Issue
February 2021
Owner
Ben Zimmerman
Photographer
Jason Carroll
Ride Details
Original Cost
$14k
Build Cost
$40k
What was the inspiration?
Many hardcore sound competitors before me have approached building "the ultimate sound quality system" in a car by optimizing speaker placement with the approach of a purpose-built dash. These cars have always attracted my attention, not only because they look so interesting, but because of the level of sound that can be achieved. Scott Buwalda (Silvia), John Marsh (Eclipse), Larry Woolacott (Buick), and Chris Lacombe (Solara), in particular, have competed vehicles I'd say inspired this build in one way or another.
How long did it take you to build?
I bought this BMW used in 2010 and drove it daily until 2016. I installed a simple system shortly after I bought it and kept it that way until 2015, when the first "serious" installation happened shortly before the MECA and IASCA unified "finals" championship in Hunstville, AL. Since then it has gone through 2 more major changes. The car is largely fundamentally the same as when it competed at the last unified championship event in 2019, however I have made some small improvements since then.
How long have you been building?
My installer is Toby Broadfield at Mobile Audio Plus in Bloomington, IL, and he has been installing there professionally for almost 30 years.
Club Affiliations
Team Hybrids - Team Captain
Your future plans?
I heard there are some Texans who'd like me to bring the car down for a visit...
Thanks to
Mobile Audio Plus and Toby Broadfield
12v Electronics and Tom Meyers
Hybrid Audio Technologies and Scott Buwalda
SQOLOGY and Klifton Keplinger
All of the IASCA, MECA, and EMMA judges
My fellow competitors and internet comrades
My wife and family
Engine Details
Make
BMW 2005
Cylinders
Inline 6
Displacement
2.5L
Chassis Details
Chassis
E46
Mods to Frame
Holes behind speaker locations to allow speakers to vent outside the car
Drop or lift inches
Lowered approximately 2"
Front Shocks
H&R Coilovers
Rear Shocks
H&R Coilovers
Springs
H&R Coilovers
Other Mods
Turner Motorsport adjustable lower control arms and adjustable upper strut mounts
Wheels Details
Front Wheel Type
APEX ARC-8
Rear Wheel Type
APEX ARC-8
Front Wheel Size
18 x 8.5"
Rear Wheel Size
18 x 8.5"
Front Tire Size
235/40/18
Rear Tire Size
235/40/18
Paint Details
Color
Titanium Silver
Paint Type
Stock
Graphics By
Body Details
Bumpers
Front ZHP style bumper with an Arqray lip custom molded into it
Body Mods
ZHP side skirts
Body Mods by
Joe at Fallat’s Autobody
Interior Details
Dashboard
Custom, by Toby Broadfield
Gauges
Hidden
Steering Wheel
Controls the stereo
Console
Stock
Head Unit
Alpine Halo
Amps
Zapco Z-400.2 AP (six)
Speakers
Hybrid Audio Technologies
Stereo Installed by
Toby Broadfield - Mobile Audio Plus
Upholstery Description
Door cards and headliner wrapped in custom quilted black velour. The same velour is used in the trunk.
Upholstery By
Twin City Upholstery
2005 BMW 325xi
Owned by: Ben Zimmerman
Photos by: Jason Carroll
