The E70 X5 is such a versatile car, it has attracted a lot of people who normally wouldn’t be your average BMW Driver. As a result of this, it doesn’t really get the same type of crowd as the smaller, more nimble cars, and that means the market for modifying them is a lot less vibrant. Ultimately, many aftermarket parts companies don’t pay any attention to the E70, at all! This can leave you, if you own one, frustrated and without ample options. Fear not, there is still hope, especially now that the E70 X5M is available!

The Big, Well-Known Tuners

The big tuners such as AC Schnitzer, Hartge, Hamann, and even 3D Design will always make a full “program” (a line of performance, aerodynamics, wheels, suspension, braking, and interior parts) for every BMW car, even though the SAV’s are made in Spartansberg South Carolina, Not Germany! Though their parts are often pretty pricey, they do sell each of them individually, and so you can purchase whatever it is you want for your E70 X5 from one of these big tuning companies. As far as suspension upgrades are concerned, the big names like H&R & KW come out with options for every single car on the market – so you should have no problems. You should also note that SOME of the parts being made for the X5M will fit your car, for example Vorsteiner’s new carbon fiber vented race hood fits the X6, X6M, X5, and X5M. This is great news, because if it weren’t for the X6M (a very sporty, enthusiast-centered car), Vorsteiner never would have made a hood for the X5!

The OEM+ Route

If the big tuner route doesn’t work, you can always opt to do subtle modifications like upgrading specific components to OEM parts from the X5M, or tastefully enhancing your original parts. For example, you could install an OEM X5M Body kit on your Non-M vehicle, or maybe the steering wheel, etc. As long as you don’t put the X5M badge on the car, it won’t be frowned upon as “posing!” » Read more: Finding BMW E70 Parts and Upgrades