Widebody BMW 635csi with Coutner Kit & LS Plans

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Stephen Murphy
1989 Widebody BMW 635csi
Instagram: @Apollo_Murphy

Photographer/Author: Donnie Rochin
Instagram: @r0cean11

Facebook: r0cean11 Photography
Website: r0cean11.com

"Build with passion, drive with purpose — every great car starts as a bold idea." ~ Stephen Murphy

A Love for Cars That Crossed Oceans

I grew up in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, and moved to the U.S. 16 years ago. I turned 41 in May and now work as a general contractor. Cars have always been a part of my life. I was raised watching the Circuit of Ireland Rally, WRC, Formula 1, and the legendary Isle of Man TT. Even back in the early 2000s, going out meant more than just clubbing—it meant car spotting. Lancer Evos, Subaru Impreza 22Bs, and Nissan Skylines were the holy grails back home.

From a Civic Coupe to Custom Widebody Builds

Back in Northern Ireland, I only had one modified car—a 1998 Honda Civic coupe with rims and a rear spoiler. After moving to the States, my first true project was an A-Team van replica. I got pulled over all the time, but never for tickets—people just wanted photos! From there, I went on to own several cars and trucks, including a supercharged Roush F-150.

But my first full-on car build was a C3 Corvette. I did a '68-'72 front and rear conversion with 4-inch rear and 3-inch front full panel fenders. That was four months of fiberglass sanding in a tiny single-car garage. I remember thinking, "Never again."

Why I Chose the BMW 635csi

After the C3 Corvette build, I was itching for something different—something European. I came across another 635 in my area and began researching body kits. That’s when I discovered Coutner Japan. Once I saw their widebody kit, I was sold.

This car is different from other Coutner builds because while their kits are typically bolted on with exposed seams and hardware, I wanted mine to look factory. My goal from the start was to blend the kit seamlessly into the body. It had to be OEM+ in every sense.

Zandvoort Blue and DIY Brilliance

I chose Zandvoort Blue, a color from the 2024 BMW M2 (code C6E). I first saw it on a friend’s M2, and I was hooked. Depending on the light, it shifts from a deep blue to a smoky grey, which perfectly complements the angular lines of the Coutner kit.

And yes, this entire build was done DIY in my garage.

Detailed Modifications & Upgrades

Exterior & Bodywork

• Coutner Japan widebody kit with rear wing and front bumper/lower valance

• Custom-forged carbon fiber rear diffuser

• Coutner front splitter and side skirts

• Full paint protection film (PPF)

• Ceramic tinted windows

Wheels & Suspension

• Coutner custom 3-piece 18" wheels

• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires

• BC Racing air suspension

• Airlift dual compressor system

Interior & Electronics

• Aftermarket bucket seats with suede upholstery

• Rear seat delete

• NRG quick-release steering wheel and shifter kit

• LowGlow underbody lighting kit

• Apple CarPlay upgraded stereo

Engine

• Factory M30B35 3.5L inline-six

• D'Sylva chipped ECU

What’s Next for the Widebody 635csi

I originally bought this car as an automatic because I knew a motor and trans swap was coming. The plan now is to drop in a supercharged LS engine, paired with an 8HP transmission featuring sequential and paddle shift controls. The whole setup will be managed by a Turbolamik ECU system.

Other upgrades will include a fully rebuilt interior with carbon fiber and Alcantara, all-new carbon fiber bucket seats, updated wiring and electronics, new brakes, and drivetrain upgrades.

Car Culture, Community & Personal Growth

I love the people you meet in the car world. Whether it’s at shows or just on the street, the conversations and shared passions are unlike anything else. After every show, I leave motivated to do more. And when a little kid sees my car and says, "Look, Ferrari!" — even when it’s clearly not — that’s when you know you've built something special.

I’ve only taken this car to five shows so far, but I’ve already made friends. You start recognizing people, their builds, and even their Instagram handles before you know their real names. It feels like a family day out every time.

Advice for Future Builders

My best advice? Do your research. Use forums, Facebook groups, and especially YouTube. You can learn everything from bodywork to paint. Start with a clean chassis if you can, but if you want a challenge, a rusty shell will definitely teach you more.

I rely heavily on E24 forums on Facebook for help with repairs, and that sense of online community is a game-changer.

Dream Car Aspirations

If money and availability were no object? My dream would be a street-legal Pagani Zonda Revolucion. No question.

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UKTM no: UK00003572459