[Puckett]

Hey guys, my name is Danny I'm new to the forums. I'm building a streetable e90 335i drift car and wanted to document/share the process. Most of the work on this car will be done at a local SAN Antonio BMW shop called M Technik. These guys are the main reason this build is even happening. Excellent group of dudes. Most of the styling will be Japanese inspired and pretty ricey. I’ll be drifting it at some local San Antonio drift events and some Lone Star Drift events, mainly for fun and used as a "camera car” for shooting automotive videos. We have some partners on this build so expect some name drops and product info/install stuff. Companies include BC Racing North America, Active autowerke, and M Technik. I'll do my best to keep updating the thread as it progresses.
Getting the car. The guys M Technik knew of a manual n54 335i with an electrical problem after some hail damage. Most of the work was finished on the car but the electrical problem still existed. Made a deal with the guy and had it back together and running not long after buying it.

The first thing we did was install a JB4 tune and BC Racing Coilovers Br type (install video coming soon). It came with some slotted rotors on it already so that was a bonus.
Car specs:
White 2008 335i sedan. N54 manual 6 speed, black/woodgrain interior.
Parts on the car:
Br type coilovers
JB4
Unknown slotted rotors.
ESR sr06 18x8.5 18x9.5 et
Welded diff.
Active chargepipe and BOV
Active front mount intercooler
Things that are not on the car yet.
Front lip
Side splitters
M tech rear bumper.
Trunk wing
Bride low max rep seats
Steering wheel
I'll update theses lists as new things are added.


Sorry for the confusing captions for photos below, They didn't embed correctly.

When it arrived to M Technik

BC Coilovers installed

test fitting the lip

Wheels on the car

Painted the chrome grills black and took all the "mesh" in the front bumper.
also plastidiped the chrome door trim that day

Then I added yellow tint to my headlights and fog lights.

I'll leave it at that for now and update it with some more soon.
Thanks!

[ZeeVaughn]

Nice welcome! Interested to see how this turns out

[e92ben]

Welcome! Any vids from drift events?

[Puckett]

Originally Posted by e92ben

Welcome! Any vids from drift events?

Thanks! no video yet. Heres a couple photos though.

Photography by:Ismael Gomez Photography

[e92ben]

Originally Posted by Puckett

Thanks! no video yet. Heres a couple photos though.

Photography by:Ismael Gomez Photography

Awesome shots!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Welcome!

[AlexKoast]

This is awesome #in

[AllBlackBimmer]

Cool... 4 door, drifting e90... I like it ha.

What front lip is that? Cant say ive seen that before?
Any concerns with welding the diff and not having a LSD?

[SMH]

Welcome and good luck with your build. Nice pictures too.

[mpaone23]

Definitely interested to see how this turns out!

[ThugzZ BunnY]

these have to be pretty damn rare at drift events. I just can't imagine the n54 not going into limp mode all day with the abuse drifting does.

[Peter944]

Definitely curious to see how the car will hold up! Kudos for your bravery

[JLGM4]

Originally Posted by Puckett

Thanks! no video yet. Heres a couple photos though.

Photography by:Ismael Gomez Photography

I see you're from San Antonio. Are you going to the drift event this weekend on Sunday?

[Puckett]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

Cool... 4 door, drifting e90... I like it ha.

What front lip is that? Cant say ive seen that before?
Any concerns with welding the diff and not having a LSD?

No front lip on the bumper right now. thats the OEM front bumper.
Welded diff has been fine so far, its only been about a month though. It chatters and chirps a bit on slow turns, but not as bad as most welded diff cars surprisingly. We will try an lsd down the road.

[Puckett]

Originally Posted by ThugzZ BunnY

these have to be pretty damn rare at drift events. I just can't imagine the n54 not going into limp mode all day with the abuse drifting does.

LOL yeah there's not many around at drift events. It did well the first event. Not one issue after 8 laps. Planning to make another 8 to 10 laps this coming Sunday. wish me luck.

[Puckett]

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

I see you're from San Antonio. Are you going to the drift event this weekend on Sunday?

Yes! I will be there this Sunday. If you go, come say hi.

[Puckett]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

Cool... 4 door, drifting e90... I like it ha.

What front lip is that? Cant say ive seen that before?
Any concerns with welding the diff and not having a LSD?

Forgot I posted a picture with the front lip test fitted. It's a C style front lip. Ebay find.

[JLGM4]

Originally Posted by Puckett

Yes! I will be there this Sunday. If you go, come say hi.

I'll be there! Never been so not sure what to expect. Be on the lookout for me!

[Beas]

does your JB4 allow you to permanently disable traction control? I would imagine traction control and a welded diff wouldn't get along well. Plus having to turn it off before every run seems really annoying.

also, wisefab makes a lock kit for these now.

[Smyoung335]

I was just at m technik yesterday! Awesome group of guys that are super knowledgeable. I'll only take my car there to get work done going forward. I'll keep an eye out for your car though. Also, you should update the thread with any drift events you're attending so we can see it in action!

[Puckett]

Originally Posted by Beas

does your JB4 allow you to permanently disable traction control? I would imagine traction control and a welded diff wouldn't get along well. Plus having to turn it off before every run seems really annoying.

also, wisefab makes a lock kit for these now.

Not that I could find. The welded does cause traction control to activate after a small slip in the rear wheels. I did have to turn it off after starting the car every time, until recently, It just started staying off... so that worked out.

[Puckett]

Originally Posted by Smyoung335

I was just at m technik yesterday! Awesome group of guys that are super knowledgeable. I'll only take my car there to get work done going forward. I'll keep an eye out for your car though. Also, you should update the thread with any drift events you're attending so we can see it in action!

Awesome! yeah I'll try to keep events updated here. I think there is a SA night event April 7th.