Christian Ebsen 2004 BMW 330Ci
Discover Christian Ebsen’s journey from a Honda Civic to an LS-swapped 2004 BMW 330Ci, blending European style with American muscle for the ultimate drift machine.
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Christian Ebsen
2004 BMW 330Ci
Instagram: @Christian_Ebsen46
Photographer: Dylan Thomas / @quattroslide
From Honda Civics to BMW Drifters: Christian Ebsen’s Car Journey
My name is Christian Ebsen, and I’m a Midwest guy living in the heart of the U.S.—Iowa, to be exact. I’m a welder and fabricator by trade, which has been a huge asset in advancing my car hobbies. My passion for cars runs deep, thanks to a lifelong exposure to family members who share the same enthusiasm. As I grew older and started hanging out with people at local car meets, I found myself becoming more involved in the car community. Before long, I had a solid group of friends who shared my love for cars.
The Beginning: A Honda Civic and the Stance Scene
My first “cool” car was a 1995 Honda Civic. It was the car that ignited my passion for modifying vehicles. I did all the work myself, lowering it, swapping in a B-series engine, and giving it that stance look. Over the years, as I delved deeper into the car community, I made friends with people from different corners of the scene—especially those involved in drifting. Watching these guys throw their cars into corners with ease left a lasting impression on me. It wasn’t long before I wanted to give drifting a shot myself.
Enter the Drift Scene: The 1998 BMW 328is
My first drift car was a 1998 BMW 328is, and it was this car that truly sparked my driving habit. I drove that E36 for four years, and it taught me so much about the importance of quality parts versus cheap alternatives. With around 190-200hp, the car provided me with all the seat time I could ask for. It was a great learning experience and laid the foundation for my current build—a 2004 BMW 330Ci, which I’ve taken to a whole new level with an LS swap.
The 2004 BMW 330Ci: A New Era with LS Power
The Birth of a Beast: Swapping the LS into the BMW
The 2004 BMW 330Ci came to me with an original M54B30 engine and a 6-speed transmission. However, there was an issue with the engine, and I could never get it to run correctly. That’s when I decided to take a bold step and swap in a 6.0L LQ4 engine from a Chevy 2500 pickup, paired with a transmission from a Pontiac Solstice. By April of the following year, the swap was complete, and the car has been tearing it up ever since.
One of the biggest challenges was rewiring the car. I stripped out all the original BMW wiring and rewired everything myself. The engine bay was in rough shape when I first got the car, stained black from oil and power steering leaks. I cleaned it up, resprayed the engine bay to match the car’s exterior, and then installed the LS engine.
Keeping It Clean: Balancing Power and Functionality
Despite the extensive modifications, I managed to retain the factory interior and even kept all the original functions working—a feat I’m particularly proud of. The BMW chassis is one I’ve become very familiar with after years of working on these cars. BMWs are known for their performance, and with some slight modifications, you can make them even better. That’s why I’ve stuck with the BMW platform.
The decision to go with the LS swap was driven by a desire for more naturally aspirated power. The LS platform is like Legos—simple, versatile, and capable of making decent power with minimal effort. I also modified the suspension to ensure the car performs at its best during the intense driving it’s put through.
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What Makes This BMW 330Ci Unique
The Perfect Blend of American Muscle and European Engineering
What sets my 2004 BMW 330Ci apart is the combination of a robust European chassis with American V8 power. The LS engine delivers the raw, naturally aspirated grunt that I wanted, while the BMW chassis provides the handling and balance needed for both drifting and spirited driving. It’s a car that commands attention, not just for its looks but for its performance on the track and the street.
Spec List
Engine:
- 6.0 LQ4
- GPI custom grind cam
- 799 heads with dual springs and polished valves.
- Holly Hi-Ram intake
- 102mm throttle body
- Tubular headers
- Dr Concept engine mounts
- AR5 transmission
- Fabbot transmission adapter
- Mishima to radiator
Interior:
- Glow shift gauges
- Momo racing seat for the driver
- ProCar racing seat for a passenger
- Racequip harnesses
- Arch 8 switch panel
- Sparco racing steering wheel
Suspension:
- Bc racing coilovers
- FDF angle kit
- Rev shift poly subframe bushings
- Condor speed shop/Syncro design works RTAB bushings
Exterior:
- Alpine white
- Duckbill wing
- M3 front bumper
Brakes:
- Factory for the most part
- Parts By Max handbrake and brake lines
- Garagistics steel braided brake lines
Advice for Aspiring Builders
For anyone considering a similar build, my advice is to be prepared for challenges, especially when it comes to wiring and custom fabrication. But don’t let that scare you off—these projects are incredibly rewarding. And if you’re working with a BMW chassis, you’re already starting with a solid foundation.
Future Plans: More Power, More Performance
The build is far from complete. I’m planning to refine the engine setup, possibly adding more power and improving the overall clean look of the engine bay. As the project evolves, I’m excited to see just how much further I can push the performance of this car.
Useful Links for Further Reading:
- History of the BMW E46
- Guide to LS Engine Swaps
- Wiring Tips for Engine Swaps
- BMW 330Ci Performance Mods
- Drifting Techniques for Beginners
What do you think? leave your comments in the comments section at the bottom of the page
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