone locally that does this.
At the same time, I also was able to get some options coded on the truck (i.e. tailgate close from the button inside the car).

Unit Specs:
-Android 10.0 OS
-8 Core Snap Dragon Processor
-64gb Internal HD
-4gb of RAM
-Wireless Apple Carplay
-10.25" 720P LG Display
-Anti-Glare Blue Screen

Before and after pics below:
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[clueless69]

thats how i like it. did you lover the truck. that diffuser looks awesome man.

[boneca]

very nice upgrades and great color

Melbourne Red would be my second choice after the Monte Carlo Blue

[flapjack]

Decided to upgrade the Brakes...

Front Brakes:
- Left the Stock E70 X5M Calipers intact, but had them Powder-Coated "Argento" Grey with Red Brembo Logo's.
- Switched out the Rotors for the F85/F86 upgrade 395x36 (P/N: 34112284902BOE, 34112284901BOE)

Rear Brakes:
- Porsche Panemera (first generation) Rear Calipers - 4 Piston Brembo's, Powder-Coated “Argento” Grey with Red Brembo Logo’s
- Machined to fit over the F85/F86 Rear Rotors 385x24 (P/N: 34212284904BOE, 34212284903BOE)
- Custom Caliper Adapters with Bolts, Brakelines
- Hella Pagid Brake Pads (P/N: 355014051)
- The kit (minus pads, rotors) can be bought here: https://tro-nik.com/product/upgrade-...5-f16-f85-f86/

I apologize for the terrible pics, I'll try to take some better ones this weekend. First three pictures are the fronts, last 2 are the rear.

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[0-60Motorsports]

Originally Posted by flapjack

Decided to upgrade the Brakes...

Front Brakes:
- Left the Stock E70 X5M Calipers intact, but had them Powder-Coated "Argento" Grey with Red Brembo Logo's.
- Switched out the Rotors for the F85/F86 upgrade 395x36 (P/N: 34112284902BOE, 34112284901BOE)

Rear Brakes:
- Porsche Panemera (first generation) Rear Calipers - 4 Piston Brembo's, Powder-Coated "Argento" Grey with Red Brembo Logo's
- Machined to fit over the F85/F86 Rear Rotors 385x24 (P/N: 34212284904BOE, 34212284903BOE)
- Custom Caliper Adapters with Bolts, Brakelines
- Hella Pagid Brake Pads (P/N: 355014051)
- The kit (minus pads, rotors) can be bought here: https://tro-nik.com/product/upgrade-caliper-sets-for-rear-axies-bmw-x5-x6-f15-f16-f85-f86/

I apologize for the terrible pics, I'll try to take some better ones this weekend. First three pictures are the fronts, last 2 are the rear.

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Those look great