1995 BMW 325is with Ed Paez

In this episode of Why This Ride?, we sit down with Ed Paez to talk about his 1995 BMW 325is and the journey that made it far more than just a car. Ed is a 30-year automotive industry veteran, former professional race car driver, and lifelong enthusiast whose passion for driving started at a young age with go-karts and autocross before eventually leading him into professional endurance racing.

Ed shares how growing up around motorsports and German cars shaped his taste, and why the E36 chassis became such a meaningful platform for him. From autocross events and performance driving schools to competing in professional series like Grand-Am and Rolex racing, Ed explains how seat time, car balance, and driver confidence matter more than raw horsepower. His 325is may not be an M3, but through suspension upgrades, safety equipment, and thoughtful setup, it has become a true street-driven track car that delivers maximum engagement behind the wheel.

The conversation also dives into the realities of racing, including how Ed’s professional career was impacted by the events of September 11, 2001, and how his priorities shifted toward teaching, mentoring, and sharing the joy of driving with others. We discuss track days, sim racing, entry points into motorsports, and why older analog cars like the E36 still offer a connection to the road that modern vehicles often lack.

This episode is a deep look at what it means to love driving for the sake of driving, why the BMW 325is remains a standout enthusiast car, and how personal history can turn a vehicle into a lifelong companion rather than just another build.

If you’re passionate about cars, racing, or the stories that make vehicles special, this episode is for you.