In May of 2011 our receptionist, Tara, spotted this 2006 BMW 330i on a dealers lot. The nasty thunderstorms that rolled through the entire southeast just hit and unfortunately took this E90 out in its path. Other than the hail damage that occurred this car was very nice and well taken care of. It is fully loaded including sport package, cold weather package, and sun shades. She negotiated a price she was happy with and traded in the Equinox she had on it.
It didn’t take very long for the first modification to start. Her first modification was an OEM dealer installed rear spoiler for the trunk lid. She felt the back end was rather plain and needed a bit of lift.
Next up was some wheels. She wanted something different from the traditional mesh look that BMWs run. She settled on a set of VMR V701s in gunmetal. Staggered setup of 19×8.5 +35 and 19×9.5 +22. The +22 offset in the back gave the car a more aggressive stance while sitting still or rolling.
At the same time the wheels went on it was time to upgrade the power and throttle response. Thanks to Burger Tuning‘s PowerBox. Comes with 7 different map settings allowing you to add instant 10HP/10TQ and removal of the “dead area” in the gas pedal. It adds some life to the N52 motor and the way it should have came from the factory. While we did that we also did the “golf tee” mod which keeps the exhaust valve open for a bit deeper/throatier tone.
A few weeks later after the install of the wheels and PBX. The worst had happened. A Ford F250 rear ended the E90 in the left quarter panel area. Damaging the left quarter panel, tail light and bumper. Surprisingly never touched the trunk. Luckily the owner had insurance and the car went off to Wade’s Body Shop in Oliver Springs, TN. Wade and his team worked their magic and pulled the quarter panel back out and repaired it back to factory. While we were there some upgrades went on. OEM Blackline tail lamps went in. Along with OEM M-Tech rear bumper and diffuser. The car was back and looking better than ever.
At this point modifications have been put on hold for a little bit until the weather warms back up. The car has just rolled 100K and was time for some maintenance. We completed a major service of spark plugs with 3 new coil packs, new cabin filter and air filter. While we changed the air filter we removed the charcoal filter. Also have completed a trans sealing sleeve service and thrust rod bushings. That last modification we have completed are upgraded angel eye bulbs. We ordered a set from Burger Tuning. These bulbs are a lot more white looking offering a little more aggressive look from the front end as well as a cleaner look.
Stay tuned for more upgrades in the future and European Coding completed on this car.
