Kind of spur of the moment, only a few days ago I stepped into my new black bmw, something I've wanted since I was a teen. I'm new to sedans, coming from owning a lifted pick-up to a lowered suv, and now this.

I'm curious what trim package this is, but just peeled off the pinstriping. The rims are 15" and are 5-spoke. I have chrome weather stripping around the windows. Other chrome accents are around the front grill and exhaust tips. The headlights have amber sider reflectors. Did they remove that with the newer models?

The only big improvements I want to make are tint the windows, replace the weather-stripping (maybe) to black, and fill out the wheel wells.

My big question relates to wheels and suspension, and encourage any suggestions. In effort to minimize the wheel gap, should I simply resize my rim/tire combination OR purchase lower suspension along with the rim/tire combo? Any resources for internet shopping?

My other question is grocery shopping. What tips do you have to keep items from falling all over the place?

Thanks.

15s on a 2005 530? hmm hopefully you meant 18s. At any rate, you'd better post a pic to get the whole 4-1-1 on the pkg.

As for modding the suspension, I don't recommend it, unless you go with one of the big (read: expensive) names, like ACS, Hamann, etc. Either way, I'd get the rims first and then see whether you need to mod the suspension.

Good luck!

do they look like this?if so there 18's.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/maaeco6969/DSC00190.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/maaeco6969/DSC00187.jpg

yep these are 18s. I have the same rims on mine.

No way they are 15's, 15's would probably not clear the calipers. I just did some research and 2004-2005 525i's were available with 16's, but they were not 5 spokes. Go with 19's or 20's if you are going to upgrade, I went with 19's just from a performance standpoint, however, I think 20's with a -1.5" spring looks the best.

accessories.bmwusa.com/Assets/Images/5_Ext_StarSpoke138.jpg

I can't post a pic cuz i'm a newbie.

I must have still had the new car buzz feeling when I read 15"

It supposed to be 17". I will have to check.
Thanks for your tips.

My latest mod was to remove the 530i badging. I will put it on the dust cover under the hood.

Just out of curiosity, did you remove the 530i badge with dental floss and a hairdryer? I'm mildy curious about de-badging my 05.

Barry

It would have to be some strong dental floss!
Careful with the hairdryer.
Rather I let it face direct sunlight for half the day. Then with alot wiggling, I pried it off with my fingers. Then carefully peeled off as much of the foam tape with my nails, and wd40 the rest. quick polish and wax and that's it.
If you get a plastic knife might help.