2000 BMW 323ci

It takes a lot to attract the attention of today's BMW enthusiast. The late-model Bimmer crowd has seen practically every imaginable configuration of E-36. So, what's next? BMW's shapely new E-46 coupe, that's what.

I know, some argue the performance and styling potential of the recently released 3-Series is non-existent--that is, until you view this 323Ci. For starters, this new Bimmer sports an integrated aero package, 19-inch rollers and subtle yet sweet interior appointments. And did I mention performance? How does 220 hp grab you? I knew you liked that figure. All this, plus the markings of an established European super tuner--Hamann Motorsport.

Accredited with the construction of this new coupe is Wheel Power--the official North American importer and distributor of Hamann accessories. Located in the posh SoCal beach community of Huntington Beach, Wheel Power was established in 1996 to fulfill a need for quality European tuning components and customer service. Specializing in BMW and Mercedes Benz automotive performance and styling, Wheel Power's attention to detail has allowed the company to excel as one of the top U.S.-based Euro tuners. With knowledge of Wheel Power's presence in the tuning community, car owner Armen Akaragian was confident his BMW was in good hands when he turned his keys over for a complete makeover.

First up, the chassis was tackled. The front and rear boast German-engineered and -crafted suspension components. H&R’s progressive rate coil springs, combined with specially calibrated Bilstein struts, set the car down 1-1/2 inches in the front and 0.6-inch in the rear. Next to be installed were UUC Motorwerk 4130 chromoly 26mm front and 24mm rear antisway bars, together with 35mm offset 19x8.5-inch Hamann PG2 two-piece-alloy road wheels fitted with Pirelli 235/35-19 tires. The finished product produces a superlative ride that offers spirited driving ability through the turns.Exterior modifications soon followed in the form of a Hamann styling package. The kit, constructed of carbon/kevlar, consists of an add-on lip spoiler, front corner splitters, side skirts and add-on wraparound-rear apron. To finish things off, headlight masks were installed together with a roof-mount spoiler and two-piece DTM-style trunk lid wing. During the outward styling session, A-1 Auto Body, also of Huntington Beach, performed the superb color-matched paintwork. Finally, European-spec clears were installed in the front and rear.

The next location for aftermarket improvement was engine performance. Beneath the shapely hood lies the brunt of this BMW buildup--a 2.5L inline-six now producing 220 hp. To accomplish this 50hp gain over stock, Wheel Power enlisted performance products and services from BMW specialists Auto Authority, Kraftwerk Tuning, and Hamann Motorsport. Installed on the car is a stainless Hamann 3-inch after-cat system complete with DTM tip. Next, a cold-air intake from Kraftwerk was bolted on, in place of the restrictive OEM air box. Lastly, the ECU was removed from the vehicle and sent to Auto Authority for re-programming. The results speak for themselves--220 hp at the crank, up from the factory rating of 170. Combine these performance enhancements with a UUC Motorwerk EVO short shifter and 3.46:1 limited-slip differential, and you’ve got an entry-level European bruiser capable of stomping stoplight competitors while still sporting 19s!

Last to be modified on Armen's ride was the cockpit. Located within BMW's latest 3 Series is the factory leather-upholstered sport-package seating, accompanied by styling components from Hamann and UUC Motorwerk. Aftermarket touches include brushed aluminum door stills and pedal pads from Hamann combined with a brushed aluminum e-brake handle from UUC. Also included in the upholstery mix are the silver/leather-accented Hamann steering wheel and matching shift knob. Completed, the Wheel Power crew has again proven themselves to be innovators in the U.S.-based European automotive aftermarket by applying their patented performance and styling formula to BMW's latest 3-Series. By the way, if you think you may have seen this Bimmer in attendance at the LA Auto Show, you're correct. As one of eight vehicles on display for Wheel Power, Armen's 323Ci snatched a significant amount of attention.Even better, Mr. Akaragian's BMW snatches nods and numbers alike from LA's female-driving public. Now that's what MAX considers "a better Bimmer."