Lowering the chassis was achieved with KW V3 coilovers, while H&R supplied front and rear sway bars to eliminate the sedan's body roll. Strengthening the chassis further was a BMW Motorsport X-brace and four-point rollcage dipped in black chrome. The front and rear subframes were also welded for reinforcement. In case George needed to adjust the rear camber for the track, lightweight Rogue Engineering control arms give him plenty of adjustment.
Majestic Style
If you thought George went over the top on the engine, you've seen nothing yet. With his high expectations, he shipped the 3-Series to 190 SL Services in North Carolina for the bodywork. Specializing in restoring classic Mercedes, the same shop is rebuilding George's own 190 SL agreed to work out this unique E36 as an exception to its typical clientele.
George spent hours at the computer researching and talking to friends about the exterior. He even dummied up different designs on paper to illustrate the look he wanted. "Everybody was going widebody, but I learned from other people's mistakes. I wanted the car to look OE European and go as low as possible without rubbing," he explained.
All four corners were pulled 1.5", although the rear quarter panels were extended slightly further to look even with the fronts. Being a sedan, the rear doors had to be slightly modified as well to flow with the extensions.
While the rear quarters were under the knife, George decided to go with a different fuel cover. "The Audi TT had the nicest one, so I bought the TT quarter panel, which was cut and grafted into the BMW to look OE."
The front bumper was replaced by a factory M3 part; however, it was modified with some E46 styling. Vorsteiner sent out its E46 GTS3 carbon front lip, which was modified to the E36 bumper and molded to it.
After completing the front bumper, carbon became an obsession and the rear valance, vented hood and pillars would receive the lightweight composite.
The two most difficult carbon projects included the roof and trunk. "To most people's surprise, the roof is a one-off carbon piece. CA Automotive made it by hand. It's a tough job, because it had to be one-piece while retaining a functional sunroof, which was also made from carbon."
Once the roof was done, VIS fabricated a one-off CSL-style trunk for the four-door, since nothing was in production.
The incredible wheels were equally rare. "A friend ordered two sets of the E88 BBS Motorsport wheels for the E46 but one of his buyers backed out. I didn't think anything of it at the time, but the new wheels made a huge difference to the car and gave it a true Euro look," George said.
A complete Audi TT quarter...
A complete Audi TT quarter panel with fuel door
Ditching an old set of DPEs, George obtained the forged two-piece Motorsport wheels in 19x9" and 19x10" dimensions. And with the widebody, he was granted more traction with beefier Michelin tires.
Royal Throne
Prior to its current look, George reupholstered the interior in dove grey leather. Then M3 parts started becoming available, such as leather door panels, Vader seats, dashboard and center console. Eventually, he had the grey transformed into vivid red on the seats and door panels. Parts that were once dark grey were replaced by black leather, such as the dash. Then the headliner was reupholstered in black suede, to give the interior an even more luxurious feel.
To complement his carbon infatuation, George carbonized the interior trim, center console, steering wheel, door handles, seat backs and added a custom engine cover.
Peer into the trunk and things get even wilder. When the engine is off, the trunk looks minimal. You'll notice two high-end McIntosh MCC301M amps, which power two 8" JL Audio W7 subs on either side. "I made the sub enclosures like a dome. I had to find curved 0.75" black plexiglass. It was molded inside the car to look as if the whole system was one-piece with rounded edges. It goes with the curves of the car."