2002 BMW M3 E46 Convertible - Game Boy

Everybody has different dreams and aspirations when building a car. As with anything in life, starting with a good foundation helps produce a better result. So while James Wheeler from South Florida had several visions for the ultimate street car, his foundation was rock-solid - a 2002 BMW M3 Convertible.

He desired more than stock horsepower and styling, so set out to prove he could build an M3 reflecting his own style and perseverance. However, the factory E46 M3 is a difficult place to start because it's already one of the most attractive cars on the street. But all it takes is some aftermarket German engineering added to the established foundation to lay the groundwork toward building the ultimate daily driver.

So James began by mixing and matching exterior modifications, starting with a Schnitzer carbon fiber lip to accentuate the front end. He also has Hamann carbon pieces to fill in the foglight apertures. Off to the side are Hamann skirts that help give the car the stance it needs. Coming spoilerless from the factory, this Convertible receives extra styling from a Schnitzer rear wing and exhaust diffuser. Although the entire car is shaded in Carbon black paint, several more carbon components found their way onto the body, including a custom hood and carbon kidney grilles. Even the stock BMW badges were swapped out for carbon replacements and the finishing touch is a set of 2004 tail lights and a clear Euro clear third brake light.

Hurry and pick up the November 2005 issue of eurotuner Magazine for the complete story, and a lot more photos