In a move that surprised and delighted us, BMW North America has seen fit to provide eurotuner Magazine with a BMW 135i as a longterm project car.

This means we have a year to transform BMW’s baby Coupe and try to unravel its full potential.

Most appealing is the car’s twin-turbo 3.0 liter six cylinder motor derived from the BMW 335i and also used in the 535i. Utilizing software upgrades as well as performance exhaust and intake systems, some tuners are already seeing power increases of 50-80hp at the wheels over the stock 300hp at the crank.

More challenging will be the Coupe’s two-door body styling, which already boasts an M-Tech body kit with large front spoiler to house the intercooler. It also get a lip spoiler on the trunk, 18” wheels, Sports suspension, six-piston Brembo front brakes and dual tailpipes – everything you’d choose to do using the aftermarket!

Despite the impressive spec, we’re hoping to improve on the original with some discreet body styling parts to enhance the Coupe’s lines. Several German tuning houses have already developed parts for the 135i, so we’ll probably be knocking on their doors.

In fact, we may start with a complete package from the Germans – styling, wheels, suspension, exhaust and electronics. This will get us pointed in the right direction and give us a strong base from which to modify the car further.

For inspiration, we also have the results of our latest Photochop Challenge from the December 2007 issue of eurotuner Magazine. Readers were invited to use their Photoshop skills to manipulate a photo of the BMW 135i and show how they’d like the car to look.
The results of this challenge can be seen both in the April 2008 issue of the magazine and online at www.eurotuner.com in the third week of March 2008.

Be sure to check it out as there are some incredible images that provide plenty of inspiration for 135i owners who are looking to transform their car.

In the meantime, we welcome any ideas you may have for modifications we can make to our 135i Project Car. You can either respond to this blog or email us directly at eurotuner@sourceinterlink.com