It seems modified BMWs have been growing in numbers over the years, both in performance and in quantity. Beyond the recent spike in E30 desire, ultimate driving machines of all shapes and sizes seem to be cropping up in greater frequency than ever before. While Washington is home to a pretty wild collection of exotics, we also run with some of the finest German-built specimens around, whether they’re in factory form or ready for battle. Among those running the streets & making a name for themselves are the two M-variants that dropped by our shop recently for some special treatment.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
Managing two cars from one client is something we’re pretty familiar with, but typically in a multi-car situation, we’re handling a fleet or a couple promo vehicles over the course of a month or two. In this case, we set to freshen up two tastefully customized daily drivers & and show them some love in our photo studio in just a few days time. The vehicles in question? A silver 2013 BMW X5M & a white 2008 M6, sporting the proper 3-pedal setup.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
Both cars would be receiving relatively extensive details, with the X5M in for a Premier Package & a bit of customized paint protection, and the M6 getting the full Fanatic Detail treatment. With the M6 up first & needing a majority of our attention, we positioned the lift in the wash bay and set to work on the first stages of the Fanatic.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
While up on the lift, we pulled the large DPE Wheels of the M6 to gain access to the wells and blast out all the grime from behind the bumpers and scrubbed down the suspension components, before moving on to the rest of the undercarriage & degreasing the engine bay. In the meantime, the wheels were cleaned and then sealed inside and out to prevent any damage caused by brake pad dusting or road grime.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
Once the first stages of the Fanatic on the M6 had been taken care of, we moved her deeper into the shop and brought in the X5M to begin the Premier detail. Similar to the Fanatic, the Premier Package features a rather extensive hand wash but doesn’t involve as much extensive undercarriage cleaning or engine bay work.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
After the bath, it was time to elevate the X5 and pull the wheels for cleaning & coating before Mike could begin the decontamination process & start the first stage of correction.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
In the meantime, Solo was working hard on the M6’s 3-stage paint correction & taking extra care in polishing up the Vorsteiner carbon fiber front lip.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
As work progressed, George began the interior reconditioning process for both vehicles by vacuuming & steam cleaning all the carpets, brushing down every nook & cranny, cleaning the the steering wheels, and really going going to work with the hot water extraction system before conditioning the leathers and vinyl.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
In no time Mike had worked his way around the X5M and Olive came by for a quality inspection. On top of a wooly correction and 2 additional treatments of polish, our Premier package include a heavy coat of wax to create a perfect level of protection and shine.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
Back on the M6, the rear carbon fiber valance and tips of the ASR Gen2. cat-back exhaust system were looking like new again after a bit of polishing.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
To round out the reconditioning treatment on the X5M, we opted to keep some of our hard work protected with a fresh piece of XPEL Ultimate paint protection film on the Vorsteiner CF front spoiler and factory air dams. On top of the services rendered, this particular client requested that we take some extra time to get friendly with the pair in our cyclorama / photo studio space. Personal vehicle photo sessions aren’t something we advertise explicitly, but it is one of the many “secret menu” services we offer to select clientele. Typically we’re only working with one subject, but in this case it was asked that we create some compositions of both vehicles together, as well as separately.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
It’s tricky business shooting two cars at once in tight spaces, so while the M6 took the spotlight for a minute, the X5M waited patiently outside the shop.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
The M6 is a nice combination of minimal modifications combined with an extra bump in power. The list of carbon additions on this car is lengthy, from the hood, to the front & rear diffusers, mirror caps, side “M” grills, roundels, and so on. If you look close enough between the slats of the Vorsteiner hood, you can even spot a beefy carbon Dinan cold air intake. Beyond the aesthetic improvements, an upgraded Dinan pulley kit & Evolve Alpha N-Software really get things moving.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
The look comes together well with the help of some 20 inch DPE S7 wheels in a satin black finish, sporting 20x9s up front & 20×11 in the rear.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
Around the back, the freshly polished tips of the ASR exhaust system look right at home tucked under the rear CF valance. The carbon trunk spoiler ties the body lines of the 6 together beautifully, and makes this big body coupe even more aggressive looking than before.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
Like we mentioned above, this M6 isn’t working with flappy paddles or an indecisive slushbox. The 6-speed is put to work with a Dinan pedal setup & the UUC short shift kit makes gear selection quick and deliberate. The interior is also treated with an upgraded Dinan carpet kit, JleviSW interior LEDs, carbon iDrive knob and wheel roundel.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
Even with the collection of carbon fiber accoutrements, massive DPE wheels and Vorsteiner aerodynamic modifications, the BMW design language is still strong with these two. Though they both serve different purposes for their driver; they’re a dynamic duo that wear the “M” badge well, and offer a great example of how an owner’s personal taste in customization can add personality to a vehicle without going overboard or really altering the origins of the car.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
The X5M isn’t all flash & no fast, either. While it might not have power like the M6 is pushing up, it’s hardly slouching with a RennTech ECU and Akrapovic catless downpipes.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
From the rear, the X5M is surprisingly menacing. The wide CS16 DPEs fill out the wheel wells perfectly, and their anthracite centers add a nice bit of tonal contrast to the newly corrected silver paint & dark tinted windows. The rear carbon diffuser is integrated cleanly into the bumper, and looks nice enough to be a factory option!
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
Sitting in the captain’s chair, the X5M is in similar shape as when she first rolled off the assembly line. With such a monochromatic interior, the roundel centered on the now reconditioned steering wheel commands attention.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
After an extensive bit of detailing, reconditioning, and photography, we can definitely see the appeal of having two similarly built ultimate driving machines. For many enthusiasts, personal taste in aftermarket styling becomes a bit of a calling card or a signature, a way to be remembered by fellow car fiends, and a point of identity for both the owner & the vehicles. These two are a great example of just that.
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
Vorsteiner DPE Wheels BMW M6 X5M detailed photoshoot
For more information on the Fanatic Detail service the M6 received or the Premier Detail performed on the X5m, check out some of our fully-loaded interior & exterior reconditioning packages, tailored specifically to provide just the results you’re looking for. Want to schedule a full spread of your own personal vehicle(s) for a feature, print production, or just take some photos in the booth? Contact us for more information on our in-house photo studio & imaging services.