G05
BMW X5
560VIEWS
16REPLIES
17APPRECIATES
7ACTIVE PEOPLE
05-15-2026LAST POST
05-02-2026
Hi all,

Just picked up a new-to-me 2021 X5 M50i in Davit Grey. Figured I’d finally make a post.

Spec & Background:
  • Davit Grey Metallic
  • White custom Milano leather interior
  • Executive Package
  • Bowers & Wilkins sound system
  • One previous owner
  • Picked it up at 29,000 miles
Honestly, this felt like a steal for the condition and spec. It’s been a garage princess the past ~4.5 years.

Current Mods / Changes:
  • Front lip installed
  • Carbon fiber steering wheel trim
  • Magnetic carbon fiber paddle shifters
  • M1 / M2 button upgrades
  • Carbon fiber mirror caps + fender trim (non-X5M badged — avoiding up-badge cringe)
  • Coded via OBD + BimmerCode (custom ambient lighting setups)
  • 11-mode exhaust flap controller (plug & play)
Also came with PPF on the front (grille + hood) and tint all around.

The ambient lighting paired with the Sky Lounge + B&W setup completely transforms the car at night — easily one of my favorite parts of ownership so far.

The exhaust controller has also been a solid addition. It’s simple plug-and-play, but makes a noticeable difference when you want something more than the stock exhaust. Definitely adds extra character.

Planned Mods / Next Phase:
  • H&R sport springs
  • Spacers: 15mm front / 20mm rear
  • X5M-style trunk spoiler. I’ll likely go with one that’s gloss black to match rear trim. This way I could avoid the paint match hassle. Any plugs for this piece would be greatly appreciated!
Exhaust Direction:
One of my biggest gripes is how the factory quad exhaust sits tucked behind the OEM casing. I’ve seen people add on exhaust tips but hate the diameter size of these and I laugh at the fact that they look like googly eyes. Has anyone else found a simple solution? I believe the easiest way to solve this, while also providing a sound upgrade, would be:
  • Resonator delete
  • X-pipe setup
  • Vibrant Ultra Quiet resonators
  • 3” inlet → quad 4” tips
For sound, I’d like to keep it aggressive and clean without going raspy or “ricer” sounding — if anyone has a setup like this, would appreciate feedback on tone and drone.

Power Mods – Need Input:
The N63 in this platform already puts a smile on my face and honestly comes with just enough power. For the size of the vehicle, it moves incredibly well — every passenger I’ve had in the car is genuinely surprised by how quick it feels and how much it digs. I’ve had 4 fully grown men, along with 4 sets of clubs in the boot and draggy had my launch at a 4.1.
Although, that said… I’m already itching for a bit more.
I’ve been looking into:
  • GTS Black RaceChip — seeing some solid claims, but not a ton of real-world data for this platform
  • FEMTO unlock + tune — seems like the proper route, but also more involved
Has anyone here run the RaceChip GTS Black on the M50i? Does it actually deliver, or does it leave you wanting more?

Trying to figure out if it’ll scratch the itch or if I should just commit to a full tune. However, the Femto unlock sounds like a hassle…

Conclusion:
Overall, absolutely loving the car so far. It’s outstanding for a daily driver. It’s a great balance of comfort, luxury, tech, and performance — but like most of us, I’m already thinking about what I can do next.

Photos below — appreciate any feedback and insight. Thanks yall.

Cheers!
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05-02-2026
Looks great!! That B&W does add a nice look to the interior. Do the side vents you switched to have clips to replace the old style or just double sided tape. Link??
05-02-2026
d_v_o_1 wrote
Looks great!! That B&W does add a nice look to the interior. Do the side vents you switched to have clips to replace the old style or just double sided tape. Link??
Here you are my friend: https://europremiumparts.com/products/bmw-x5-g05-side-grills-m-look-2018-to-2022?variant=48695708254538&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21405160226&gbraid=0AAAAAopr531l4BPx2y1AzZWF6KLbwUBAi&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy7iX5pSblAMVJR9ECB37jiYMEAQYASABEgJQs_D_BwE
05-06-2026
Those interior shots and colors are amazing.
05-08-2026
Wowowowow looks great!
05-08-2026
How did you add the M1 and M2 buttons? Do they work?
05-11-2026
Lebbros wrote
How did you add the M1 and M2 buttons? Do they work?
Interested as well….
05-11-2026
Lebbros wrote
How did you add the M1 and M2 buttons? Do they work?
bake wrote
Interested as well….
There are a few different kits online. Installation involves removing airbag, new steering wheel trim and wiring within the steering wheel and center consol. Tons of threads and videos online for assistance.

The buttons cycle through driving modes. My automatic drive mode is comfort. So one push of the m1 button puts me in sports plus or one push of the m2 button puts me in eco. I find them incredibly useful and use them each time I’m behind the wheel.
05-11-2026
tbls wrote
Hi all,

Just picked up a new-to-me 2021 X5 M50i in Davit Grey. Figured I’d finally make a post.

Spec & Background:
  • Davit Grey Metallic
  • White custom Milano leather interior
  • Executive Package
  • Bowers & Wilkins sound system
  • One previous owner
  • Picked it up at 29,000 miles
Honestly, this felt like a steal for the condition and spec. It’s been a garage princess the past ~4.5 years.

Current Mods / Changes:
  • Front lip installed
  • Carbon fiber steering wheel trim
  • Magnetic carbon fiber paddle shifters
  • M1 / M2 button upgrades
  • Carbon fiber mirror caps + fender trim (non-X5M badged — avoiding up-badge cringe)
  • Coded via OBD + BimmerCode (custom ambient lighting setups)
  • 11-mode exhaust flap controller (plug & play)
Also came with PPF on the front (grille + hood) and tint all around.

The ambient lighting paired with the Sky Lounge + B&W setup completely transforms the car at night — easily one of my favorite parts of ownership so far.

The exhaust controller has also been a solid addition. It’s simple plug-and-play, but makes a noticeable difference when you want something more than the stock exhaust. Definitely adds extra character.

Planned Mods / Next Phase:
  • H&R sport springs
  • Spacers: 15mm front / 20mm rear
  • X5M-style trunk spoiler. I’ll likely go with one that’s gloss black to match rear trim. This way I could avoid the paint match hassle. Any plugs for this piece would be greatly appreciated!
Exhaust Direction:
One of my biggest gripes is how the factory quad exhaust sits tucked behind the OEM casing. I’ve seen people add on exhaust tips but hate the diameter size of these and I laugh at the fact that they look like googly eyes. Has anyone else found a simple solution? I believe the easiest way to solve this, while also providing a sound upgrade, would be:
  • Resonator delete
  • X-pipe setup
  • Vibrant Ultra Quiet resonators
  • 3” inlet → quad 4” tips
For sound, I’d like to keep it aggressive and clean without going raspy or “ricer” sounding — if anyone has a setup like this, would appreciate feedback on tone and drone.

Power Mods – Need Input:
The N63 in this platform already puts a smile on my face and honestly comes with just enough power. For the size of the vehicle, it moves incredibly well — every passenger I’ve had in the car is genuinely surprised by how quick it feels and how much it digs. I’ve had 4 fully grown men, along with 4 sets of clubs in the boot and draggy had my launch at a 4.1.
Although, that said… I’m already itching for a bit more.
I’ve been looking into:
  • GTS Black RaceChip — seeing some solid claims, but not a ton of real-world data for this platform
  • FEMTO unlock + tune — seems like the proper route, but also more involved
Has anyone here run the RaceChip GTS Black on the M50i? Does it actually deliver, or does it leave you wanting more?

Trying to figure out if it’ll scratch the itch or if I should just commit to a full tune. However, the Femto unlock sounds like a hassle…

Conclusion:
Overall, absolutely loving the car so far. It’s outstanding for a daily driver. It’s a great balance of comfort, luxury, tech, and performance — but like most of us, I’m already thinking about what I can do next.

Photos below — appreciate any feedback and insight. Thanks yall.

Cheers!
Are those interior pics enhanced at all? My sky lounge lights on the pano moon roof is not nearly that bright even in total darkness and the brightness turned all the way up. Not even remotely close to your pics.
05-11-2026
2025G0540i wrote
Are those interior pics enhanced at all? My sky lounge lights on the pano moon roof is not nearly that bright even in total darkness and the brightness turned all the way up. Not even remotely close to your pics.
No, the photos are not enhanced. Taken on iPhone 17. Are you using the stock ambient presets? Perhaps you can code in different RGB color sets that have more alumination? Most of my RGBs are not stock.
05-12-2026
Upload more pics of the front lip in better lighting.

The gloss black and Davit grey compliment each other well
05-14-2026
tbls wrote
No, the photos are not enhanced. Taken on iPhone 17. Are you using the stock ambient presets? Perhaps you can code in different RGB color sets that have more alumination? Most of my RGBs are not stock.
I haven't coded anything. Didn't know that was possible.
05-14-2026
tbls wrote
No, the photos are not enhanced. Taken on iPhone 17. Are you using the stock ambient presets? Perhaps you can code in different RGB color sets that have more alumination? Most of my RGBs are not stock.
You can code one different color with BimmerCode. That would be changing out the Bronze option to a color of your choice. I have replaced this with yellow. I also use one of my hard button to make a shortcut to the color choices.
05-14-2026
Completely understand with the mods; super fun to do and what a great enjoyment. My favorite cosmetic mod; is the X5M roof spoiler with a paint match. It really makes a difference.
05-14-2026
BruinMan wrote
Completely understand with the mods; super fun to do and what a great enjoyment. My favorite cosmetic mod; is the X5M roof spoiler with a paint match. It really makes a difference.
Will you please share the link to the X5M roof spoiler you purchased?
05-15-2026
tbls wrote
Will you please share the link to the X5M roof spoiler you purchased?
I had a BMW autobody shop purchase the OEM roof spoiler and paint match. I did the installation myself. Before and after photos.
An image attached to this post, provided by the posterAn image attached to this post, provided by the poster
05-15-2026
BruinMan wrote
I had a BMW autobody shop purchase the OEM roof spoiler and paint match. I did the installation myself. Before and after photos.
Looks excellent. I think this will have to be my text tasteful modification.