Build Log: M57 X5

TwinTurboWagon

Corporal
Nov 7, 2016
223
241
0
San Diego
Paddles in action! :)

Also, this chirping noise shown below would happen periodically on start up, usually when the engine hasen't been ran for >12 hours. This was resolved when replacing my harmonic balancer, alternator pulley, and water pump. My guess it was caused by the alternator pulley.

I had some odd locking behavior, the driver door stopped unlocking at all and you needed to utilize the "actual" key however the driver door would lock with the FOB. Gas cap also needed a manual release to open. All other doors were unresponsive. Research said it was either a fuse or lock actuator. Thankfully it was a fuse, I replaced the 15A with 20A.
3SbATZwDXI6uW-cUdp4s_YvJPpXgxruZ9j6A=w1300-h977-no.jpg

YT2n1Jcxao39UPo-HLXS1yYh9q84P3wQqGww=w1300-h977-no.jpg


My initial fog light retrofit utilized 3M VHB which is amazing stuff but it didn't offer the structural rigidity needed for this application and with the heat sinks of the projectors completely exposed there was too much space for water and dirt to ingress so I revised the design.

To mount the LED projector bracket to the fog housing I used my ultra tiny drill bit and some steel wire to create 4 anchor points
h3I-pE9GtkjMDVeR-bJtpnA-P3DyDbPVOsYQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Next was JB Weld which completely seals the perimeter and also adds rigidity.
_1uj9mg9NU4eT7yJQvDTYjwmZ1Erl8T_rvBw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Last were rubber housing caps to seal the rear, these work but they are a little excessive in their volume and the flange that grabs onto the housings could be deeper so I will be trying a different design later to optimize the design.
xrg4Re-IR7wxbeoqwVgIk-DdkXxjSSEQaDbQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg


I gave the X5 a wash immediately after installing the revised fogs and so far so good, next wash will be with a power washer :)
euOZYQYuQWeZDnmvpam40wJol-X2-QXltVcA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

S0BwuKVdo1-JEofS-LDho7or-lpZ19xVGk1g=w1452-h975-no.jpg

aBhpFWHvkgoxBstlmd8CIvGuqGQVOKG1lT6Q=w1403-h975-no.jpg


I finally had the opportunity to take some output pics. Some things to note on these photos: The X5 is parked at a slight angle relative to the wall and the ground also has a slight angle which makes the output scale up in size towards the left. I did a quick aim of the projectors inside the fog housings before installing them into the bumper but never did another aiming once in the bumper, as you can see the driver side is aimed a bit higher and should be lower to match the passenger side.

The passenger side is aimed about as low as it can go, the projector assmebly bottoms out on the fog housing limiting the downward angle. I might be able to improve this a little by mounting the LED projector up a little higher in the fog housing when I join the two assemblies but the improvement will be small. The limited downward aim combined with the relatively high location of the fog lights in the X5's bumper these fog lights are more like supplemental driving lights. That being said with the ho-hum performance of the E70's adaptive xenon lights and the impressive output of the small LED fogs, they do a nice job complimenting the headlight's low beam output and help fill out the beam pattern. Photos are with an iphone and exposure is on auto.

LED fogs only
XjMk-jAUf3XnWStDpocUitAf0m6u33ZIINWQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Low beams only
7Cuy9zdOAtIcZRGsnFvZinLRUlq9MKUcM2WQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Low + Fog
gnV8_TYg4tOXuRpDpB4Ab8ARTUjOpf4xgiog=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Fog only
xpl7cfU5P7k8omrfMFAx_KpiAjL64GM4Omaw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Here is a video cycling through the lights
 

Torgus

Brigadier General
Nov 6, 2016
2,671
2,194
0
Boston
Ride
ACF 6466 E92 + METH
Sell me a set of those fogs. I'll take that revision. Go make another with whatever improvements you want ;)

I have a cracked housing which let moisture inside.
 

TwinTurboWagon

Corporal
Nov 7, 2016
223
241
0
San Diego
Where to begin? Lots to cover so I will get to it.

I added twin Diode Dynamics Stage 6" "wide" light bars as reverse lights. I run a single DD bar on my E61 and it's amazing, this is double amazing. Tapped into OEM wiring, mounted to the subframe braces. These offer tons of light and with their optics and location tucked forward under the bumper you aren't going to be blinding people when reversing ...unless thy happen to be on their hands and knees for some reason.
MH1x1Ayvd2wRH2Pawz2XpGDa01ea4X8QI-9Q=w1300-h977-no.jpg

1oajoBHlXUoIGG1Xe5Z5jhD9FTx4r7YPBc4g=w1300-h977-no.jpg

kN9zXFcsuyOtVo3ET9GOg0K6hXHDDtIPRoUw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

af0STzi795vFGMSXS8eepRv2rDy7rTM48heA=w1319-h975-no.jpg

xcjbgwFZQT7pXKtv8Vo2l2YxbGt1Nz6-BfUw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

QD8PQT2nJSJaZW2K0vBnUzXitANRdE_2WzNg=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Installed H&R 1.2 front springs, they come with adjustable links for the rear but before ordering the springs I already DIYed some adjustable links by modding the stock units. I hear mixed reviews on the H&R springs and the ride quality but I figured I would give them a shot and come to my own conclusion. I should really get some struts which are intended to operate lowered but as part of the experiment I wanted to see how the stock struts performed, I replaced thin bushings and upgraded from teh "3rd row" bump stops to the "sport."
dIg7xZQHLB6xiKYEi_KGAnwbdqDF78VtYr6Q=w1300-h977-no.jpg
CFMpErYL-kBsmZTLlP3vP6_LbOAn8t_4ALGw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

MITaZCAtvIyUZHfPGOuOcU2IzhKaRkNVWh6A=w1300-h977-no.jpg

7aJAJ3mU_79_eLm8AJkHV1uPiLaw5Rfym4zg=w1300-h977-no.jpg

Lw0qvMojKeGA71StxD-sWhnJX8-P-PiBaFlQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg

Rf9r8OLZf89CvS8QqWsRSBGtY3zvBUT_dKeA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

MzVKFTX-1t9gNQeJXM6Ly7khpHXARvTjW9oQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Rear links set to 65mm as H&R recommends, I like the drop but those tires are a bit thin
zuNrgt9z2e_hcvvXV52hK3FBr8VQqeHzMfDw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

5DI9iMKL53ekxJSwSfNJKVPVuvw8YRvcGFwg=w1300-h977-no.jpg
 

TwinTurboWagon

Corporal
Nov 7, 2016
223
241
0
San Diego
I like custom stuff and I like turbo noises so I "built" aka trimmed and assembled some silicone and metal. The goal was to retain the cold air source like stock but shorten the intake ducting and hopefully increase turbo response and flow capabilities. Freeing up room in the engine bay is always a bonus. I plan on dyno testing this vs stock to confirm performance later. I have a detailed thread on this project in the forum, just search! :)
Stock intake for reference
CBklNx2WaZcNqDYuGoErAD6VdWNzJHT9BL2g=w1300-h977-no.jpg


My intake
ISxfop5kOsiO_Ll-AfhWEnJ9Q4VV65X8MAOw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

g8-iQOP1U78XRXzjcx4dnYxPuLwV_pWpE-vA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

rgrdDN_gEPnWT-9ffj6dz-_znILv33wSWJtw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

MMnTJ3Hthg55uVaWdAOf968f65B3boHrnaWg=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Thick boy tires. The Michelin PSSs originally on the 612M wheels were 285/35/21 and 325/30/21 A 30 profile tire is too thin IMO for a 5,000+lbs SUV. With the short gearing and only 6 spd trans on the diesel I wanted meatier tires to A) add comfort and B) give it some longer legs at highway speeds. The added rotational mass will hurt acceleration and braking a bit but I have some solutions lined up for that. :)

These are Continental SportContact 5P 285/40/21 and 325/40/21 If you recall I test fit a 285/45 front tire that DIDN'T fit up front, that is the matching tire for these monstrous rear tires. With tire sizes limited in 21" I had limited options and this was staggered setup was my best option. I am not crazy about the Hot Wheels raked look but this was a function>form modification. The front tire looks perfect, if they made a matching 325/35 rear it would have been ideal buuuuuuut they don't! These rears have a 31" diameter!
na3oVwXYFlZt8fLXWjPBNV4Vi_Rp2HIl3Ctw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


r8crU5CEWn5LCAOZQ4SekB15iumShI6Rk0_Q=w1300-h977-no.jpg

dxidasXmfP7ykUPTwk8VKERcJp7Tw2geHogw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


At some angles the rear tires look out of place and at other angles they just look beefy. The exaggerated rear flares do help the rear meat blend in a bit.
Zx9j8_scySBGyGUHaAfTkwsVk55iq0jyhavA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

xk29ut78rvJKiIMtajJ4H9OoJ8qzbMEohgsw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

mKur2RaYvIIsAgGgR-6OXjkizSPK60_1mp2w=w1300-h977-no.jpg

1RKqWHgttqJFkzU9o9kU1Io4xrKHb_9vTAbQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg

cXxpyCTp3tljDOx_MaKNWR1D5AISEwYCI3OQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Apparently the 3rd row got some use with the previous owner, good for them. Aside from a comical test to see if all 6'8" 255lb of me could fit in there I have never and will never use it. I bought the X5 with 3rd row for the load leveling so this seat is nothing but added weight and cargo space. 100lbs and 6 cu/ft of cargo space to be exact! I purchased some of the OEM cargo rails but will install once my new non-3rd row cargo floor arrives.
kjFf3zNl_c3zed8qMv65BruTvkiiZFx_3_aw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

25wngh3wvIqgFSQPDSu7eFkO3RWNq_OK7JyA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

goFwSPqtKau7rcVd9KKOZjY8kb_ONr9cijig=w1300-h977-no.jpg
 

TwinTurboWagon

Corporal
Nov 7, 2016
223
241
0
San Diego
Now onto the good stuff. The diesel motor has been chock long enough, time to let that motor be efficient. In addition to the bump in MPG, and +150whp and +150wtq with the DPF, SCR, and Uerea tans gone that is another 100lbs lost.
TvbjAbnrrRlX7Q7beA1LhryH0y0Xa4qrFHsA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

PKLl03Q1AddVLXN3g454w31i6fl98zPzoAKw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Cleaning as I go
fKD39qz33q4SLu6jlOTSA8utG5ljWQsIpxBg=w1300-h977-no.jpg

1Midvy4LQw6ofWE4plklvy-4t3PNKv-CRaEA=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Fabbed up a block off plate for the low pressure EGR connection
jTSxtuPiJ3ocffGPHPPDUo7kwUjDDOkBt6RQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg

Dlqr4Yv8kPHjPdtY_uWnZY0mKZhlwYzV0q4w=w1300-h977-no.jpg

C7X7T_Q-Daf3HxZOLLjXEXjDcTlPCMIEQo9w=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Malone Tuning + Flashzilla tuning device. I currently have Stage 2, 2.5, and 2.9 to play around with. Currently running 2.9 and will data log and see if we can't make some tuning revisions to optimize everything.
TcLc99sd2DDmbE8leC6bpamRphIG5m8pr-sQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg

nMEQReboXMEw2vxEyr3udf6Ku_-3-NiQvirQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg

xjnCxibi23_mQLVpfmgESOlsaA4rfkoPFfuw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Let's take a moment to appreciate this Rawtek exhaust, this features a 3.5" DP and an high flow cat in the mid-pipe. Rawtek is more expensive than other X5D exhaust options but with build quality like this the price is easy to justify for the discerning enthusiast.
nDAsvpYJcLiNAl9VadGU3RchxVFGYpJEsIiw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

zGDwDw8l_AoOrQrH5GVDznvOdVXRgMolJJAg=w1300-h977-no.jpg

JyfWFB8rZSam0EffkeQ4_zCyPN24OVTe19lQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg

nBx7N6rc9iLMVtkLeENUvjF0JFlsfzy7vbHA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

U_ogNsopEYoEN12KnBbRKoHlIOcnudvTe1sA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

vJYnfw2uKFa3jUQXdDROiG5_WqqZxGLPuVVw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

gCUlsSVpP5JXsOsQgOb-FUPjvLFIY3uj9ulw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


The real headlight retrofit is coming soon until then I wanted to test out these new Philips XV2s.
eMEIthCRIBHaON_Llr0yDMGpc2-i3y4wb77g=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Since removing the rear DVD system I had a void in the console, the gentleman who bought the system was supposed to send me his storage cubby but I never heard from him so I sourced the parts from eBay. Hard to see but now I have a place to put "oddments" as BMW would say.
6-B75RQP-yPuFgG2RvWCXATD68dvIElxuq_nr5dVIg=s975-no.jpg


With some exhaust sensors now rendered useless I went through the engine bay, removing what I could, rerouting some items, and giving a little nip/tuck to clean things up. Happy with how it is looking.
hpy_aRciXBM_wTd2LOo556gRwVk7PBxGGtDw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

NIbo3bkxbry4Epg-cN2llsSRBjRDC3-8cshg=w1300-h977-no.jpg
 

TwinTurboWagon

Corporal
Nov 7, 2016
223
241
0
San Diego
The X5 has it's first road trip under it's belt (~700 miles round trip). Being deleted the X5 has the potential to be efficient but you really need to be mindful of your driving habits, for me >70mph the MPGs really start to deteriorate. I averaged 23MPG on the outbound trip which included getting over some mountains and also some spirited "demo" driving with relatives. On the return trip the first 80 miles were mainly rolling 2 lane road with light traffic and 55-65mph, this yielded 28.3 mpg and once back on the highway doing 75-80mph for the next ~300 miles including the mountains the gauge read 25mpg once I returned home.

I have some more tricks up my sleeve to optimize efficiency but it's pretty clear driving habits are the most important variable with fuel efficiency. I am interested to see what kind of mileage I can get with the beast but the reality is I rarely have the patience to drive that way, lol. I have another road trip for the holidays were I will do my best to see what ind of MPG I can achieve.

On a side note, while running the Propel HPR fuel there is no visible smoke while driving even at WOT, awesome. In addition to no smoke the renewable fuel also has almost double the cetane of regular diesel, and the icing on top is the fuel reduces green house emissions by 40-80%, SICK! You gotta be in CA to indulge.


I found a cheap E60 M5 cluster on eBay made a hybrid cluster. M5 gauges, X5 gauge faces, M5 needles, M5 bezel, X5 KOMBI. I was torn on the white vs red needles, I modded the cluster in my E61 and left the needles white as there is no arguing the superior daytime visibility. I prefer the svelt looks of the M5 needles so I figured I would give them a shot and see how I get along with the red. At this point the hybrid cluster is just an aesthetic mod but my goal is to get the radial engine oil temp gauge that surrounds the tachometer to work so I can know when my engine is up to temp before stomping on it.
EaY591sOrS0inGkQkHTl9OBxXtYoN6W3N1Qg=w1300-h977-no.jpg

pUZX6Iaw7iNWZ2iE-I4y2TUvPfjJRdmDy8NQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg


xLdgT9SJ8CZ_YlE3VFAuIULThMtIoRH3-PHw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

OmFiOUTFyl6EcL4h1WTjgTNvU1iUhF-8T8pQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg

-ahQdI--5SgPS25eTdyp4V6Coa4xrikY8k33_8HNBQ=s975-no.jpg

gNnRiM3SOXzZrmjQ0RfngnDCF-io2IIwIZjg=w1300-h977-no.jpg


With an upcoming multi-state trip for the holidays and 2 pups some extra cargo space is needed. I was eyeing up the Thule boxes but found a killer deal on a Yakima Skybox, not crazy about the styling but the dimensions and capacity were a good fit. I paired it with some Yakima Whispbars, this is my 3rd set and love the sleek profile. Happy with how it all turned out but the red really clashes with my color scheme. Pffffft.

Box was functionally perfect after lubing the locks but it had a bunch of stucco and white paint marks on it from careless handling/storage but I polished the turd and made it a little more presentable.
OA_S-ZScn0RCqBynK-f35FHnTZ-QZv_ezTMA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

hybgzhivEPLNwgLUw7I9wGUBLZBkLgffPndVsu2IyA=s975-no.jpg

Dv-mgDQwYX27D2oZKPlddcOjqj7KCvmeRscA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

e_wwBPhf6KN-SFOYE218RBN9P0VlJ1qoJ9Qg=w1300-h977-no.jpg

kdNRVR_EGOZUKm3s5PnxnpGnHw7KGsX2GbOg=w1300-h977-no.jpg
l1QcuUoM7emyr7Q3y-LUjijCZ0zkxd_XZjHg=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Worn front end sway bar links replaced with Meyle HD
kZQosloIUiWVYPAHT-6QT-rS4LRA2McL-fdw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

MRlmGGy1Yf_nt2udfMUyagK8d-IcFKn4t90g=w1300-h977-no.jpg
 

TwinTurboWagon

Corporal
Nov 7, 2016
223
241
0
San Diego
Another chill upgrade. ATM stepped intachilla. I went with the optional ASV pipe so all the leaky OEM connectors from the turbo outlet to the intake manifold are replaced with quality silicone and clamp connections.
0V_Hs1DE0DSspyr5ZocuPRaGfwUxjWS_mS0Q=w1300-h977-no.jpg

7IhAFApEbCdFRUuv_C1mksbqW4LYlV_x6v-Q=w1300-h977-no.jpg

nTCf5HLG0mZZGJdNcP3OwQyVEVIQKh7ke7rA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

jBRg7a7s3bykkMwN2d4qX7FZmWJGMkDPjdqg=w1300-h977-no.jpg

JYtKcBHzXPEAXpxOCd1NtNS60Fea6zFqDIdw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

-ROaK_GGr9TLeO5VKOV4QwAUKmzTXdaegYtQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Clean as you go!
bNl5bHICK0yI5hLl27oTyrVGG0h-zugj5_zA=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Can you tell which screw was close to the turbo outlet? lol
QY2r09J2dLLY3SDFBP5wgvDv7yCvQIoijVBg=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Adapters installed on turbo outlet and ASV
BzI1OYzFy_y76W9eoZ_yd1WDocW3-z1nNxAQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Stuffed in there. I will probably build a custom shroud that goes down to the bottom of the intercooler so airflow is optimized.
5yqtgvjdtZmxH9v5UVqkUwBD2CU2cb0nULig=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Everything reassembled, time to datalog and make sure I don't blow off any connections.
vOdHKEAdtkpfCqWbZ0rG9Dv_ohHy1cmTOFfA=w1300-h977-no.jpg



The last piece of the puzzle for the upcoming road trip is a winter wheel/tire setup. I have the OEM 19s that came on the X5 but 19s won't clear the eventual X5M brake upgrade and I don't want to reconfigure the winter set again down the road so I was on the hunt for some 20s. The OEM 20" X5 wheels are all heavy AF and during researching "5x120" on Craigslist I found a set of Camaro ZL1 wheels that caught my eye since they are concave and had a 10-spoke design that I would describe as more of a split 5 spoke. With more researching I found they have the same 20x10 20x11 widths as OEM X5 wheels and mangeable offsets at 23F and 43R. Bore is 67 so that will need to be machined out to 74.1 but no biggie.

The kicker is they are FORGED and made by Alcoa, tipping the scales at 26lb F and 27lb R, light, really light! I decided to go with a square 20x11 setup for simplicity and found a killer deal on Michelin Aplin LA2 tires, 295/40/20. Got 4 new tires for a little more than the retail price for a single tire!

My current 21" 612M wheels are forged but carry a bit more weight and the beefy Continental add more weight, especially the monstrous rear tire. My current setup tips the scale at 68lbs F and 80lbs R. The winter setup will be 61lbs per corner. I am eager to see how performance is impacted. If all goes well I might consider the ZL1 wheels for summer (all the time buy mountain trips) as well.

Pic of the ZL1 wheels for reference, I think the styling will suit the X5 well. I had some concerns of putting sports car wheels on a performance truck but considering the quality of the wheel and the fact that the ZL1 isn't THAT much lighter than the X5 I think it should be fine, if my wheels breaks in half while driving then the jokes on me.
ytP145GqoWAnfWc6oAbI9jW9_3GDSLEktVUw=w1300-h867-no.jpg

NfMI0pLxH6ydyBLlwvbEVVaGP_ZuA5pCv8Yw=w1300-h867-no.jpg

0csvlIGCE2Ph01l9o9gB7A3R6Kk8cWDYs1Iw=w1300-h867-no.jpg


Cheap rubber at 1010Tires.com
pJ5GxOlSF7Kb5wBoKPOaXQ0Rwf3gWGeT1a9Q=w1300-h977-no.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Snertz and Torgus

Itsbrokeagain

Corporal
Jan 28, 2018
199
71
0
Strong Island
Ride
E70 X5d, E39 528iT, E46 325xi
dude thats some great research on the wheels. I think they should be able to carry the weight of the truck with zero issues, especially being forged. I Pmed you on facebook btw regarding some wheel ideas
 

TwinTurboWagon

Corporal
Nov 7, 2016
223
241
0
San Diego
Need to get caught up a bit on this thread. I just returned from a 2 week road trip through CA, NV, UT, and AZ but there were some important mods which happened prior to the trip.

- Engine, Transmission, Transfer Case, and F/R Differentials all flushed and I added some "Golden Eagle" oil, more on this below.
- Installed "Phantom Fuel System"
- Swapped to ZL1 Winter wheel setup
- Converted D1S bulbs to D2S and installed custom 50w Hella ballasts
- Installed Diode Dynamics 18" LED light bar
- Installed non-3rd row cargo floor and OEM rail system

Threw the X5 on the scales, 5,100 with a 1/2 tank of gas. So this should be 5,050 on the ZL1 wheels.
pTzqokj7HxnFn7jffvH_1hBmwCd50WZvR2Ug=w1300-h977-no.jpg


First up is the Phantom Fuel system. I stumbled upon this thing while searching Craigslist for X5D related stuff. I contacted the seller for more info and after connecting over the phone, sharing some info back on forth via email I am not a beta tester for the unit. I call this thing the wizard-tube but it is essentially filled with metals that excite the fuel as it passes through which in terms helps the fuel completely burn for better performance and efficiency. The tech is derived from petroleum drilling but has been implemented into commercial diesel fleets around Texas such as semi trucks and school busses with excellent results. The system can work on all fuels types so I might throw it on my E61 that runs ethanol to see how it performs. Data on more performance oriented vehicles like the X5 is limited which is where I come in. I will be sharing more info on this later.
dsw46wiccoyn3yMMSgfwkVpYLaOty6ajCRww=w1300-h977-no.jpg

NJ9fCJfYcCbh6fItOpk-uDPJ9gdHGR8CCy0A=w1300-h977-no.jpg

QtycGiRlqK31xDUFcgZhUfocZV0xhOJGiW2Q=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Fluids were all flushed and Golden Eagle oil supplement was added. You add 10% to any engine/trans/gear oil. This is derived from the commercial refrigerant market and is essentially a hyper lubricant. The concept is simple, less friction = less parasitic loss which means better performance and efficiency. Not cheap at $135/gal but you don't need much. Before/After dynos have been done on C6 Z06s and Gen 2 Vipers and show a 10whp and 30whp gain respectively.
NKm5jN3pAneWHRj6yjGbbYSO5-eP1LpykN-A=w1300-h977-no.jpg


I pieced together a square setup of 20x11 ZL1 wheels off eBay, I ended getting 4 wheels for ~$700 and with the crazy ~$90/tire I paid for the Michelin Alpin LA2 295/40/20 (Tirerack has them on "closeout" for $1,000/set) the total cost was about $1,400 for the setup which isn't "cheap" but considering the quality and weight of the wheels and that the snow tires are new, it's a great value.

2 wheels with tires arrived
dDzOLZK7zhNL_5JAZIqZ7HG5p32gOnCRqwOw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


The other wheels are tires arrived
yjgNYGSLLgvqCtTDZ26teGORc2q2EKQEf03A=w1300-h977-no.jpg

vxJNhWCH8eftxVBzjgWPvdWP6ls1H-zVC30Q=w1300-h977-no.jpg

Ggva-IVVMYfHqfEvwhjRjARFfbMvjBYpN4aw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


The stamp of quality
arTJTtcudd1ZZ_VAmEPFa8YlaYGyusWneRKw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Wheels bored out to 74.1mm
9E_5nve1_Vvfb6cXYcfln5cq1f9WfRe11j2A=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Tires mounted and wheels installed. 3mm spacer up front to clear wheel carrier and 25mm in the back but a 30mm would be ideal for flushness. I am VERY happy with how everything came together. I love concave wheels and this design cuits the E70 well. I will likely keep these as my summer aka "all the time minus mountain trip" wheels.
1-YgcPmDUHVy_Y1PZH_Kv5k9vH0-czt9tQdQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg

l24ZjBsDa1oGgjbt6UZKUV-4UdwSrolGIL0A=w1300-h977-no.jpg

uQwwd68GR1ykDQzc-uu8KRpVB2CroqfTFf4g=w1300-h977-no.jpg

_9HbevaTacba5pj3I_TDxs_FWMByTRbybbVg=w1300-h977-no.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: doublespaces

TwinTurboWagon

Corporal
Nov 7, 2016
223
241
0
San Diego
The plan was to retrofit the headlights but I ran out of time prior to the road trip so I converted the bulbs to D2S which allows me to run the 50w ballasts, this bulb/ballast setup is currently running through the stock projectors (meh) but the same setup will be paired with the Lexus SC430 projectors below. The SC430s are amazing but low-beam-only so I needed a solution for the high beam. The plan was to install quad projectors, one low + one high, but there isn't enough room to stuff a decent high beam option so I reverted to an LED light bar for high beam use. A Diode Dynamics 18" Stage series light bar in "driving" optics was my choice. This was wired into the OEM high beam which means I have I retain the high beam assist feature with the light bar. Both the 50w ballasts and light bar use relay harnesses.
jxrtGUYTqhKPe7CfK8TeOaYZaKo2GiaEtvzA=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Here is the back of the headlights with the D2S igniters coming through sealing grommets. The additional pigtail on the left is the OEM input for the low beam and connects to the relay harness.
x2wnrSGa1EcMO2Kb8a-FDoXH7SCdALXketeQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Originally I tapped the high beam pigtail inside the headlight as well but it wasn't triggering the relay harness, not sure if the voltage drops or if there was something going on with the CANBUS interrupting the signal so I switched the location to the wiring harness just before the headlight connector. Pigtail is soldered in and I wrapped it up with the fresh tape.
qNFdo06pbQQl02NlRBeHM_8GawpbEbOwctPA=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Light bar install was simple, I bolted the adjustable brackets to the plastic shroud under the kidney grills.
PwXBkJHPsleOiov3smwtJAF7DGS7mOX6uoJA=w1127-h977-no.jpg


Blocking the power steering cooler and having the mesh grill block the light bar are both not ideal but they are compromises I am willing to make for the high beam performance. Where the grill does block a minimal amount of light it does offer a stealthier appearance which I like.
XTDx2yrf7Q9BdNz8neiz9dba08_TNCDT0Hmw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

daysOLivtuXALzlhBVCD5BbntbDwmJy2dZIg=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Here are some output pics...

LED fogs
N2rNwFd1500a8pauOHyfehjf-lNSaNMi_v3g=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Low beam (stock projectors + Philips XV2 + 50w Hella ballasts)
3T0Kkp1j7xmFtXf3OGUIMsFfwIFLcnDm8LvA=w1300-h977-no.jpg


High beam (projectors + LED Light bar)
sBTgpmRmyktkxqjKMzHhf6vJXSlqlHAb_vxw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


With the 3rd row deleted this is what the cargo area looked like
UlYbVxtUzlHrsGIdgf5Y5vlLqekGhGLAo71g=w1300-h977-no.jpg


...so I sourced the cargo floor from a non-3rd row X5 ($50) and snagged some OEM cargo rails ($50). I still need to get some touch up pieces but this is essentially how it will look. Given my 2nd row is designed for the 3rd row which means it has sliding, reclining, and pivots forward for rear entry the floor and cargo trim near the 2nd row is very different between the 3rd now and non-3rd row vehicles. The added adjustability of my second row is great and I have no interest to swap in the "static" 2nd row found on non-3rd row X5s but this also means I can't get the base piece where the cargo floor's hinges pivot on (and gas strut mount) nor can I run the cargo area side trim pieces without the built in 3rd row armrests that my X5 has. Not the end of the world but it does mean my cargo floor essentially just laying into position and isn't bolted to anything. A bit of a bummer a proper OEM conversion isn't possible but IMO the adjustability of the 2nd row is worth it. Hope that made sense! :)

During
lv_rM9-Fl420vH1WnPP0_GyB-LAx4YN1Nubw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


After
UEutpVv6dIQ6KMrGYUZEdzBwkGe9uozKdzNQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg
 

TwinTurboWagon

Corporal
Nov 7, 2016
223
241
0
San Diego
Here are a bunch of pics from my Holiday road trip.

Duck Creek Village, UT.
Cargo box was a life saver...
yJswzQkdB_jP1_zJiZlm7vmvPflOqdG8fpBg=w1304-h978-no.jpg


3xvwwHQGnjRRG1QkdfLpe3Nd7aUw0vI4pHwQ=w1304-h978-no.jpg

9U-b44j3QrqH-HyBmp9RZsMlG10PZRDxUU5A=w1304-h978-no.jpg

jIXHlJCdadGaugxGPiH5rpN2499-fQEKnCYQ=w1304-h978-no.jpg

xiP6Z9SNY-QfZ3mty6_SH8SKDkXZlKJOZa6A=w1304-h978-no.jpg

x3eDO5bSVvSxTZOxATO_WmqOrtQe5JRHQ0fw=w1304-h978-no.jpg


Zion National Park, UT
CaFzlg5bLmKB9Vr_l6tI1CrUc2JZlJvz7guQ=w1304-h978-no.jpg

8peuYTrVqdeJB23ywTordDJXHcbThXMcFxEw=w1304-h978-no.jpg


Zebra Slot Canyons, UT.
MZVrH1ld3QlYSuFdBbJp5Cc-pI_vOoZKN-4g=w1304-h978-no.jpg

xmI6EMAT-kZEAucV7tShbKpkzeGAueRSObbw=w1304-h978-no.jpg

eWzzGHhwtDvQswBkQq7lHcW7P26gFIu0kMqg=w1304-h978-no.jpg

ztjLwbViUrdFiLPvenRgOSQa02KtoiPCJ5QQ=w1304-h978-no.jpg

NhGtHvNjU3VeQmYMKPTVxjZO9XOF6bCA6sfA=w1304-h978-no.jpg

VvO7071dCz_xzEeeEzr_E_4dp2d2OmHfRXzg=w1304-h978-no.jpg

GldIYmLVTEmQkirlyZBobjYX2xxoItu829Ng=w1304-h978-no.jpg


Bryce Canyon, UT
N8FsMOD_pv_3f_iXPX5X7dvRJsTXM0TW7YfQ=w1304-h978-no.jpg


Sedona, AZ
b7XQybDfryWtxndTphxa5VSmB1lkI_M8h4gg=w1304-h978-no.jpg

xuQN4pNRcf3If20oUnTjIw54M3jhtThIL3Vg=w1304-h978-no.jpg
 

TwinTurboWagon

Corporal
Nov 7, 2016
223
241
0
San Diego
After the winter road trip I picked up a set of Pirelli Scorpion Verde A/S tires. 295/40/20. I will run these as an temporary solution as I am still going back n forth with keeping a 20x11 square setup or going to a staggered 20x10F 20x11R. With the snow tires and cargo box removed I was curious to see what kind of MPG gain there would be. It's hard to get pure highway MPG figures that don't get diluted with my aggressive city driving.

I was able to get some clean highway runs in, only ~40 miles total but the drive was an out and back on the same stretch, average speed was 65mph and the return was 35mpg, nice!
f8BUtacX5FhpeTR02ckhsxMa3UZplYuUmxc0QkiukQ=s977-no.jpg


I became fond of the looks, strength, and weight of the Camaro ZL1 wheels and didn't see putting the Style 612Ms back on so they were sold :(
C6uPoE30--bWV9ZZTrMf5PWL-oBRv15Adejg=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Mountain bike! \M/
6xjvuSFiOyfFBxmrNDv47L4KDJD1NA82R--g=w1300-h977-no.jpg


20mm spacers were replaced with 30mm for flushness in the rear
WK7FRCSWOZUOC9FiaH7-3VtPnzSx4i0REClA=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Before
PHaiK92M3K-ljDt3VIiOSNVX76rUOh_yDGPw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


After
O7dYNO4BucpTUd3HjjCT53_zFLgiz4pCyrlA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

-5e0LUsOHbp65cgDQlWzOnU8J7_a2xjl8rbA=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Installed my 3" QTP exhaust valve. These slip on clamps made installa breeze and I am happy with the results. I still need to mount the switch in the cabin.
z5u_pb26ZWH-qGw1FRF8uBpJy4dN41OoStlg=w1300-h977-no.jpg

DbeAqXw5UgwPbSxs-YWkNBuGIjOu4dAk_tzw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

S1gf2vK9HelxVQllv2F_OXQoyz8KnSjzT9DA=w1300-h977-no.jpg
GenEbpHTosZ0GH6JoixjJEEUOznClkTfE2kw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Front suspension is now completely refreshed, new OEM top hats, bushings, sport bump stops, KYB struts, and H&R 1.2 springs.
l_I3jh1UpgUtWzuDNhvjWclVBW8a7-Iz3jCw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

jfY_OkC2greBvfpKQ2CAfD-TprMtEKBkQqJg=w1300-h977-no.jpg

zVhVLyr0h5R4NF4sRrvOVmuFk3M0qVKFeg4A=w1300-h977-no.jpg


With the rear suspension things are a bit more complicated...

Researching on RealOEM and on other sites I heard that the rear struts for non-air equipped E70s have longer struts and taller (cupped) strut mounts, in a particular photo where someone was comparing the air vs non-air rear struts it looked like the sturt body was the same but the stanchion was longer on the non-air. So my though was to install the non-air struts and mounts on my X5 which, based on my info at the time, would allow 2" more suspension travel before the bump stops came into play, allowing better ride quality when lowered. However after ordering 2 sets of new rear struts (both air and non-air) it became apparent the 2" length difference is 100% in the sturt body so my plan fell apart.

Non-Air TOP vs Air BOTTOM
VMe7fmRCcG4ejgCggeykKxNm0vJDW5aIsumg=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Here is the 2" difference in the strut mounts. Air=Flat Non-Air=Dome
GubZGDChSAMMZH6xx-_eXe4eRHCOPM_W9EqQ=w1300-h977-no.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: doublespaces

TwinTurboWagon

Corporal
Nov 7, 2016
223
241
0
San Diego
Another X5 owner was brainstorming with me and he had the idea to run the shorter "Air" rear struts with the domed non-air mounts; the idea being with domed strut mount would allow the strut extra room to move on a lowered vehicle and hopefully allow for proper strut function at a lowered ride height. I gave this a shot and after about 1 week or testing I came to the conclusion that this combo also wasn't ideal, ths strut was operating at essentially full length. If the sturt only saw compression this is probably OK and better than having the sturt working while significantly compressed however, knowing that the suspension will articulate and extend periodically I could see this damaging the strut when if it was topped out.

To conclude what really needs to happen is to take these 2" taller non-air struts mounts, have 1" of material removed, and have them welded back together. This should allow the strut to operate in an acceptable range on a lowered vehicle.

With the short strut + domed mounts installed I knew the strut might perform better at an even lower ride height to I adjusted the rear down another 3/4". With the strut bolt removed you can see how the strut at full extension sits in relation to the control arm.
7pFVlPry3S0P8Ns0cd7ysYkIF_1WePpYYYKA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

JxD_0fypCAgRpX2KBGr2QIBBjLYTEMsxgwcw=w1300-h977-no.jpg

w45Jbs7RDP8RxfvLDY9BEZueZW_pm-pU8WYA=w1300-h977-no.jpg

F_OoB4DVg7OjKT8fsxnP528OZW1PDMJLJFVw=w1300-h977-no.jpg


I raised the rear back up and reverted to the shorter air strut and flat strut mount. Ride quality isn't as good as it was with the taller mount but I know won't be potentially damaging the strut.
dL4fIheV8B0Xt_xx2s4-NGULWZD4eZ7tzO3w=w1300-h977-no.jpg


Check this out. A tuning company is pushing the limits of the M57 motor with their 335D. I can't imagine it staying together long at this power level (and 50% nitrous) but these numbers are crazy for a STOCK engine and STOCK turbo M57. Just nuts!
QKPWO48ynpgq53lDtFCv5G8LiebjwX7NPJ3Q=w1267-h975-no.jpg
 
  • Wow
Reactions: doublespaces