XBimmers.com | BMW X6 Forum X5 Forum
 
TireRack





Go Back   XBimmers.com | BMW X6 Forum X5 Forum > BMW X5 Forums > General BMW X5 (E70) and X5M Forum (2006-2013)

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-06-2015, 04:45 PM   #23
gixxerboy63
Tanzanite Blue II X5M Pilot
gixxerboy63's Avatar
974
Rep
1,981
Posts

Drives: M3, M4, X3 M40i, X5M
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: WS, GSO High Point, NC

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2017 m4  [0.00]
2010 BMW X5M  [10.00]
Nice detail. One of best that I jave seen!
Man, that is awesome!
Makes the car look totally new again.
I did this on my old 540i/6 Msport, but your products and process have yielded a better result. I will absolutely follow your lead on my two Xs!
Appreciate 0
      10-06-2015, 05:10 PM   #24
P1
Lieutenant General
P1's Avatar
11525
Rep
11,123
Posts

Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: United States

iTrader: (1)

Can you share with us which cleaning supplies and tools you use?
Appreciate 0
      10-06-2015, 06:11 PM   #25
socale39
Major
209
Rep
1,043
Posts

Drives: 04 545i SMG
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

Materials used for cleaning:
- 3M/scotch Brite scouring pads
- Diluted Simple Green 50/50
- Sonax Wheel Cleaner
- Brake Cleaner
- Assorted brushes

The medium scouring pads seem to work the best on aluminum without scratching however I bought an aggressive scouring pad that worked really good for the rear lower arms and aluminum pieces with a dull finish. Aside from that all plastic or painted pieces were scrubbed with brushes or a softer scouring pad so as not to damage the original finish.
Appreciate 1
      10-06-2015, 11:44 PM   #26
socale39
Major
209
Rep
1,043
Posts

Drives: 04 545i SMG
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

LED Rear License Plate Bulb Upgrade
Had a bulb going back....at least that's what I thought so I bought a pair of LED bulbs to freshen up the look. Was extremely concerned about the LEDs being to bright but frankly the ones I bought I think are perfect. When I ended up replacing the bulbs it ended up that the original just had a bad connection....oh well I'm liking these better!

Since I just installed them I can comment on overall reliability but quality seems good and so far no errors. Can't beat it for $8 shipped from Amazon Prime:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o01_s00

Product


Side by Side with OEM


LEDs Installed
Appreciate 1
      10-11-2015, 09:45 AM   #27
PabloK
Lieutenant Colonel
PabloK's Avatar
United_States
595
Rep
1,805
Posts

Drives: F30
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Orono

iTrader: (1)

Good job man, looks 100x better already.
__________________
2014 F30 335i / 2014 F31 328d / 2014 F22 m235i
2019 G05 5.0 / 2012 E70 X5 50i / 2007 X5 3.0is
2011 e93 M3 / 2009 E60 M5 / 2004 E46 M3
2017 Alpina B6
22 Ram Trx / 22 M5 CS
Appreciate 0
      10-11-2015, 04:51 PM   #28
jiggz
Brigadier General
United_States
2108
Rep
3,630
Posts

Drives: E90 M3|F15 X5 50i
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (2)

Did LED license plate lights become standard at some point? I see people swapping them in…mine already has them?
Appreciate 0
      10-11-2015, 07:15 PM   #29
socale39
Major
209
Rep
1,043
Posts

Drives: 04 545i SMG
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

Late model 2010 production, I believe after 10/10, converted over to LED.
Appreciate 0
      10-11-2015, 09:40 PM   #30
socale39
Major
209
Rep
1,043
Posts

Drives: 04 545i SMG
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

Undercarriage Panel Remove & Detail
Well, today was another day of cleaning, this time focusing on the panels covering the undercarriage of the vehicle. I had enough time to take care of most of the panels from the rear axle to the front but I have the trans and engine cover to do next, maybe next week. Burned up another 5hrs removing cleaning and detailing each part then reinstalling. Additionally I cleaned up the side step panels where they connect under the car. Again, lots of work but well worth the effort IMO. I only wish I had a better angle of the undercarriage photos.....huge difference!


Just after removal:







Some before and after shots:















Even the hardware got some attention:





Reinstalled and looking good. Sorry didn't have right lens with me so photos aren't very good.


Appreciate 0
      10-11-2015, 11:19 PM   #31
mitch808
Captain
107
Rep
994
Posts

Drives: 2012 X5 35i
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (0)

The background of some of the pics remind me of some of the town homes in Irvine... But then again, there are only a handful of large-scale builders in the US, and they re-use the same plans in many cases, just different trims, colors, plants.
Appreciate 0
      10-12-2015, 12:11 AM   #32
socale39
Major
209
Rep
1,043
Posts

Drives: 04 545i SMG
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

I have no idea how you would get that from the few photos of the background but I know what you mean as I actually work in Irvine. Though my house is actually in the city of Chino and some of the earlier pics were taken at Chino Airport which is widely known for the Planes of Fame museum.
Appreciate 0
      10-12-2015, 10:02 AM   #33
CrashRat
Private
United_States
17
Rep
53
Posts

Drives: 2011 X5 35d
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Portland, OR

iTrader: (0)

Man, beautiful and inspiring work so far! So cool to see someone who cares about the underside of their car as much as I do. I don't buy cars very often - the last I bought was in 2009 - but I keep them for a long time and work on them myself, which almost necessitates having an OCD-level clean throughout. Leaks and other issues that need diagnosing can be found so much easier when you're starting out with a clean car.

That said, I also live in the PNW which makes it pretty tough to keep the underside as shiny as I'd like it to be. I generally detail the underside at least once a year, and touch it up at every tire rotation.

I'll also be watching your build closely as it develops. I just took delivery of my 2011 35d yesterday in platinum bronze and can't wait to get started on "Making it my own."

thanks for the inspiration, and best of luck as you go forward!
Appreciate 0
      10-12-2015, 10:46 AM   #34
socale39
Major
209
Rep
1,043
Posts

Drives: 04 545i SMG
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

Congrats on your recent purchase. I must say I'm loving my 35d and I haven't even begun to really start modding, I usually do that after detailing. Glad to hear someone with similar interests and understanding of why I do this. I'll be happy once I'm done under the car to give my body a bit of a break from the awkward and uncomfortable positions I find myself in. Good luck and your X and be sure to share your progress with the community.
Appreciate 0
      10-12-2015, 04:02 PM   #35
CrashRat
Private
United_States
17
Rep
53
Posts

Drives: 2011 X5 35d
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Portland, OR

iTrader: (0)

Thanks. I'm only 4 days old on this forum but I think I've already managed to view & attempted to memorize about 40% of it. Everyone's so helpful and knowledgeable here.

I'll definitely look forward to seeing how your build progresses too!
Appreciate 0
      10-25-2015, 03:41 PM   #36
imtheant
Second Lieutenant
128
Rep
275
Posts

Drives: 2017 F85 Melbourne Red
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Delaware

iTrader: (1)

Lets see those Eibach springs installed!
Appreciate 0
      10-25-2015, 07:30 PM   #37
socale39
Major
209
Rep
1,043
Posts

Drives: 04 545i SMG
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

Literally just got back from 1,000mi trip to Yosemite and the 35d did real well hauling all our hiking and camping gear. As for the springs I'll probably be looking to install in a month or so but I have some other aesthetic goodies I'll be installing in the meantime.
Appreciate 0
      10-28-2015, 05:19 PM   #38
gixxerboy63
Tanzanite Blue II X5M Pilot
gixxerboy63's Avatar
974
Rep
1,981
Posts

Drives: M3, M4, X3 M40i, X5M
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: WS, GSO High Point, NC

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2017 m4  [0.00]
2010 BMW X5M  [10.00]
You need to start a separate detail thread to show off your work... I really only stumbled in here because I recently purchased a 35d myself.
(just started modding mine as well)

This level of detail would generate a lot of interest and would certainly up the ante on our projects.

Thanks for sharing!!!
__________________

2020 X5M - Tanzanite II
2012 M3 - Alpine White
Appreciate 0
      10-28-2015, 08:31 PM   #39
socale39
Major
209
Rep
1,043
Posts

Drives: 04 545i SMG
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

Thanks gixxerboy63. Btw are are still trying to sell your X5m brake setup?
Appreciate 0
      10-28-2015, 08:42 PM   #40
socale39
Major
209
Rep
1,043
Posts

Drives: 04 545i SMG
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

Quick update, Zeus is at the dealership getting the DEF tank replaced along with an oil and filter service. Upon getting the vehicle back I plan to tackle doing a detail to the engine bay. I reached out to a manufacturer of detailing products I like to use about helping me restock my inventory in trade for some good PR. Not a response saying no, or thanks, or anything which I was a little disappointed about. Leatherique has been gracious in sponsoring my projects and I have to say their products are amazing. Once I finish up a few things you'll definitely see some interior leather action going on.

Anyways, hoping to get the vehicle back before the weekend. Until then I'll see if I can get a few pics of Zeus from my Yosemite trip.
Appreciate 0
      10-29-2015, 08:49 AM   #41
CrashRat
Private
United_States
17
Rep
53
Posts

Drives: 2011 X5 35d
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Portland, OR

iTrader: (0)

Thanks again for sharing. Curious how a DEF tank goes bad?

I have H&R 1.2" springs/turnbuckles, wide flares, OE bike racks, & execuhitch sitting in my garage so far. All that's lacking is the time to install them. The wheels I like are on backorder until mid-Dec so that's kind of taking the wind out of my sails a little. Can't wait to see yours with the Eibach's installed!
Appreciate 0
      10-30-2015, 01:42 AM   #42
temporaptor
Second Lieutenant
temporaptor's Avatar
64
Rep
266
Posts

Drives: 11 335D MSport / 12 X5 35d
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

What dealer do you take it to? My SA said there are currently 5 x5's in the shop at McKenna. Mine will be going soon for the front drive shaft. They should check yours while its there
Appreciate 0
      10-30-2015, 07:54 AM   #43
socale39
Major
209
Rep
1,043
Posts

Drives: 04 545i SMG
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

I do all my business with Crevier as I have long standing relationships with a few of the folks there.
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2015, 02:58 PM   #44
itsbeendun
New Member
0
Rep
21
Posts

Drives: slow
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: nyc

iTrader: (0)

this is some incredible work. are you available for hire ? my e70 could definitely use some attention
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:53 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST