While the carbon theme is...
While the carbon theme is omni-present under the hood, it's the 280hp ESS supercharger that gets tongues wagging
The kit also includes ESS software to recalibrate fuel delivery to the larger Bosch injectors supplied, as well as the drive belt, anodized brackets, cast aluminum intake and silicone hoses. The TS1 system costs around $5500 and running at 7psi is claimed to increase power from a sedentary 170hp stock to a more exciting 280hp at the crank. Consequently, the 0-60mph time is said to be 6.3sec for the auto transmission.
To monitor the blower, Navin installed a set of VDO gauges with custom amber lighting to match the BMW interior lighting. He then retrofitted a full OEM leather interior including seats and door cards. Additionally, he was able to fit the OEM rearview mirror with directional compass as well as BMW's on-board computer.
While the stock radio head unit remains, the sound system has been enhanced with the addition of two JL Audio Stealthboxes in the trunk powered by JL's 250/1 amp to give the bass some thump.
With the Brembo brakes already playing their part in controlling the chassis, the car was lowered on KW V2 coilovers, while staggered 19" BBS RS-GT wheels wrapped in Toyo T1-R tires keep everything in contact with terra firma.
Since our photo shoot, several major changes have taken place, including a five-speed manual conversion after reverse gear failed on the auto. His fetish for carbon continues unabated with a toolbox in the trunk, gauge panel trim and a new air box, all constructed from the composite material.
On the entertainment side, he's upgraded to a Pioneer AVIC N4 touchscreen head unit with nav, bluetooth and iPod functionality. And, of course, it's mounted in a custom carbon fiber panel.
Looking back over the past year, Navin won trophies at three of the five shows he attended. But more than winning awards, his favorite part of car shows is the opportunity to chat with visitors who admire his car. It gives him the chance to explain how the car is telling his own story and the importance of maintaining a healthy heart.
Tech Spec
2000 BMW 323i
Owner: Navin Kumar
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
Occupation: Software Configuration Manager
Engine: 2.5 liter i-6 with ESS twin-screw Lysholm supercharger kit with bigger injectors and software, Gruppe M carbon intake, Eisenmann quad exhaust, Optima Yellow Top battery, upgraded water pump, carbon oil cap
Drivetrain: stock Steptronic automatic transmission
Suspension: KW V2 coilovers, Rogue Engineering rear shock mounts, Benfer carbon strut brace
Brakes: Brembo six-piston front brake kit with silver calipers and carbon trim, 14" front rotors, Brembo rear rotors and Tuner01 rear caliper covers, stainless lines
Wheels & Tires: 19x8.5" front, 19x9.5" rear BBS RS-GT wheels with 235/35-19 front, 255/30-19 rear Toyo Proxes T1-R tires
Exterior: Vorsteiner carbon GTR hood with M3 hood shocks, carbon GTR skirts, AC Schnitzer rear valance, carbon mirrors, front splitter and trunk spoiler, BMW M-Tech front bumper, carbon kidney grilles, headlight trim, roundels, plate frames, pillar trim, foglight rings and tow hook, tint, color-matched moldings and windshield washer grille, Umnitza smoked LED tail lights and Predator Orion 6000K LED angel eyes, Depo smoked corner and side markers
Interior: OE leather retrofit with powered Sport seats, VDO boost, oil temp and pressure gauges in-dash panel, AC Schnitzer carbon steering wheel with airbag, interior trim, shift knob and instrument cluster trim, carbon door sills, e-brake handle, pedals and seatbacks, shift and e-brake boots in carbon-look vinyl, OE compass mirror and onboard computer
Audio/Visual: JL Audio Stealthboxes and 250/1 monoblock amplifier, Alpine six-disc CD changer
Thanks: Kamini, Kareena, family, Eurowerkz, Derrick and Jack at Euro Pros, Bubba at Suburban Auto Body, Alex at Auto Arte Works, Chris and Alvaro