|  Given
our company’s particular affinity with open top
vehicles for features (see previous features: E46 M3,
SC430, 997 C2S, 997 C4S, and Smart: for evidence) coming
into the spring and summer months of the Texas heat,
we thought it would be a perfect time to extend upon
the recurring theme. However, this time we wanted to
have something we could add some practical performance
upgrades on, but also could be driven daily. It was
not long before we had decided on our next project –
a 2007 BMW 335i convertible (chassis code E93) finished
in Alpine White with black leather interior, purchased
from Mike Shaddock @ BMW West Houston in Houston, TX.
Our particular specimen was already very well equipped
from the factory, including factory navigation, sport
package, and technology package, but we thought we’d
try our hand at improving it as always.
 To
keep things fresh as always, we wanted to showcase some
new products, but keep with the high-performance theme
of the vehicle. To achieve this, Wheel Experts teamed
up with Alloy Technic, a US-based manufacturer of high
performance monoblock forged wheels. Alloy Technic graciously
provided us with a set of their B9 alloy wheels, which
are exclusively offered for BMW vehicles. The wheels
themselves, measuring 19x8.5 front and 19x9.5 rear,
are made of a proprietary aerospace grade aluminum that
give them an ultra light weight as well as a superior
strength. The front wheel weighed in at a mere 18.8
lbs, while the rear wheel weighed in at only 19.9 lbs;
an amazing feat for a 19” wheel. The alloys were
mated to Toyo’s Proxes T1-R series high-performance
tires, measuring 235/35/19 fore and 265/30/19 aft. When
combined together, the combination of reduced unsprung
weight and increased traction greatly improved the off-the-line
performance of the vehicle. The chassis was rounded
out with a sport suspension from German tuner AC Schnitzer,
which lowered the vehicle 30mm while improving the handling
characteristic. In total, the completion of phase 1
gave the car the sporty look and feel we were looking
for.
 After
completing the chassis modifications, the next step
to address was the exterior. Continuing with the AC
Schnitzer theme, we proceeded to install a full AC Schnitzer
aero package, consisting of a front spoiler, side skirts,
and a rear bumper spoiler. Stuart’s Paint and
Body in Dallas handled paint and installation duties,
matching the factory Alpine White to a tee. As an extra
measure of detail, we decided to mold in the front and
rear bumpers, creating a seamless OEM-type look and
feel, but with a more aggressive edge. While the exterior
was being attended to, we also added the ACS touch inside
the cabin, where the factory black leather interior
was enhanced with an ACS “black line” I-drive
cover and e-brake handle, sport pedal set, and a set
of ACS embroidered floor mats.
In order to keep with the performance
theme of the project, we decided to upgrade the engine
performance, as an additional step to finish out this
project. Pat Arnold from Classic BMW in Plano, TX, provided
us with a Dinan Stage 2 ECU flash, which removed the
rev limiter and increased boost, all while maintaining
the full factory warranty. To improve engine breathing,
Chad Stett of Stett Performance installed a custom front
mount intercooler and sport air filter. The performance
segment was then rounded out by the AC Schnitzer sport
exhaust with twin tips in their signature “figure
8” configuration. All in all, we have been able
to achieve our goal – to create a fun, open top
sports car which can be used as an everyday driver,
with practical performance gains to match the exterior
appearance.
 Wheel
Experts would like to thank all involved with our E93
project, as their contributions are greatly appreciated
as always: the entire Alloy Technic team, Walter and
Frank P. @ CEC representing AC Schnitzer, Stan @ Toyo
Tires, the entire crew @ Stuart’s Paint and Body,
Chad Stett @ Stett Performance, Mike Shaddock @ BMW
West Houston, and last but not least, Pat Arnold @ Classic
BMW.
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