#LIFEONAIR: Vincenc Lang's E36 BMW 323i

The phrase “simple is best” gets thrown around a lot in the tuning scene, but “simple” doesn’t have to mean “minimal”.

Take Vincenc Lang’s E36 BMW, for example. To the untrained eye, it looks like a tidy E36 BMW slammed on a set of ritzy wheels. But, if we delve a little deeper into the build you’ll see that nearly every panel, bolt and plastic has either been replaced or upgraded in the process.

We first spotted Vincenc’s BMW – a ’98 323i – while visiting the annual Essen Motor Show last week. In a hall filled with Liberty Walk super cars and general Bavarian lunacy, it was a welcome breath of fresh air to see such a tidy, well-executed build. Vincenc didn’t cut any corners – the 323i chassis were completely restored and all rust was removed before being fully repainted in BMW Fashion Grey, a color more commonly found on the later F8x platforms.

The OEM theme runs through the exterior, featuring genuine E36 M3 parts used on the bumpers, mirrors, side skirts and wings. He even opted for E46 brakes all round, which fit perfectly behind the Carline CM6 split rims.

One area that is definitely not OEM is the BMW’s killer stance, which Vincenc achieved using Performance Series struts, matched with 3P management and dual compressors.

Tucking 17 x 9.5in ET17 (front) and 17 x 11in ET-7 (rear) on stock arches, even if they are M3, is no easy task! So he opted for a healthy dose of camber and tire stretch for the perfect fitment. That’s a 225/35/17 stretched on an 11in wide rim at the back – serious commitment!

Inside, a pair of Sparco Evo 2 bucket seats matched with Takata harnesses keep Vincenc strapped in tightly while an alcantara re-trim brings the E36’s interior back into 2016 – not bad for a car originally produced back in 1998.

Thanks to Vincenc for showcasing his awesome Air Lift Performance-equipped ride at Essen!

Stay tuned for more features coming soon!