"We're waiting for a Supersprint turbo-back exhaust. Combined with the software we're developing, we have high hopes for the car. I really think it's going to give the new M3 V8 a run for its money when it arrives," Sam said.
Being one of the first people to work on the E92 335i caused problems of its own. Since there weren't many parts available, Sam stuck to what he knew. "I'm personal friends with Gruppe M, so they sent me the first intake they built," he told us. As usual, the carbon intake is a thing of beauty.
Similarly the exhaust is the first of its kind, being a custom cat-back system from Sebring with 2.5" tubing and distinctive 4" tailpipes.
When it was time to explore options for the exterior, Sam decided the stock 255/35-18 rear tires were simply too skinny. "We knew our turbo would have a lot of torque, so we wanted to go wider," he confirmed.
To do this, he cut away the outer edge of the rear fenders and then welded in a 2" metal extension on either side. This followed the original lines, so doesn't look like an add-on at all. With all the work done in metal, it's very hard to detect anything's been done until you stand behind it and see the huge meat under the rear corners.
After the rear fenders were stretched, the stock rear bumper and side skirts were then heated until soft and molded so they flowed with the wider lines.
Up front, he kept the factory Aero spoiler, which appears surprisingly aggressive for a stock part. At the other end, he sliced open the stock trunk lid and welded in an M3 CSL-style lip. The finished trunk appears muscular yet original, such is the quality of craftsmanship.
The work was entrusted to Sam's friend Gary, who works at Eli's Auto Center in North Hollywood, CA. "He's a metal sculptor, so I take all my projects there," Sam confided.
"I'm a huge fan of LMs," he continued, referring to the BBS under each corner. "I use them whenever I can because they never look wrong." In this instance he was able to use a 19x11" wheel, which was mounted with a 305/25 P Zero Rosso to the car. Once installed, the rear fenders were built around them.
Up front we found a 19x8.5" with a 245/30 tire. "For weight distribution, BMW use plastic front fenders, so there's not much we could do with them, but a 245/30 tire on the front is pretty decent," Sam remarked.
The car is lowered by the proper amount. "I always use KW Variant 1 coilovers on my cars," Sam said. "It's the best out there.