The BMW X5 is one of those cars that can do it all. It’s a family-friendly luxury SUV that still drives with the performance known in BMWs. A comfortable, powerful BMW is a great car out of the box, but for a lot of enthusiasts, you know that stock doesn’t quite cut it.
You might be looking to sharpen up the look, make it sound the way it should’ve from the factory, or simply add some personal touches that set it apart from every other X5 on the road.
The good news? The X5 platform - across all generations from the E70 and F85 to the latest G05 and G05 LCI - has a huge range of quality aftermarket parts available.
We’ve got all the best styling and performance mods that will actually make a difference to your X5 all within this article, so you don’t have to search any further for your missing piece.
Aftermarket Parts for All Generations
The BMW X5 has evolved massively over the years, but one thing that’s stayed consistent is its upgrade potential.
At GCA, we stock a range of parts for all models of X5 including:
Every part we discuss in this article is stocked by GCA and is built to OEM spec for a clean fit and finish.
Exterior Styling Mods for the BMW X5
One of the simplest ways to make your BMW X5 feel more yours and special is by upgrading some of the exterior styling. These changes not only help your SUV stand out, but they can tie together the entire BMW aesthetic with a few simple tweaks.
Whether you’re chasing a clean OEM+ look or something with a bit more aggression, this is where to start.
Front Grilles (Single Slat, Dual Slat & M-Performance Styles)
Every BMW has a “face”, and nothing changes that more than the front grille. Swapping to a single-slat or M-Performance-style grille can completely refresh the look of your car.
Front grilles come in a variety of styles that can suit different models.
The most popular among G05 & G05 LCI models are single slat grilles or carbon M-performance grilles.
If you’re driving an older F85/F86 X5M model, the dual-slat grille helps modernize the front end of your car.
All GCA grilles are direct replacements, meaning no cutting or modification is needed, making it one of those quick afternoon jobs that makes a huge visual impact.
Front Lips & Splitters
A front lip gives your X5 that lower, meaner stance that BMW should’ve delivered from the factory. Beyond the looks, it also improves the aerodynamics by managing airflow under the bumper.
Carbon fiber front lips like the S-Style or M-Performance designs are the go-to choice for the newer G05 LCI models.
If you’ve got a pre-LCI G05, you can go for something like a 3D-Style lip, which is clean and aggressive without being too flashy.
Side Skirts & Rear Diffusers
Adding carbon side skirts gives your X5 a more planted, wide-body look while tying in other carbon details. They’re subtle when viewed from above but completely change the car’s profile when you see it on the road.
A carbon fiber diffuser is one of the most popular upgrades for the rear of an X5 among owners. Beyond looking incredible, it can help with airflow and makes the car look lower at the back, giving a modern look to any X5.
The latest G05 LCI M-Performance-style diffusers pair perfectly with valved exhaust systems, while older F95 LD-style versions even include integrated LED brake lights.
Both of these upgrades help give your BMW a sleek lower look.
Spoilers
The X5’s body shape suits a subtle carbon fiber spoiler to give a touch of sleekness to the car. SUV’s aren’t typically built for spoilers, but with the right addition, you can easily enhance your car's look in minutes.
An S-style spoiler on a G05 or F95, for example, adds a sporty touch to the car that doesn’t look out of place and gives an aggressive look to your X5.
But if you prefer something more subtle, a smaller carbon fiber lip will give a clean OEM+ finish.
Mirror Caps & Trim Details
You can’t underestimate the effect of small details. Carbon fiber mirror caps might not add horsepower, but they instantly lift the look of your X5.
They’re an affordable way to create a consistent, performance-focused aesthetic when paired with other carbon fiber upgrades (like grilles or diffusers).
Installation is simple, with the caps clipping on using factory mounts. This means no special tools or drilling is needed and you can add this to your car in minutes.
Performance Mods for the BMW X5
Looks are great, but most BMW owners aren’t satisfied until the car sounds and performs the way it should.
Even for a luxury SUV like the BMW X5, there are a variety of performance upgrades that will simply bolt on to existing mounts, helping take this car to the next level.
Valved Sport Exhaust Systems
This is the mod that brings your X5 to life.
A valved sport exhaust system gives you control over how your car sounds. With the click of a button you can go from quiet and refined for the daily drive, to loud and aggressive when you open it up.
For the BMW X5 range, GCA’s valved systems are designed for direct OEM fitment, offering an improved exhaust flow and that deep BMW growl we know you’re after.
Going the extra mile and pairing the exhaust with a carbon diffuser doesn’t just look incredible - it makes your whole rear end sound and feel the way it was meant to.
Downpipes & Front Race Pipes
If you’re really after that track performance (and sound), upgrading your downpipes is where the real gains start.
BMW X5 Downpipes reduce backpressure and improve the exhaust flow, which means your turbo will spool faster, and your throttle response will go through the roof.
It’s an upgrade that will set you back a little more money, but if it’s pure performance you’re after it’s a no brainer.
Just make sure you’re aware of your local emissions regulations - these are performance parts designed for off-road or track use and may not be allowed in your area.
Air Intakes & Charge Pipes
Turbocharged engines work best with cold, denser air, and that’s where a proper intake setup can make all the difference.
Upgrading your air intake system will help your engine breath better, helping with your throttle response as making your car sound that little bit louder.
For the newer M60i and X5M models, pairing a front mount air intake with an upgraded charge pipe kit ensures reliability under higher boost pressures and smoother power delivery.
Intercoolers
A lot of these performance upgrades sort of flow on from one another, and once you start pushing more power and airflow, heat management becomes a crucial consideration.
A high-performance intercooler keeps your intake temps down and prevents heat soak during heavier driving sessions.
It’s one of those mods that often gets overlooked as it doesn’t really show much on the surface, but it makes a big difference in how the car feels, especially on warmer days or longer drives.
Lighting Upgrades
Lighting is often overlooked, but a new set of headlights or taillights can totally modernize your X5.
For the newer G05 LCI, CSL-style headlights with yellow DRL modules are a standout upgrade. They bring that M-car aggression to the front end and really pop against darker paintwork.
On the other hand, upgrading to LCI-style taillights for older G05/F95 models gives your SUV a more refined, current look without needing a full conversion.
Both options are plug-and-play and built to OEM spec, so installation is hassle-free.
So, Which Mod Should You Get First?
That ultimately depends on what you want from your BMW X5.
If it’s a little more style you’re chasing, a front grille is a great place to start. They’re affordable, easy to install and will instantly change the look of your car.
If you’re after performance and sound, and budget isn’t an issue, it’s hard to go past a valved exhaust system. These will transform your car’s personality and set the stage for future upgrades.
Whatever your decision, check our GCA’s BMW X5 collections to see if we have the part you’re looking for.
