For the crew at IND, traveling to Japan is about much more than attending the Tokyo Auto Salon. This is a trip we have wanted to make for years, but the timing has always been difficult, landing right as we return from the holidays and begin the New Year back at the office.
While Tokyo Auto Salon was an incredible event filled with new builds and exciting product debuts, it was not the primary reason for the journey. The true purpose of this trip was Studie AG. Studie, and its owner Bob, are the reason IND exists today. From the very beginning, Studie had a direct influence on us and served as both inspiration and foundation for what would eventually become IND. For more than 30 years, Studie has set the standard in Japan for premium BMW parts and accessories.
For many of us at IND, visiting Japan to see Studie’s showrooms and finally spend time with Bob and Akimitsu has been a long-held dream, and this trip brought that dream to life. In addition to Studie’s multiple installation locations across Japan, Bob is also the managing director of a factory-backed BMW Motorsport race team and happens to be one of just fifty owners of the rare, new BMW 3.0 CSL.
Studie’s showrooms feel less like traditional automotive shops and more like high-end art galleries for automotive purists. While many shops in the US keep products tucked away in warehouses, Studie places everything front and center, allowing customers to experience parts hands-on. Alongside their carefully curated selection of components, the showroom proudly displays motorsport trophies earned by the race team over the years, as well as personal vehicles owned by Bob himself.
During our visit, it was a pleasant surprise to see IND logos featured within the showroom. To think this was a company that inspired us at the very beginning, and now one we can call friends who proudly display our logo and the products we offer, truly brought everything full circle.
While in the showroom, I was finally able to see the rare BMW 3.0 CSL in person. Based on the M4 CSL, this one-of-fifty specification features a full carbon fiber front bumper cover, front fenders, hood, rear quarter panels, full rear bumper cover, rear wing, center-lock wheels, and custom BMW M stripes that are fully painted in Germany. Being able to study the car up close was something I had been looking forward to for a long time, given its rarity. And yes, Bob does drive the 3.0 CSL whenever he has the opportunity.
Despite being based on the G82 platform, BMW internally referred to this car simply as the “3.0 CSL,” not M4 CSL or M4 Heritage. This was a deliberate decision to separate it philosophically and historically from standard production M cars. The car was offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, and allocation was relationship-based rather than first-come.
Studie’s website: https://www.studie.jp/
This trip to Japan was not just a visit. It was a reminder of where IND started, who inspired us along the way, and how far that journey has taken us.
Studie Yokohama
After visiting Studie Tokyo, we made our way to the Studie Yokohama location.
As soon as we pulled up, we were greeted by a lineup of exceptionally clean customer cars waiting for service. One standout was a pristine F87 M2 parked outside, fitted with a Fall-Line roll bar and closeout that we were fortunate enough to supply to Studie.
Inside the Studie Yokohama showroom sat yet another rare BMW, the Futura 2000 F87 M2 spec, created in collaboration with legendary New York graffiti artist and contemporary painter Leonard McGurr, better known as Futura 2000. This one-off M2 features custom graphics and art-inspired accents that set it apart from anything else based on the F87 platform.
I remember when this car was first announced and never imagined I would have the opportunity to see it in person. At the time of its release, there was quite a bit of backlash online. To me, and to many others, the artistic graphics felt somewhat out of place on the M2, almost as if they were applied randomly rather than integrated into the car’s design language.
That said, my favorite details were inside the cabin. The custom white leather seat inlays and bespoke interior trim pieces were beautifully executed and felt far more cohesive and special. Unveiled by BMW in 2016 at Art Basel Miami, this Futura 2000 M2 is a true one-off, and seeing it in Japan may make it one of the rarest BMWs in the country.
3D Design BMW
Next, we visited our partners and friends at 3D Design BMW, one of our longest-standing distribution partners. 3D Design produces some of the highest-quality BMW parts in the world. Interestingly, the original concept for 3D Design was created by Bob from Studie, and it has since grown into a true powerhouse within the BMW tuning world.
I’ve wanted to visit 3D Design’s facility for years, and it was absolutely worth the wait. Much like their branding and parts, the location itself was impeccably clean and thoughtfully designed. It felt more like an art studio that happens to create automotive parts than a traditional tuning shop.
3D’s website: https://www.3ddesign.jp/english/
After giving us a full tour, the team took us to an iconic ramen museum. Not only did it showcase the history behind the famous Japanese cuisine, but below the museum was an entire food hall filled with restaurants offering every type of ramen you could imagine.
A special thank you to Toru and the entire 3D Design team for hosting us. To read more about 3D Design and our partnership, check out our blog feature here:
3D Design Japan x IND, A Partnership Built on Craft, Not Trends
Tokyo Auto Salon
Tokyo Auto Salon may be smaller than SEMA, but it is packed with some of the most iconic builds and manufacturers Japan has to offer. One of the main reasons our team was excited for the show was the debut of the all-new BBS MAG-R wheels, the latest wheel design from BBS Germany.
The MAG-R represents a major step forward in wheel engineering. Produced from magnesium, this advanced design also features extensive lightweight pocketing, much like the iconic BBS FI-R. Drawing from BBS’s deep racing heritage, this technology continues to trickle down into their road wheel lineup, giving enthusiasts access to true motorsport-derived engineering.
We already have a very special set of MAG-R wheels on order for one of IND’s own project cars, along with additional sets for inventory. It was also great to see familiar faces in Japan. At the BBS booth, we caught up with Jesse from BBS USA, an OG in the wheel industry and someone we consider part of the IND family. We also had the chance to reconnect with Phil from BBS Japan and Sandro from BBS Germany.
Over dinner, we were able to discuss upcoming wheel releases, and while the MAG-R stole the spotlight, we are equally excited for the RT-88 wheels to hit the market.
Even with early access to the show, it was nearly impossible to move due to the sheer number of people. At its busiest moments, Tokyo Auto Salon made SEMA feel spacious by comparison. While many outlets will cover the show as a whole, we wanted to share photos of the new Toyota GR GT and GR GT3 concept.
This spiritual successor to the Lexus LFA completely stole the spotlight. Crowds surrounded the car at all times, making it difficult to get even a brief moment to study the details up close.
Iconic Roads, Mt. Fuji Views, and Dinner with Friends
What’s a trip to Japan without driving some of its most iconic roads and enjoying incredible food with friends? Imran from Evolve, who also happens to be an official BMW M brand ambassador, had a G99 M5 Touring waiting for him courtesy of BMW Japan. Imran and Bilal from Eventuri took us on an unforgettable drive in the G99 M5. Yes, the wagon is a bit large for Japan’s tight mountain roads, but it was still hugely impressive on the journey to the Anest Iwata Sky Lounge, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji along the way.
At the top of the Anest Iwata Sky Lounge, Studie once again had a display in place, featuring the IND logo, which was great to see. After the spirited drive, it was time for dinner, graciously hosted by Bob from Studie. Joining us were friends from Alpha-N, CANchecked, Eventuri, and members of the BMW Studie Motorsport team. The evening was spent talking shop over some truly outstanding Japanese food.
Special thanks to everyone who treated us like family throughout the trip. We came home feeling both humbled and motivated, and even more driven to continue building alongside such incredible partners.