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Few platforms hold as much tuning potential as BMW’s 135i N54. A true enthusiast's compact powerhouse, this car is a favourite among those who want serious turbocharged performance without jumping straight to M territory. One of our loyal customers turned their E82 into a sharp, head-turning street machine, and we’re proud to showcase it here at ML Performance.
While the 135i may have flown under the radar compared to its bigger M-badged siblings, it's always been a tuner’s gem. With its inline-six twin-turbo N54 engine, balanced chassis, and rear-wheel-drive setup, it delivers an ideal base for an engaging street or track build. This project takes full advantage of that potential, enhancing the car's style, sound, and performance in one cohesive upgrade plan.
The Rieger rear quad diffuser plays a key role in transforming the look and feel of this 135i. Sculpted with aerodynamic purpose and motorsport flair, it delivers a more aggressive rear profile that still respects the car’s OEM lines. Designed specifically for quad exhausts, it not only prepares the car visually for the performance upgrades to come but also ensures proper airflow and downforce where it counts. Precision-moulded for a factory-quality fit, this diffuser blends form and function seamlessly—offering race-inspired style without compromising everyday usability.
The Remus quad exhaust isn’t just about sound—it’s built to perform. By minimising exhaust restriction, it sharpens throttle response and brings out the N54’s full potential. Paired with the Rieger diffuser, the quad outlets add serious visual punch, rounding out a setup that delivers on both looks and lap times. This is precision exhaust tuning, made for those who drive hard and mod smart.
Engineered for serious performance without sacrificing street legality, these Ultimate Racing catted downpipes strike the ideal balance between power and compliance. Their high-flow metal substrate core significantly reduces backpressure, helping the N54 turbos spool faster and deliver sharper response across the rev range. The result? Less turbo lag, more mid-range torque, and a stronger, more urgent driving feel. When paired with the Remus exhaust system, they complete a setup that enhances both sound and performance—while keeping things fully road-legal.
The 135i N54 has long been a cult favourite for those in the know—an unassuming coupe with true performance DNA. This particular E82 embodies what makes the platform so special: stealthy looks, big tuning potential, and a raw turbocharged edge. Our customer took that DNA and enhanced it with a clean quad-exit rear, refined acoustics, and power-focused upgrades—all without losing daily drivability.
More than just a parts list, this build tells a story of subtle aggression and well-executed decisions. Each mod was chosen for its ability to complement the car's factory strengths while pushing its capabilities further. From the precise fitment of the diffuser to the deep tone of the Remus exhaust and the efficiency of the high-flow downpipes, this 135i shows what happens when performance and style are treated as equal priorities.
This is exactly the kind of car that makes Project Cars special—because it proves that with the right vision and the right parts, you can transform an already capable machine into something that’s uniquely yours.
If you’ve built something special with parts from ML Performance, we’d love to showcase it in our Project Cars section. Just drop us a message with your mod list, photos, and your build journey!
