Last week, I brought you BimmerFest Europe 2024 Coveragethe leading BMW event in Europe, held at Raceway Venray in the Netherlands.
Following up on the above, I decided to pick my top three cars to share with you. Of course, that’s easier said than done with so many great BMWs on display, but I settled on one from the 80s, one from the 90s, and a contemporary machine inspired by a classic. Let’s get started…
Marc van den Burg’s Alpine White E28 is a familiar sight at European motor shows. At first glance, it looks like a fairly ordinary car, save for its low stance and fresh paint. However, a closer inspection reveals several details that only true E28 enthusiasts will recognize.
The most striking modification is the switch to single headlights – something I’ve never seen before. Mark did the transformation himself, including the grille modification, which I believe was done with a 3D printer. Below the grille is an M5 front spoiler, and for a cleaner look, the license plate recess has been removed.
Under the hood is the M54B30 engine – originally found in models like the 2000 BMW X5 – mated to a five-speed gearbox from the E46. For me, the standout feature is the meticulous attention to detail in the engine bay. Mark created a completely new, longer wiring harness so that all the cables can be neatly hidden. The battery was moved to the trunk and replaced with a fuse box. Mark also used his 3D printer to create an airbox, which he then covered in carbon fiber for a sleek look.
The wheels are from Schmidt TH Lines and measure 18×8 inches up front and 18×9.5 inches in the rear. The rear wheels are tucked under newly welded wheel arches from the E24 6 Series. I’ve seen this done with E30 wheel arches, but the E24’s are slightly wider, allowing for the wider rear wheels. Had someone not told me, I would have never noticed this intricate detail.
Thanks to the GAZ Gold suspension coilovers, the car is significantly lowered, but not before installing custom spindle lifters to improve geometry and handling.
Mark’s BMW E28 is a masterpiece of precision and craftsmanship. Every modification, from the unique headlight conversion to the carefully hidden wiring, shows a level of truly exquisite craftsmanship.
Dutch company GP Products has created a masterpiece using the legendary BMW E36 M3 GT as inspiration. The E36 M3 GT has an almost legendary status among BMW enthusiasts. Introduced in 1994 as a certified model for the FIA GT series, only 356 units were produced, all painted in British Racing Green. The BMW M3 GT features a 3.0-litre flat-six engine that produces 295 hp and 323 Nm of torque.
Joining the G87 series is the BMW M2, which has been reimagined as the BMW M2 GT – a modern tribute to the iconic E36 M3 GT. Painting the M2 in BRG was an obvious choice, but only after an order was placed with Alpha-N, which fitted it with a carbon-fiber hood, carbon-fiber fenders from the Version 4, and a rear wing. The grille has been replaced by the Alpha-N version, and at the rear you’ll find a carbon-fiber diffuser, also from Alpha-N.
The transformation goes beyond aesthetics. The turbines are from Ladermanufaktur and are capable of producing up to 1,000 hp. To improve the new turbines, Akrapovič downpipes were installed, directing the exhaust gases through a full titanium exhaust system from the same manufacturer. To improve the engine’s breathing, Akrapovič exhaust pipes were installed. cerebrospinal fluid An aluminium intake manifold was installed, paired with a full Eventuri carbon air intake kit.
Last but not least, the wheels are from the old HRE series, a clear nod to the original BMW Motorsport wheels that came with the E36 M3 GT. The 528 FMR-Xs measure 20×10 inches at the front and 21×11 inches at the rear.
There’s also the elephant in the room that you’ve probably already noticed – the BMW M1000R. Modelled entirely on the BMW E36 M3 GT, it’s an exact replica of the M2. The spec sheet for this bike is almost as long as the M2’s, mainly because every plastic part has been replaced with carbon fibre. While I’m not usually a motorcycle person, I’ll gladly make an exception for this one.
The GP Products M2 GT and matching M1000R are a stunning tribute to the legendary E36 M3 GT, combining modern performance with classic BMW style in a way that will captivate motorcycle enthusiasts for years to come.
At BimmerFest Europe 2024, Z Performance Wheels presented a Top 10 car show, and the one that really stood out to me was this red BMW E36, built by Unlimited Auto of Weiden, Germany.
Let’s start with what’s under the hood, where the stock engine has been replaced with a V12. This M70 block was BMW’s first V12, originally found in the E31 850CSi.
The E36’s engine bay was large enough to accommodate the V12, and Unlimited Auto was able to fit two BorgWarner S366 SX-E turbochargers as well. Thanks to these turbochargers, the engine achieved impressive numbers on the test bench: 1,012 hp and 1,182 Nm of torque. What I love most about the setup is the symmetry that has been achieved. It feels like it belongs there; nothing is out of place.
The exterior is dominated by a widebody kit from Unlimited Auto Custom. I usually don’t like body kits that stick out too much, but here they fit in nicely with the E36’s sharper lines.
Inside the wheel arches, you’ll find a set of Carline CM6 wheels, which are very popular in the BMW community. The wheels measure 19×10 inches up front and 19×12 inches at the rear, and the rear tires are 305mm wide. However, the owner mentioned that they could leave the black stripes in third gear. KW Suspensions fitted their V3 shock absorbers with airbags, and H&R provided the stabilizer bars.
This car is not only a stunning vehicle, it is a testament to the incredible craftsmanship and innovation that Unlimited Auto offers.
Jeroen Willemsen
Instagram: com.jaccojeroen
