1999 BMW 318i
When we started putting together this issue, we couldn't have imagined it would fall into place so sweetly. The Waterfest coverage speaks for itself - it's a great show, with great cars; we just have to be there to reflect what happens. But the E46 widebody theme we also weaved into this month sort of fell into our laps.
Because we try to create balanced issues (with just the right amount of old and new, different marques, different budgets, etc) we often have to sit on features for a few months until we can strike the right note. But like the prelude to the perfect storm, three stunning widebody BMWs dropped on our desks around the same time.
What's interesting about each 3-Series, is they reflect the nature of European tuning around the world. For example, Alvin De Rego's 800hp version reflects the popularity of forced induction among US tuners, while Wai Hung's metal fenders and stock engine reflect the poor state of roads in his native Malaysia.
So what about Eva Verzelen's 318i you see here? How does it reflect the Belgian tuning scene? Well, the model number should give an indication: "In Belgium you can do styling but can't touch your engine besides items like a strut bar and air filter... We have to get the car inspected every year, so if you modify the engine they tell you not to drive the car anymore. There's also the matter of insurance when you get into an accident..."
The 37 year-old web designer/publisher from Waregem bought this '99 318i when she decided the family needed a bigger car. "I loved the E46 Coupe, but the sedan was a better choice with our kids," she laughed.
Buying it in '01, she started out "just wanting to fit a body kit, some wheels and mirrors," but that didn't last long. In fact, the car's been through six different stages before reaching its climax as undoubtedly one of the most radical E46 in the world.
The first stage was as Eva predicted - an RDSport/Racing Dynamics body kit, wheels and some mirrors. We should point out, not only was this her first BMW, but it was also her first attempt at modifying, although she subsequently bought two more - an E46 convertible that's since been sold, and an E93 she still owns.
Returning to the E46 at hand, the second stage was an M3 upgrade for the rear as well as an interior overhaul plus a sound system and a two-tone paint scheme in the car's original Fern green and pistachio green.
Stage three involved RDSport Tornado front fenders and a Hamann's M3 front spoiler. Next up was a set of HRE wheels and a new stereo install before the car was repainted HoK Candy red. Stage five saw custom bumpers, DPE wheels and a new interior before it morphed into the car sitting here with its custom widebody.
Leather and alcantara continued...
Leather and alcantara continued to trunklid, which houses another trio of 7" screens
With its lengthy roster of encouragement, Eva was clearly building to greatness. And the culmination of her eight-year journey is a car that stops you dead in your tracks. It's undoubtedly a tour de force and the pinnacle of the latest Euro styling themes inspired by US hot rod and lowrider culture.
Modifying the fiberglass Tornado fenders created the widebody up front. These are now about 3" wide either side, necessitating further modifications to the Hamann front bumper to follow the lines.
The rear fenders were fabricated in metal, including the clever extensions that allow the rear doors to operate. Widening the car 4" either side, the M3 rear bumper was correspondingly widened, while custom skirts dramatically lower the profile by creating old-school running boards.
"I always loved widebody cars," Eva said, "but not too wide. So I was lucky to find JV-Tuning, a Belgian company that was the partner I needed to pull this off the way I wanted it."
According to the owner, she didn't sweat the big stuff: "It was all the details that were the hardest part of the makeover. There was so much to coordinate and every little thing had to fit the picture perfectly."