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S62 conversion with E39 M5 front susp.brakes and servotronic steering box. The best of both combined to make something special.

I've decided to go for a five this time on the basis I can't do an X5 the way I think I need to. A bit like (further back down the thread), I decided not to buy an LP12 the first time as I couldn't do it well (all I could do was buy a flogged out dodgy one from an odd character and rebuild it hoping it'd be good, and if it wasn't, I'd be over-capitalising and still no guarantee it'd 'sing')... so, in the same way, at this time an X5 is not out of the question, it's deferred. And may be a reality in a year or two.

Freshly painted feet for the M5. Posing with 8M3.

I used to get all hung up about putting the best tyres on my M3 and you know what...the Falken 452's I have on now are the best all round tyre I have had. Great price too. One day I just woke up and asked myself what am I trying to prove. My Conti's and Bridgestones lasted about 12k.

That is an interesting channel, one of his other vids does show a bit of gains for diffuser only, but way more for a flat underbody. Not too sure on viability of going flat from front to back though, center is pretty flat anyway, maybe a section over the diff/axle/suspension pocket to join up with the diffuser. would want to direct some air flow over the diff though, that gets pretty hot already. And sort out a more minimal exhaust option at the same time. Always more to do! Got it stuck together with sikaflex today, and filled the internal gaps along the 'rolled' bit. Few gaps along the bumper fitment to sort out still, plus mounting positions and hardware etc, then paint and final fitment (maybe next weekend).

Tough decisions. I bought an e53 4.4i as a tow wagon just over 18 months ago and it has quite by accident become my daily driver while I'm on and off our building site. It's a great thing to lope along in but it's a mini truck and the moment I get back in the e61 I realize that the X5 is definitely a compromise. I've only tried one e70 and wasn't blown away by how it drove - it was an early model 30d Sport and it felt sluggish with choppy, harsh suspension. Perhaps the suspension has been updated in newer models? That being said, it's not until you load it up with 2 tons of boat and gear and it performs like a mini truck should. Solid and safe.

I suspect you are right re moderators, would be interesting to know why? Anyhow The Prado's battery location is irrelevant, as mentioned it is a far more capable off road vehicle than an X5, but yes an X5 is far more capable on road.Not an apples to apples comparison. On road a 5 series is better yet again. While I can see you are enamored with your X5 a better comparison would be a Touareg a Q7/5, Cayenne or an ML even a Territory can can match an e53/70 dynamically. But comparing the handling of SUv's is a bit of a joke as even the best are dynamically well behind a good car like a 5 series and that is really the point here. Olaf enjoys driving and I just dont see how he will get that satisfaction in a boat like SUV.

I think that's a pretty extreme example. There are lots of things I'm not comfortable with the pricing around. I either choose not to buy them or find alternatives. I guess my point is that there is more than one source for these things, if you don't want to pay the asking price at the dealership you can always ask for a discount or go elsewhere.

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Something you will learn quickly with a BMW, is that unless its a basic oil change, taking it to your "local" isnt always a good idea. A good independent BMW specialist is the way to go. It may cost more in the hourly rate, but itll make up for it with a more accurate diagnosis and knowledge.

Sorry about the pictures not sure what happened there heres a few different ones

I put my e92 wheels on with new semi slicks today. Shoutout to Nan at The Bling Company for the tyres, and the lads at Autostance for fitting them to the wheels & balancing for me. 18s1 by Christian Taylor, on Flickr 18s4 by Christian Taylor, on Flickr 18s2 by Christian Taylor, on Flickr 18s3 by Christian Taylor, on Flickr