Sometimes, a car sticks with you longer than you expect—and for me, my E92 325i has been that car. This 6-speed manual started as a completely stock model and was my reliable daily for years. But as they say, necessity is the mother of invention. When the original engine finally gave out, and COVID lockdowns hit, I found myself with the time, a few ideas, and a new goal: transforming this E92 into a one-of-a-kind build that merges the spirit of performance with street appeal.

The Build Journey: From 325i to N54

Once I committed to the idea, the first major decision was the engine swap. I wanted power and reliability, so the N54 twin-turbo engine became the heart of this build. Thanks to Brintech’s assistance, I upgraded to an N54 paired with the 6HP transmission—a change that instantly brought this E92 into a new league of performance. With just under 89,000 kilometers on the engine and transmission, I knew I was building on a solid foundation that could take on the power gains we had planned.

Suspension & Handling: Built for the Road and Track

The transformation didn’t stop with the engine. To handle the upgraded power, I invested heavily in the suspension and alignment setup. The KW V3 Coilover Kit brought adjustability and handling finesse, while Vorshlag KW V-Series Camber/Caster Plates gave me the control I needed to nail the perfect stance and responsiveness. Every alignment setup—from the street to Winton and Sandown track configurations—was dialed in by Trutrack, refining the car’s handling for every environment. This E92 now feels as stable on the road as it does on the track.

Interior Transformation: Recaro Seats, Custom Elements, and More

With the exterior undergoing a transformation, I couldn’t ignore the interior. I wanted the inside to feel just as performance-oriented as the rest of the car, so I installed Recaro Pole Position seats with Schroth ASM 4-point harnesses for a secure, track-ready fit. To give it an authentic race car feel, we added a half cage by Trackart, which is ADR-certified for safety. Even small details like the custom flat-bottom carbon steering wheel and GTS Alcantara armrest delete were handpicked to create a cohesive, high-performance atmosphere.

Power Upgrades and Engine Mods

Of course, no build would be complete without tuning for power. With the high-flow built turbos, upgraded downpipes, and dual oil coolers, this N54 wasn’t just transplanted—it was prepped for serious performance. The custom setup was completed with an upgraded intercooler and charge pipe, and I fitted index 12 injectors with seals to handle the fuel demands. After running in the engine and dialing in the tune with Eastern BM, the dyno recorded a clean 300 RWKW on 98 octane, delivering power with smoothness and precision.

Attention to Detail: Exterior Upgrades and Final Touches

The final stage was giving the E92 a new look that would match its performance upgrades. I opted for a full respray in Nardo Grey—a striking color that gives it a unique, aggressive presence. Carbon fiber additions, like the quad exit diffuser, side skirt extensions, rear spats, and front lip, give it that race-inspired edge. The car now sits on OEM BMW 220M Wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan AD08R tires, with an F80 M Performance BBK upgrade to ensure braking keeps up with the power.

We didn’t skip the finishing touches, either. Custom Bavgruppe headlights and sequential rear taillights add modern styling, while the RTD V4 Carbon Shifter and lightweight flywheel connect the driver to the car with a responsive, race-ready feel. All in all, every detail was planned to create a build that feels cohesive, high-quality, and true to CNC’s vision of performance-meets-style.

Reflections on Seven Years with the E92

It’s been a journey watching this car evolve over the last seven years. What started as a daily has become a symbol of my passion for the build process itself. This E92 isn’t just about horsepower or looks; it’s about creating something that reflects my personal vision—performance, reliability, and style all in one. Every part of this car, from the Quaife LSD to the Stoptech braided brake lines and Whiteline rear subframe bush kit, has been selected with intention.

If this build proves anything, it’s that a car can be so much more than a vehicle; it can be an extension of yourself, a project that grows and changes with you. Here’s to the next chapter—and maybe a few more upgrades along the way.