After defecting to Porsche for a couple of years, Chris Marino has returned to Century West BMW. Marino, as many BMWBLOG readers may recall, had a penchant for utilizing the BMW Individual Program and creating some truly unique and distinguishable BMW’s. This time, Marino has assembled a 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d that is, again, unique and magnificent.
“I unloaded on the parts counter”, said Marino who was anxious to introduce one of the very few modded X5 diesels in the US.
This X5 xDrive35d features every veritable performance option available for the F15 chassis: High gloss kidney grills, carbon fiber front splitter, rear lip spoiler, carbon fiber rear diffuser, carbon fiber rear aeroflaps, performance rocker-panel film, carbon fiber mirror caps, alcantara-wrapped carbon-fiber trimmed steering wheel, carbon fiber transmission selector, stainless steel pedals, performance big-brake kit and topped the build-off with a spectacular set of 21” Style 375 wheels.
“BMW makes an M-Power kit for the F15 and a performance exhaust system, but not for the diesel,” Marino says while hoping for a diesel power kit in the future.
Problems selling a BMW diesel?
“Unequivocally, ‘No’”, Marino is quick to respond. “We have a legion of BMW-diesel buyers who are hungry for what diesel represents. Especially in Los Angeles which is ecologically progressive.”
While Volkswagen’s diesel-follies are well-chronicled, Marino is quick to point out that he hasn’t experienced any adverse-reactions on the showroom floor, to BMW diesels. “Wish we had more!”
The F15’s N57T motor is capable of 255 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, and the one found at Century West BMW can be had for $103,615.
Pricey for a diesel? “We’ve sold three others just like it, in different colors,” Marino responds and quickly reaffirms his commitment to BMW Performance Accessories and BMW Individual. “Both Individual and Performance parts further-distinguish what’s already a remarkable car, in a BMW. Why not one up the factory car and make it stand out and distinguish its driver?”
Is he done with F15 X5s as a project?
“Not a chance”, Marino says. “I have been working with BMW of North America to do something special for the F15 that’s close to coming to fruition.”
Pressed for answers, Marino will only say this: “BMWBLOG will know about it first.” We will make him good on his word.
