Tuning a BMW X5 SUV involves a comprehensive or partial change in the appearance of the vehicle. Many car owners of this German brand resort to this type of transformation. The wide popularity of tuning is associated with the desire for high comfort and individuality. No one will argue that the BMW X5 is a symbol of stylish, dynamic and comfortable life. Moreover, every owner of this car has something unattainable in his imagination. To correct the situation, you can resort to tuning the car.
Limitless tuning possibilities
Tuning the BMW X5 is so diverse that almost any idea can be realized. This car model is designed for styling, so it can be easily transformed to achieve the desired results. Cars of this brand are usually tuned with dynamic and stylish elements that give the SUV a more aggressive and exclusive look.
The BMW X5 SUV in the e53 body appeared on the market in 1999. It became the first SUV in the history of the brand. The car is designed to drive on any road thanks to independent suspension on all wheels, permanent all-wheel drive and high ground clearance.
The BMW X5 E53 is in fairly high demand among motorists. The popularity is due to a rich list of advantages.
Replacing conventional stabilizers with a sports version
BMW X5 F15 cars have a relatively soft suspension. However, for lovers of aggressive, fast driving, this solution is not always suitable. That is why owners install sports versions of stabilizers labeled ARC.
The procedure for replacing conventional stabilizers with sports ones deserves special attention. It includes the following main steps:
- we install the car on a lift or on an inspection hole and a jack at the same time;
- we disconnect the front spar and the radiator casing - to do this, you need to push it forward by pressing it up with a jack (during the installation process, you need to check the correct location of the mounting pads);
- unscrew nut No. 8 and disconnect strut No. 7 from the anti-roll bar itself;
- unscrew the left joint of the transverse arm of the car suspension;
- push the shock absorber strut forward - this will make it easy to pull the stabilizer out of its seat.
Installation of new stabilizers is carried out in strictly reverse order.
Tuning the restyled version
In 2004, BMW restyled the SUV, making a number of vehicle upgrades. Two years later, the second generation of the SUV appeared in the E70 body. The new generation has become longer and wider. A characteristic feature was the improved hood, which smoothly merges into the radiator grille. The unique shape of the headlights always attracts attention. The interior is very spacious, luxuriously finished and ergonomic.
With the advent of the second generation of the SUV, a wave of successful and striking tuning projects based on the BMW X5 began. Among them, the most striking are the X5 Falcone from AC Schnitzer, Hartge Hunter, BMW X5 Flash from Hamann and G-Power Typhoon.
World-famous car modernization studios squeezed an extra 170 hp out of the 4.8-liter engine. New body kits are also installed, emphasizing the sporty style of the car.
Tuning front and rear lights
The optics alone in a car can seriously improve the appearance of the car. You can make a special tint, but the headlights will shine normally, and the appearance will be seriously transformed. But tuning the optics will also cost money, especially tinting the headlights will be expensive - 20,000 rubles. And tinting the rear lights itself is simple, so it won’t cost much - only 4,000 rubles.
The job of tinting headlights is expensive because you have to disassemble the headlights and tint the reflector. And on the taillights, it’s enough just to tint the glass with a special film.
Some people use a special varnish instead of a tint film.
You can still work on the appearance - paint or airbrush if you have enough money, and you can also cover the car with high-quality vinyl.
External tuning of BMW X5
External tuning of the BMW X5 E53 involves changing the appearance of the body in order to obtain a certain result. For this purpose, an aerodynamic body kit is usually installed, including:
- thresholds;
- spoiler;
- bumpers;
- bumper covers, etc.
Another very popular part of exterior tuning are air intakes that are mounted on the hood or roof of the vehicle. This is an important element of tuning the BMW X5 E53 SUV.
Wheels and tires
Separately, it should be said about wheel rims, since no one today can imagine high-quality auto tuning without replacing them. A wide selection of wheel rim models gives all car owners the opportunity to choose the best option.
Tires are considered an important part of external tuning. Powerful, high-quality tires not only give the car a menacing and unique look, but also improve handling characteristics. The safety of the driver and passengers depends on the quality of tires.
Xenon and backlight
Another fairly popular component of the external tuning of the BMW X5 E53 is xenon headlights. They create brighter light with a suitable shade (blue, red, green, etc.). This styling allows you to attract more attention to the vehicle.
As for external tuning, one cannot help but recall neon lamps. A car with such lighting never goes unnoticed on the roads. The car stands out from the stream of other vehicles on the roads.
Airbrush
You can make your car unique using airbrushing. It involves drawing an image in any style of any complexity. These external tuning elements minimize the risk of vehicle theft, since airbrushing is always noticeable.
Body kit
The standard BMW X5 E53 body kit includes the following elements:
- rear bumper trims;
- front bumper;
- bumper grille;
- arch extensions;
- glass spoiler;
- towbar hatch;
- fog lights;
- spoiler and more.
Installing a heated steering wheel
It is worth noting: earlier, in versions before the restyling of the BMW X5, the initially installed heated steering wheel was relatively common. But the option was present only on some models: steering wheels with four spokes, square inside. These models looked like this:
Many car owners do not like this kind of solution. Many people believe that a three-spoke steering wheel looks more stylish and attractive. Example in the photo:
A similar solution presented above does not require heating. The reason for this decision is to reduce the total cost of the car in order to increase sales. The approximate cost of a heated steering wheel is $300. The steering wheel installation procedure itself includes the following main steps:
- You need to use a flat-blade screwdriver to unclip the retaining clips - this will allow you to completely remove the lower plastic panel;
- Next, carefully use your hand to feel the clips holding the cushion in place - after disconnecting, the steering wheel seat will visually look like this:
- the procedure is performed in a similar way on the other side;
According to the manufacturer's instructions, there is no need to dismantle the leather upholstery. After removing all unnecessary parts, the seat visually looks like this:
In addition to replacing the steering wheel itself, you will also need to replace the cable - since it supplies power to the heating itself. The best solution is to remove the entire volute along with the steering column switches.
To route the cable, you will also need to remove the glove compartment - you also need to disconnect the fuse holder.
The heating process itself is carried out by a special relay - it is presented below in the picture:
Regardless of the configuration, there is a seat for this component. The final version looks like this:
The assembly procedure is carried out in reverse order. After switching on, the steering wheel began to gradually heat up - this indicates that the design was assembled correctly. If one of the fuses in the block burns out, you should check the circuit for breakdown. Perhaps there is contact with the body somewhere.
Moreover, the design of the interior electronics is almost completely identical on gasoline engines and diesel cars.
Internal tuning of BMW X5 E53
Internal tuning involves a set of measures to modernize the interior, sound insulation and installation of a multimedia system. The possibilities for internal tuning have almost no limits.
Basically, for internal tuning of a German SUV, the following elements are used:
- modernized stylish steering wheels;
- sports seats;
- multi-point belts;
- exclusive rugs;
- gear lever handles;
- pads on the pedals;
- coolant temperature indicators;
- engine oil pressure and temperature indicators, etc.
When tuning the interior, the seats are rarely changed entirely. Mostly, owners of relatively new cars order reupholstery. Velor, leather, nappa, and Alcantara are often used for interior decoration. Also, during internal tuning, you can use various decorative elements that successfully emphasize the unique design.
Tuning BMW X5 E53: interior improvement
When tuning the interior, you can cover all the panels with carbon fiber or make them look like wood, whichever you prefer. But carbon looks more stylish. The salon will immediately look modern.
The chairs are covered with new leather, or you can look for chairs in more or less good condition at disassembly. You can come up with something with the ceiling - a black ceiling looks great. You can also install a modern audio system in the car; there are various radios, displays, etc.
Curtains will also look great, and if you want, you can also install a refrigerator. But as a rule, it rarely comes to this. Who needs this extra comfort in a boy's car?
Body tuning, body kits
Of course, many people, when they hear the word “tuning”, will think first of all about the parts of the body kit, and they will be right. We have many items in our assortment that can add variety to the appearance of a car.
- Rear and front bumpers.
- Ready-made body kits in a single style solution.
- Thresholds of different configurations.
- Accent stripes.
- Radiator grilles and decorative elements.
This is only a small part of what we are ready to offer for car restyling.
Chip tuning
The firmware of the electronic control unit is referred to as chip tuning. This procedure allows you to solve the following main problems:
- increase in engine power;
- reduction in fuel consumption.
One of the most popular solutions is Stage 1 from Reborn Technologies. Moreover, a Stage 2 solution is available – but it necessarily requires physical modifications to the car. Regardless of the order of operation, it will be necessary to read the factory firmware from the engine control unit. For this, a special connector is used - OBD II type.
Power gain when using the first type of firmware:
- with 249 hp up to 330 hp (+81 hp);
- from 620 N×m to 750 N×m (+130 hp).
But it should be noted that each car has its own characteristics. Therefore, there may be some differences related to the year of manufacture and installed additional equipment. Before contacting any company for tuning, be sure to read reviews about the company. Making changes to the electronic engine control unit has its own subtleties and nuances.
If you wish, you can perform any other work on the car yourself: replace headlights, install thresholds. A large number of different components, original parts and parts from third-party manufacturers are on sale.
First generation features
The BMW X5 E53 was produced between 1999 and 2006. This sports car model is characterized by a two-part rear door and electronics from the E39 5 Series. In an all-wheel drive sedan, sixty percent of the torque is allocated to the rear wheels, a characteristic characteristic of rear-wheel drive models.
After 2004, production of a restyled version of the car began, with new headlights, a body design in several fresh colors, an updated all-wheel drive system and an improved engine. Such details refreshed and added aggressiveness to the SUV. The body kit was also modified, the lower part of the bumper was painted in body color. The model was equipped with twenty-inch wheels and four chrome exhaust pipes.
