What NLA Products Do You Want Back?
It’s a sad reality that at a certain point, BMW stops producing parts for aging models. While they’re much better about supporting legacy models than many other auto manufacturers, eventually, they can’t justify continued production. The same can be said for popular aftermarket manufacturers, like AC Schnitzer, BBS, Koenig, Zender, and others who, after many years, cease production of replacement components and upgrades. However, as one of the few who still carries a torch for legacy BMWs, we’re doing our best to make sure enthusiasts like us can still have access to at least some of those rare and desirable bits for our cars. This week, we’re going all ‘no longer available’ on you with a look inside some of our current and upcoming projects. | | CSL
Ok, so most of the OEM CSL goodies, specifically the E46 CSL parts, are still available from BMW. How long they’re still available, though, is a burning question. The E46 M3 is rapidly approaching two decades since production ended, so it’s only a matter of time. Not only that, but CSL parts are extremely expensive to purchase either new or used… if you can even find them. That’s why we decided to make versions that provide the same look, feel, and performance so we can bring CSL upgrades to the people. | | INTAKE
You’ve likely already seen our E46 M3 CSL-Style Carbon Fiber Intake. It’s a gorgeous piece that pays homage to the striking design and sound of the OEM CSL version fitted to the special edition M3s. However, our engineers took a crack at making some choice improvements to the design that we think paid off well. Namely, the Turner Motorsport version is available in both a matte or a gloss finish for an additional choice in appearance. In terms of performance, our version also flows better than the OEM CSL intake. We measured an improvement of 20% more air than the OEM factory intake and about 5% more air than the CSL intake, which is certainly a noteworthy achievement. | | EXTERIOR
The E36 LTW or CSL as it is sometimes known came with an aero package that was included in the trunk or pre-installed by the dealerships. Some lucky few have found new-in-box CSL upgrades, like the famous wing, graphics package, front lip, and adjustable splitter, that were never installed. Unfortunately, with only a few hundred of those E36 LTWs produced for the US and Canada, finding genuine New Old Stock or even reproduction pieces is extremely difficult and costly. So, like with the CSL intake, we tried our hand at creating options for enthusiasts to enjoy. | | FRONT LIP
Brand new from our design engineers is the LTW-style front lip spoiler for your E36 M3. Now, you have a direct bolt-on front lip that mimics the legendary appearance of the coveted LTW for an aggressive front end upgrade that was developed by the team you know and love. Our design isn’t just some cheap replica; like all our products, it underwent an extremely lengthy design process to ensure fit and finish that will appease any discerning BMW enthusiast. After all, we don’t like having ‘replica’ products unless they’re a quality that can match or outclass the original. | | SPLITTER
In addition to the front lip, we’re also working on the matching adjustable front splitter that functions both as an extremely striking appearance improvement as well as adds functionality in producing downforce. This splitter is currently in late design phases and should be available for your E36 M3 quite soon. | | WISH LIST
For me, particularly as an E30 enthusiast, there is a long and constantly growing wish-list of NLA parts. Every day that passes makes rare pieces of kit like Startec tail lights, MTech 2 375mm steering wheels, Euro HELLA “smiley” headlights, and all those rare BMW goodies more and more expensive. While we’ve done our best to bring the high-quality aftermarket reproduction companies onboard, like DEPO’s replica smiley headlights, all read tail lights, etc, there just isn’t that much support anymore for these aging platforms.
I know I would personally like to see us reproduce the famous BBS front bumper valence, side skirts, and rear valence, but that likely won’t happen. However, there are plenty of things in the works right now that will hopefully satisfy at least a portion of that desire we all have for NLA goodies. This begs the question: what NLA parts, OEM or Aftermarket, would you like to see us design? Let us know as usual at [email protected] and you may find yourself in a future edition of Turner Motorsport Weekly. | | | | |
