Any modded X3's out there?

Hey guys, I did a search first and there sure doesn't seem to be anyone modding these cars... I have had a few BMW's over the years, and have always enjoyed modding or personalizing to my tastes. And I know, the aftermarket scene is not for everyone, but it just seems like theres NOTHING available!
LED taillights, tinted windows, maybe different wheels, exhausts, intakes, etc. And before anyone lambaste's me, I know these are all personal preferences, but I think modding can be done tastefully, while giving it a more distinct European look.
I think this looks absolutley stunning (minus the go-fast stickers, of course)...

[IMG][/IMG]

Well, that doesn't look too bad. I'm not impressed with the hoodie spoiler, but no biggie.

I think if I modded I would be more interested in the off-road approach i.e. knobbier tires, cold air intake with possible forging kit, a small winch etc. But the idea of sportifying an SUV (sigh...sAv) behooves me.

well at least someone's out there! Hey, I never said we had to lower it... raising it a couple inches is absolutely acceptable! I just got my X3 not long ago and have not had it off road at all, and quite frankly, would probably be scared to. But, having said that, with a little bit of a lift it would probably look great.
I just know, I'm all about taking a turn or an on ramp even faster than BMW intended... and by lowering you can achieve that. Post up pics! Anyone??

Start with a few times at the BMW Performance Driving School session or a Driver's School from the local BMW CCA chapter first. It allowed me to drive faster around corners without a single mod.

I'm all about practical mods, not so much appearance or visual appeal. In fact, the only purely aesthetic mod I did was to remove the airbag stickers (and I don't miss them ). Okay, perhaps the interior trim swap too.

My list:
1. Rear foglights
2. Welcome lights/parking lights
3. aspheric outside mirrors.
4. Interior trim swap

Now that I think of it, #1-3 wouldn't be a problem if I just bought my car in Europe.

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

I'm all about practical mods, not so much appearance or visual appeal. In fact, the only purely aesthetic mod I did was to remove the airbag stickers (and I don't miss them ). Okay, perhaps the interior trim swap too.

I consider something like rear fogs lights a very cool mod! I have had Mercedes and Volvo's over the years and have never understood why BMW disables the rear fogs in the US?
I suppose other than those American's who don't really understand the purpose of them. It has always cracked me up when you see the oldmobile aurora's that had them for a couple years and the guys would be driving down the road on a clear sunny afternoon with them on.
I have always wanted to retro fit, but have been scared away by the amount of effort involved...

Originally Posted by rick chi-town-2

[IMG][/IMG]

It does look real nice (without the extra spoiler) I wonder if the right side tips are just for the looks. Seems nearly impossible to fit and extra exhaust on that side. But it looks hot.

I would go on the chip (software) reflash way, like the DINAN, and I would throw a CAI and a bigger TB. Maybe some headers and remove the CAT!
I kind of like the staggered look as well

X3-terr, I agree... I think the right side exhaust is a little much, as well as that extra spoiler. Body kit's are ok sometimes... But on this particular car, I love the wheel/tire set-up and the fact that it's been lowered. I wouldn't do much else in the way of useless cosmetic pieces. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that I just wish there was more of an appreciation for this particular BMW in the aftermarket world.

I wonder if the extra spoiler helps keep the window clean?

george allan

I so want that 18" style 323 shown in X1 page of BMW website.

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicle.../exterior.html

Just click on wheel in those small pics.

Originally Posted by T1T2GRE

I think if I modded I would be more interested in the off-road approach i.e. knobbier tires, cold air intake with possible forging kit, a small winch etc. But the idea of sportifying an SUV (sigh...sAv) behooves me.

Then this would be right up your alley...

http://www.hartge.de/e/offroad_galerie_4819.html

I agree that there isn't much of a modding craze with the x3.
I personally did some aestetic things to my car...
1. Debadged
2. Black'd out front grill
3. Smoked side markers
4. Aluminum running boards
5. 19' VMR vb710 rims
6. Blackline taillights
7. Xenon fogs
8. Chrome exhaust tips

I will post pics later...

I agree that there isn't much of a modding craze with the x3.
I personally did some aestetic things to my car...
1. Debadged
2. Black'd out front grill
3. Smoked side markers
4. Aluminum running boards
5. 19' VMR vb710 rims
6. Blackline taillights
7. Xenon fogs
8. Chrome exhaust tips

I will post pics later...

Originally Posted by jis487

I agree that there isn't much of a modding craze with the x3.
I personally did some aestetic things to my car...
1. Debadged
2. Black'd out front grill
3. Smoked side markers
4. Aluminum running boards
5. 19' VMR vb710 rims
6. Blackline taillights
7. Xenon fogs
8. Chrome exhaust tips

I will post pics later...

Lets see some pics!! These are all the mod's I'm talking about! I ordered by blackline taillights today (I gave up on trying to retrofit the '07 and newer tails), and I want to do the grill too... Pics please!!

i'm happy how my X3 is, OEM!

You can show off your BMW on cardomain.com. Just start your own webpage!

Originally Posted by toinkee69

i'm happy how my X3 is, OEM!

I too have been happy with OEM after fixing some AT issues (resetting the AT memory was all that was required - now smooth as) but after 3 years ownership had to freshen her up as I intend keeping the X3 now the lease is out. Added GPS to the top console bin, Bluetooth and DICE iPod interface. Then added some smart electronics to boost power and torque considerably . . . one advantage of diesels - this is easy to do

there are not many modded x3's out there, but its a good thing to be unique and classy

Originally Posted by DarrenMc32

Then this would be right up your alley...

http://www.hartge.de/e/offroad_galerie_4819.html

I will be doing this to a 04 2.5 in 2014 when they aren't worth diddle squat.

Here you go- some exterior mods i have done so far.

I like the blackline taillights, but what kind of headlamp bulbs are you using? HID headlights without proper aim and a projector bulb can be blinding to oncoming traffic. They should have a sharp cutoff below others' eye level.

I can't see the picture for some reason, but I'd like to get rid of the orange front bumper side marker. Does anyone know where I could get a clear of smoked one?

My X3 is '07 without SP.

Car looks fantastic! I really like the aluminum running boards, although I have the M-sport trim package which I really like too... How does it ride with the 19's on it? Mine's really firm with the factory 18's, but the 19's look really good. Do you have any good websites that sell aftermarket parts for the X3 by chance? Thanks for posting pics!

jis487, very nice X3, love those tail light.

I'm a hardcore tuning guy, coming from VW tuning world. I plan to do some mods on my X3 also. I see that KW has some Coilovers for the X3, and i'll be looking at some OEM 19'' or 20'' wheels.

I'd like to find a CAI, but dont seem to find any, and will get a custom catback installed.

One thing might stop me from doing mechanical mods, is the warranty, I know Mini was VERY picky with aftermarket mods(if it was not John Cooper Works mods), so BMW is probably the same way.

Originally Posted by DarrenMc32

Then this would be right up your alley...

http://www.hartge.de/e/offroad_galerie_4819.html

Heh. Yeah. I saw that some time back. Pretty awesome. I have no delusions of off-road grandeur, but the E83 is not terrible for minor trail use, and I think some tweaks could make it a bit more heavy-duty.

The Hartge, unfortunately, IIRC, had a slushbox though . Ugh. It's tough just finding knobbies for the X.

I was thinking 1) slightly more aggressive tires (for offroad) 2) CAI 3) tiny winch (precisely because the X is NOT an offroad monster this would be logical) 4) additional lighting.

Originally Posted by jis487

I agree that there isn't much of a modding craze with the x3.
I personally did some aestetic things to my car...
1. Debadged
2. Black'd out front grill
3. Smoked side markers
4. Aluminum running boards
5. 19' VMR vb710 rims
6. Blackline taillights
7. Xenon fogs
8. Chrome exhaust tips

I will post pics later...

So how does one black out the grill? That's the one mod I might consider.