Background
Humza Rahman, a recent Computer Science graduate from the University of Central Florida, is a dynamic individual whose heart races at the intersection of cars and software engineering. With an heavy passion for automobiles, Humza has blended his love for cars with his engineering interests. His journey post-graduation has led him to the world of DrivnBye, where he serves as one of the lead and founding engineers. Fueled by a desire for innovation and a deep understanding of both automotive and software realms, Humza is transforming his passion into a driving force for the future of automotive technology, creating an adrenaline-filled adventure for himself and fellow enthusiasts. Though this post we will race through his first and most sentimental build – The 2016 BMW 435i
New Beginnings | October 26th, 2020
During Humza’s sophomore year of undergrad he had purchased the car from another UCF student who also happened to be a UCF CS graduate.
The car came equipped with the following options:
- Mineral Grey Metallic
- Standard BMW M-Sport Package
- 400M Style Wheels (Silver Alloy)
- M-Performance Suspension
- M-Performance Steering Wheel
- M-Performance Body Kit
- Heads-Up Display
- Anthracite Headliner
- Shadowline Exterior Trim (Black)
- Shadowline Interior Trim (Black)
The BMW N55 Engine
BMW had also equipped all of its (2014-2016) F32 435’s with the N55 engine which isn’t quite known to be a “performance engine” amongst BMW enthusiasts, however it was a large step up in terms of reliability when comparing it to its predecessor, the N54. Keep in mind that the N54 was BMW’s first attempt at turbocharging their engines. Due to the severe reliability issues that N54’s were prone to; BMW had decided to be conservative in their manufacturing process when designing the N55.
Moreover, the refinement in performance is evident in its seamless power delivery and reduced turbo lag, contributing to an overall enhanced driving experience. However, as automotive technology continues to evolve, the N55 faces competition from its newer 6-cylinder counterparts, notably the B58. While the N55 offers a commendably smooth ride, it falls short in terms of raw power when compared to the newer B58 engine.
Modifications
- Quad-Exhaust conversion
- The rest is stock 😉 – A little side note here.. I didn’t plan on keeping the car for a long time and wanted to enjoy the car in its purest form with only small tasteful modifications. This post will also discuss future plans.
Matte Carmine Red Vinyl Wrap | Ceramic Coating
Wrapped in Cheetah-Wrap Matte Carmine Red. Cheetah-Wrap is a very good economical choice for those not wanting to spend $1000’s on vinyl wrap for their vehicle. They offer a variety of colors and finishes. One thing worth mentioning with Cheetah-Wrap is the fact that they use calendared vinyl instead of cast vinyl. Calendared vinyl is typically more budget-friendly than cast vinyl, making it a popular choice for short-term or temporary signage. I didn’t plan on keeping the wrap on for long (Max 2 years), so choosing this film was a good choice.
Moreover, the wrap is coated in CarPro Skin CQUARTZ which is a specialized ceramic coating specifically designed for vinyl and Paint-Protection-Film (PPF). CarPro is an extremely popular car-detailing brand within the detailing community. However, CarPro’s products come at a premium as they are priced aggressively on the high-end. Their product-stock ranges from premium car shampoos to paint decontamination mixes. CarPro is very similar to Koch-Chemie (French) which is regarded as one of the highest quality detailing companies in the world.
Note: Cheetah-Wrap has started to develop issues with the adhesive bunching up underneath the wrap after application and prominent glue lines. If you’re planning on vinyl wrapping your vehicle, 3M, Avery, and TeckWrap are more reputable brands. Additionally, TeckWrap has significantly more color variety than that of 3M or Avery. When researching vinyl material take into account the thickness of the wrap, adhesive strength, and how long you’re planning on keeping it on your vehicle. These things matter heavily if you are concerned with the longevity of the original paint color for your car.
End of an Era | Hiatus
On February 16th, 2023. Humza was T-Boned while crossing an intersection. The initial impact had severed his steering column subsequently leading the car into a concrete light pole, finally crashing further into a large tree. Thankfully, all the airbags deployed and Humza was immediately taken to the hospital where he was assessed for his injuries. The resulting damage on the BMW rendered the car a total-loss. Since then, Humza has taken the time to heal physically and focus his efforts on completing the development of DrivnBye and ensuring its robustness for final deployment.
However, even during this phase of reflection, Humza is contemplating a transition to the popular and more powerful F82 BMW M4, marking a deliberate stride towards a renewed automotive chapter.. For now he is on a hiatus, soon to return with a stronger presence on the road.
Leave a Reply