Thanks fellas!
Joop: So far I love it! I still have a few things to sort out, but for average person, they wouldn't spot these items. I have the optional 3rd row I honestly LOVE to have the wood grain trim GONE, but my wife likes it. Says it reminds her of the BMW's she grew up in. Which is exactly why I'd like to swap them out. It's really her car, so her wish.
The airbags were very easy. Hardest part of the whole thing was re-installing the airbag into the upper perch. You have to do this 'blind' then twist 1/4 turn. Drivers side popped right in 1st try. Passengers side, I struggled to find the hole like a high school on his first date. Took me a good 15 minutes to finally get it.
I took my sweet time and did everything including putting tools away, taking pictures, and being nervous about being under a 2.5 ton car in 2.5 hours. Was as hard as changing oil and a flat tire (because you do need to take the rear tires off).
The bags I got from OEMbimmerparts for $190/each. They are made by Arnott. You can buy them directly from them at $205/each plus shipping. OEMbimmerparts had free shipping. :shurg:
I think the X5M has the active steering, which might impact some of what I said above. I think just a different part, however I'm not sure. The process stays the same.
I liked this write up the best: Xoutpost