Beauty and performance are sometimes not always found in the same package, unless you truly know your cars when you see an M badge you know all the rules have been thrown out the window. The M series heritage goes all the way back to the early 80s, back when technology wasn’t close to the level we currently have available. Even the E30 M3 was at its game in the 80s, throughout the years as if they were wine, the models only got better. The E46 has to be one of the most visually striking body styles to anyone’s eyes, the aggressive front end, to the rear fenders just wide enough to command your respect. At the time of the E46 being produced the S54 was BMW’s highest NA output engine that year, coming in at 340 HP and 270 Lb-ft of torque. Still to the current day, those numbers aren’t anything to shrug off.
It was only the “Eric thing” to do running this car straight piped, more on that decision later. Eric has his work cut out for him, with an already decent power plant, He moved to get the arches filled using a set of Tein SS dampers, and camber plates that came with purchasing the car you could say that it was a sign. A couple spanner wrench twists and pumps of the floor jack, that task was taken care off. Having Beyren wheels fitted under the fenders a clean, simple and classy look; I’m always a fan of well done race meshes on a car capable of motorsport conditions.
Now that the car was well settled over its new wheel and suspension adjustments, the front end was next on the list to tackle, I hounded Eric countless times for CSL bumper I knew it was on his list but it was only right that I kept buggin him about it. Soon after that, the CSL bumper was painted and fitted accordingly. Something about the look of it just turns the car into a different beast, it’s such a clean and perfectly composed bumper, also the CF splitters don’t hurt at all. Metaphorically speaking the only way I can describe it to someone that has never seen it, is that it’s something like the predator. The stock bumper would have to be a oem bumper and the mask he wears would have to be a CSL bumper, a clean and intimidating stature.
Being able to see what’s in front of you is always a good thing to keep in mind, Umnitza has Eric covered with the lighting category, with their flawless predator V2 angel eyes, in a world of civics and other random cars with angel eyes…. They only belong on BMW’s, Period. The frontend wasn’t the only thing to get attention if you work your way around back, you’d find a CF CSL trunk. You could say that would be salt in the cut he already made with the front end. I never really gave any thought to the trunk when he first brought up the idea but I’m so glad he did pull the trigger on getting one, The extended lines the trunk brings isn’t a totally eye grabber but if you pay attention you’ll see the slight difference and more then worth it.
An where most of Eric’s time is spent, in the hot seat. Out of the factory the seats are incredible; they even have lower leg bolsters for long drives for leg fatigue. Eric added a 4 point roll cage, and hand wrapped his interior trim in real CF, not the 3m knock off. There isn’t a complaint from me about the interior, Just enough to show attention to it but not enough to be annoyed if you ride in it. And lastly, to tame the beast on its daily compute or it’s weekend touge runs, Eric chose a NRG Tilt and Quick Release setup matched with a concave black suede wheel.
Some might question the steering wheel setup, maybe the cage? Maybe the wheels? Or once again that the car is straight piped. In a world where everyone is controlled by a screen name, or a blogs suggestion, Eric’s car is what a true enthusiasts’ car should be, his own. Eric’s one of those guys you meet in the car scene that makes you glad you’re into it. Saying he is like a brother to me would be an understatement, so if you know him a fraction of how I know him he has his own style, Loud pipes, crazy static drops, Air’d out laying frame, Wide fitment, and track ready cars are what catches his attention.
It won’t be changed or compromised and that’s exactly what keyboard warriors and replica part junkies these days need to find more of instead of worrying about someone miles away would think of their honest vision in the car scene. And of course my vision doesn’t stray too far away from the same, one of the key aspects to Eric being a true enthusiast is that he’s open to all style's, we try to attend any car show we can. Never favoring just one style of tuning a car, Can’t wait to see this car grow more as time progresses. So if you’re ever in the Napa valley enjoying the various wines, enjoying the scenery. If you hear a angry thunder headed your way… you might just catch a glimpse of Eric’s Bavarian creation.
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