“1999 BMW 318ti
1999 BMW 318ti — “Project Blue Berry”
Compact, unconventional, and unmistakably built with purpose, Project Blue Berry is a 1999 BMW 318ti that takes the often-overlooked E36 Compact platform and gives it a distinctly performance-focused personality.
Under the hood sits BMW’s 2.0-liter M42 engine, topped with a Downing Atlanta supercharger to give the four-cylinder powerplant an added punch. The combination keeps the character of the original BMW engine intact while introducing the forced induction needed to make this compact chassis considerably more entertaining.
Recently, Project Blue Berry went under the knife for a major chassis upgrade, receiving our in-house angle kit paired with SLR coilovers. The new suspension and steering combination transforms the front end of the 318ti, giving the car the hardware necessary to take advantage of its rear-wheel-drive layout and turn-in with considerably more authority.
Inside the cockpit, the focus remains firmly on the driver. NRG fixed carbon seats have been fastened into place, providing a secure and supportive driving position, while a dedicated e-brake setup gives the driver another essential tool for controlling the car when the pavement runs out of straight lines.
Moving toward the rear, Project Blue Berry makes its intentions even clearer. A massive rear spoiler dominates the back of the car, designed to generate additional aerodynamic grip and keep the compact chassis planted when the speed starts to climb.
The result is a unique take on the BMW 318ti: a lightweight compact chassis, a supercharged M42 up front, upgraded steering and suspension underneath, and a cockpit built around driver control. Project Blue Berry proves that you don’t need the biggest engine or the most conventional BMW platform to build something capable of making a serious impression.
