🔳BMW 325xi AC Schnitzer X-Road AWD

My own version of a camper, for the sixth time.

Welcome to the SW Camper Conversion - Dora The RV V4

Converting a car into a camper is much more than a mechanical project: it's a declaration of freedom. In this guide, I show you how I transformed a 2003 BMW 325xi Touring with 300,000 km—and a good few years old—into a livable and functional space. Because sustainability, minimalism, and autonomy don't require luxury, just ingenuity and willpower.

Starting Point - Buying the car

Every journey begins with a first step, and mine was to face the reality of the vehicle as it arrived: with a few bodywork blemishes, a noticeable oil leak, and 300,000 kilometers that told a story. It's not perfect, and it doesn't have to be. The beauty of this process is seeing the potential where others see an old car. This is where the transformation begins: with honesty, with slightly dirty hands, and with a clear vision of turning this BMW into a home on wheels.

Bodywork

The first big step was to restore the body's dignity. Every dent, every scratch, told a story... but it also called for renewal. There I met Alex, someone who understands metals and is patient. With precise hands and a keen eye, he polished every detail with dedication and respect for the vehicle.

Seeing the exterior regain its shape was almost symbolic: this isn't just a car that's been transformed; it's an idea that's gaining momentum. A new beginning, from the outside in.

Results

A Well-Placed Indulgence - Black Wheels

Although it wasn't a priority in the conversion, sometimes decisions are made with the heart. I found the same design as the original 19" wheels in black, and I couldn't resist. It was a small visual treat, a way to enhance the overall look without disrupting the essence of the project.

It's not just about functionality. Sometimes, those seemingly unnecessary details are what connect us emotionally to what we're creating. And in this case, aesthetics also add character. Now the BMW isn't just ready for adventures... it also takes them on in style.

I have to admit: the look it took with the black wheels isn't entirely my favorite. They changed the car's vibe more than I imagined. But I also understand that this is just one moment in a much larger process.

I look at it, and even if I don't fall in love at first sight, I know there's a bright future waiting for it. Because what matters isn't how it looks now, but where it's going. And what comes next—that transformation that's already taking shape in my head—will put it right.

Style with Purpose - Roof top Box

On the journey of transforming a car into a camper, every decision counts. And this time, it was a perfect blend of intuition, aesthetics, and necessity. I found a huge roof rack online—literally called the Excellence, by Thule—and I knew instantly it was the missing piece.

Storage capacity was key. I didn't want to break the car's silhouette with a roof tent or ruin the aerodynamics. My idea was clear: either sleep inside or outside in a tent, but always maintain the fluid and functional design. And this trunk made it possible.

The best part: it came in the same colors as the car, and with an "X" design on top that seemed tailor-made for the X-Road model. Now, with the black wheels and this detail on top, the car begins to speak for itself. It doesn't scream camper, but it makes it clear it's ready for adventure. A discreet vessel, but with character.

Ready to Tow Dreams - Hook

Considering the project's versatility, I knew at some point I'd need more capacity: whether to carry a bike, a motorcycle, a small camper, or simply more stuff on a trailer. Freedom also means having options, and for that, I needed something key: a tow bar.

Adding it was a practical decision, but also a symbolic one. This BMW not only becomes a living space, but also a mobile platform for new ideas. Because when you travel, you never know what adventures will come your way. And it's best to be prepared.

Mistakes, Sandpaper, and Learning Experiences - Side Mirrors

One of those seemingly minor details that end up weighing heavily on my daily life: the driver's side mirror wouldn't close. It was completely locked, and that, besides being uncomfortable, wasn't safe. So I decided to solve it myself.

I found a pair of secondhand mirrors online from Holland and ordered them. They arrived safely... but there was one problem: they weren't from the E46 model, but from the E36. Their mistake. But I had already carefully sanded and painted them, giving them a new life.

Even so, I returned them, took a deep breath, and started over when the correct ones arrived. Secondhand, yes, but functional and, this time, compatible. I sanded again, repainted, and finally installed them. Now the mirror closes, and I also closed a small cycle of frustration and learning that is part of any real transformation.

Clarity Up Front - Front Lights

The headlights had one detail I couldn't ignore: the protective plastic was cracked, with marks where water was getting in. This generated internal moisture and clouded visibility, both visually and aesthetically.

It's not just a matter of how it looks—although that's also true—but how the road is illuminated. So I decided to replace the protectors with new ones. A simple gesture, but one that adds clarity, safety, and presence to the front of the vehicle. Because if I learned anything during this process, it's that seeing clearly ahead is also part of traveling freely.

A touch of red... or not? - Brake Calipers

In a more sporty than rational approach, I decided to paint the brake calipers red. I wanted to give them an energetic touch, something that would visually stand out from the sobriety of the overall design. And yes, the result was striking: they matched the taillights very well and added a more aggressive touch to the overall look.

But then I questioned it. Perhaps a classic black or gray would have better accompanied the idea of a discreet, elegant, and functional camper. Sometimes seemingly minor details spark unexpected internal conversations. Even so, the red remained, and for now it gives the car a more vibrant feel, as if reminding us that there's also room to play in the midst of planning.

Geometry: Aligning More Than Just Wheels

After so many aesthetic and functional adjustments, it was time for something fundamental: geometry. Doing this work was like giving the project a new axis, literally. It's not just about making the car feel more stable or respond better to the steering, but about making sure everything is in place, aligned, and balanced for what's coming next.

In a vehicle with 300,000 km and a new purpose ahead, precision matters. I want this vehicle to not only look good, but to roll confidently and safely around every curve.

Name and character: Dora the RV v.4 - Stickers

Every project needs a soul, and mine always had a name: Dora the RV. This is version 4, and although the vehicle changes, the spirit remains the same. Applying the stickers was more than a matter of aesthetics: it was an act of identity. Like tattooing a commitment to the journey, to the idea, to the lifestyle I choose.

With this last detail, I close the exterior stage. Everything that follows now will be internal, building the living space that will transform this vessel into a true mobile refuge. Dora is now ready to begin beating from within.

Branding with Heat… and Error - Seat Header

I wanted to start the interior with a personal touch: headrest covers with the Dora logo, as I had done for the v2.2 Hummer project. It was a simple gesture, but loaded with identity. Something that would signal the intention from the seat.

But this time, the combination of fabric and heat didn't work. The material couldn't withstand the process and ended up burning more than expected. The result wasn't what I imagined, and although I love leaving my mark on every corner, I decided to remove them.

Sometimes you have to let go of what doesn't fit, even if it has your name on it. The interior will have its own language, and perhaps that logo will appear later, somewhere else, in a different way. This is just the beginning.

Tent - Testing Outside Before Building Inside

Before diving headfirst into building the interior, I wanted to try a more open-minded option: sleeping outside. I bought a tent from Decathlon and a couple of inflatable mattresses. The quality was impeccable. The comfort was better than expected. It was a good way to test what it feels like to sleep close to the car, without even modifying the interior space.

But like everything in this project, practicality also mattered: transporting the tent and mattresses took up too much space inside the car. And in a vehicle where every inch counts, that made all the difference.

The experience was positive, but it reaffirmed an idea I'd been thinking about: if I want true autonomy, I have to make the interior function like a home. Compact, functional, and ready for any moment.

Stereo

First version: Technology with promise… and limits

As part of the interior, I decided to update the sound and infotainment system. I bought an Android stereo—one of those Chinese screens that look like an iPad—with CarPlay for iPhone. Large, bright, and initially very promising: it could display everything I needed for the trip, from GPS to Spotify.

The challenge came when installing it. In this model, all the original connections are in the trunk, so to avoid cutting cables and respect the factory installation, I ran a new 5-meter cable to the front. A meticulous job, designed to make everything neat and reversible.

But after trying it several times, my enthusiasm faded. The screen hung, it was slow, and instead of making things easier, it complicated them. The buttons were simple, made of plastic, and didn't do justice to the overall design. In short: it didn't meet my expectations.

It was one of those lessons along the way: not everything brilliant works well. And in a project like this, where comfort and functionality are key, that weighs more than any large screen.

Second version: A real luxury, technology that really keeps up

After the frustrating experience with the previous stereo, the process led me to discover Eonon, a brand specializing in high-end audio systems for classic BMWs like this one. The difference was immediate.

The screen was smaller, yes, but fully touch-enabled, without plastic buttons or unnecessary embellishments. Simple, functional, and elegant. It reflected everything I needed: GPS, CarPlay, music, vehicle information... without delays, without hangs.

Thanks to the fact that I already had the 5-meter cable installed, the change was very quick: I just removed the old one, connected the new one, and that's it. Since then, everything flows as it should. Those small, well-made decisions make a huge difference in everyday life. Now, the interior is starting to speak the same language as the entire project: functionality, minimalism, and a touch of pleasure.

A detail that adds up: a USB connection up front

To complete the installation of the new Eonon stereo, I found a dash kit that included USB ports accessible from the front. It may seem like a minor detail, but it makes a big difference.

The stereo had a USB connection, yes... but only from the rear, which isn't practical when you need to charge your phone or plug something in quickly on the road. With this new panel, functionality gained in convenience, without dangling cables or makeshift solutions. And as I am not a smoker, and I don't need the ashtray, I didn't mind to get the new dash without it.

Another minor improvement in appearance, but a huge one in daily use. Because when every element of the interior is designed with intention, the experience changes completely. Now, technology is elegantly integrated, ready to accompany every mile.

Taking advantage of the new stereo installation, I decided to add a rearview camera connected directly to the screen. A simple but crucial improvement, especially in a car that now has a large luggage rack and cargo in the trunk.

Rearward visibility was no longer the best, and if this BMW is going to be traveling on trails, parking in tight spaces, or maneuvering a trailer, clear vision is essential. The camera integrated perfectly into the new system, and every time I shift into reverse, the rear view appears seamlessly, without delays or errors.

The Furniture

The Heart of the Interior: Kitchen, Bed, and Mobile Shelter

With the exterior ready and the technology working, it was time to transform the interior. I started with the central unit, designed with a clear logic: every inch must have a purpose. In a single compact body, I built a small kitchen with two burners covered by a glass lid, a functional drawer that converts into a small table with an LED light, and space to store utensils and food in Tupperware.

Everything fits perfectly, taking advantage of the shape of the trunk and aligning with the lid that covers the spare tire. Underneath, there's room for a gas bottle and a 20- to 30-liter water tank. Minimalism, yes, but without sacrificing the essentials.

When I lower the rear seats and recline the front seats forward, the unit extends to a surface area of 1.90 m. The result: a comfortable bed for two people, aligned, firm, and protected. There may not be much headroom, but there's enough room to sleep stretched out, dry, and peaceful in the rain.

The concept isn't luxury, it's freedom. This isn't just a piece of furniture: it's a kitchen, a bed, and a shelter. It's home, on four wheels.

Tecnología, identidad y diseño: cuando el mueble también habla

En esta etapa del proyecto quise ir más allá de lo funcional y empezar a explorar nuevas tecnologías que no había usado en mis campers anteriores. Gracias al Orange Fab Lab de Be Central, tuvimos acceso a herramientas que abrieron otra dimensión en el diseño.

Usamos una máquina láser para grabar un diseño en el frente del cajón de la cocina. Fue un gesto sutil pero potente: dejar una marca visible, una firma que transmite identidad y propósito. Dora the RV ya no era solo funcional, ahora también contaba su historia desde la forma.

Intentamos trabajar con la CNC para los huecos del módulo de la cama, pero al final optamos por lo artesanal: perforadora y cabezales de distintos tamaños. La idea era clara —aligerar peso, permitir respiración del colchón, y dejar, incluso en los huecos, una expresión visual que hablara de este proyecto.

No es sólo una cuestión estética. Es una búsqueda constante de equilibrio entre lo hecho a mano y lo asistido por tecnología, entre lo útil y lo simbólico. Porque cada parte del interior también puede ser un mensaje.

A mattress

To complete the sleeping space, the mattress had to be special. Not only for comfort—which is key—but because it had to fit perfectly into the design of the bed, without wasting a single inch.

We custom-built it with an Argentinian friend who have done already textile work for all of our versions. It was a shared, artisanal process, with mate in the mix and many cross-cutting ideas. We chose comfortable memory foam, cut it in 3 pieces foldable, and made easy-to-move, keeping in mind that the interior had to remain functional during the day.

There's nothing like sleeping on something you built with your own hands, with the help of people who lend their energy to the journey. This mattress didn't come from a store: it came from the community, from shared creativity, and from that constant desire to make every detail meaningful.

Official Presentation: Picnic, Friends, and a Castle

After so many hours of work, trials, lessons learned, and small triumphs, it was time to share. I invited some friends to a park with a castle—because every epic project deserves a worthy setting—and we officially presented this new version of Dora the RV.

We had a simple but joyful picnic. We shared food, laughter, and toured the car while I recounted each step of the process. It was beautiful to see how something so personal can also inspire others. Because in the end, it's not just about a vehicle converted into a camper. It's about freedom, creativity, community... and proving that another way of living is possible.

This was the symbolic closure of the project. Although, like any journey, it's really just the beginning.

Photos of DRV4 by Marco Pisanu

Transforming a station wagon like the BMW 325xi into a travel-ready space is a creative challenge that proves you don't need much to explore. If you're looking for innovative ideas for optimizing small spaces, clever storage solutions, or how to maintain discretion without sacrificing functionality, a chat with Dora could be the push you need to get the most out of your vehicle.

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