BimmerFest is the premier automobile event in Europe exclusively for BMW enthusiasts, and it’s a everlasting fixture on my calendar.
This 12 months was no exception; last month I headed to Raceway Venray – Europe’s fastest 1/2 mile oval circuit – here within the Netherlands, armed with an empty memory card and a totally charged camera.
The unique venue demands good trainers as you spend half your time standing on the banked track. As you may see, the steep banking is not any joke.
As all the time, certain paddocks were reserved for specific BMW themes. This 12 months at BimmerFest Europe, there have been dedicated areas for Alpina, classics, and a modified top 10 chosen by Z-Performance wheels.
Various BMW clubs had their very own spaces too, with MFlight being the most important. Most members of this club hail from America but are stationed at a US base just across the border in Germany.
Standout cars for me included the twin-turbo V12 E36 (stay tuned for a better look in a follow up highlight), and the E23 7 Series on the H&R booth.
I actually have a soft spot for older models, but this M3 Touring G81 caught my eye too, even with its controversial kidney grilles.
Yearly, BimmerFest Europe proves why it’s the final word gathering for BMW enthusiasts, and 2024 at Raceway Venray was no different.
At Manhart, aesthetics take a back seat. Unlike other German tuners, Manhart all the time starts under the hood, putting performance above all else. This philosophy is clear of their latest creation, the MH5, a reimagined M5 available in various power configurations. The model you see here is supplied with the ‘900’ package which translates to a staggering 928hp and 1,240Nm of torque. For context, the usual M5 has an already impressive 625hp and 750Nm.
From London to Las Vegas to Venray, the R44 Performance M3 Touring has seen more of the world in a single 12 months than me.
In BMW circles, AC Schnitzer definitely needs no introduction. This M2 demo automobile showcases all of the parts the German tuner offers for the model – from software programming that enhances the automobile to 560PS and 650Nm, to a carbon spoiler and canards, custom wheels, and lowering springs.
To my eyes, the E46 M3 is essentially the most beautiful of the M3 generations. This particular M3 made the journey from England for the event. In my book, having AP Racing brake callipers means you’ve built a serious machine, and here they’re just the beginning of the performance upgrades.
The primary-generation M2, the F87, makes the newest generation appear to be a large. This particular automobile features Moton Suspension and Titan7 wheels, leading to a particular and finely tuned machine.
This Touring began life as a 316d and has been transformed by Full Automotive Tuning, using an M3 CS F80 as a donor. The result’s a novel and expertly crafted fusion of two distinct models.
The Manhart MH8 5.0 V8 is a limited edition, with only five units being made. That is #1. The bottom for this construct was a 1990 850i, with its original V12 engine swapped out for a 4.9L V8 S62B50 from a BMW E39 M5.
Only 259 units of this Alpina E21 2.8-liter model were ever produced, making it a rare find. The engine originates from a 528i, which Alpina further tuned to provide 200PS and 248Nm of torque. These figures were quite impressive back in 1988.
Among the many Alpina lineup, I spotted this E36 Touring, which appears to be a B8 4.6 within the Touring version. This automobile is rare. When creating it, Alpina couldn’t increase the displacement of the unique E34 540i 4.0-litre V8 block on account of the Alusil-coated cylinder partitions, so BMW forged a brand new block specifically for this application, increasing the displacement to 4.6 litres in the method.
Arguably one of the crucial beautiful BMWs ever made, this BMW E9 shines in Diamant Schwarz. Up front, A CSL air dam and bumper delete enhances its appeal, while the wheels – although barely oversized – complement the aesthetic perfectly.
This Z1 is not any stranger to Speedhunters; it was featured last 12 months via IAMTHESPEEDHUNTER. It’s a surprising machine from every angle.
Although all popular BMW models were represented, BimmerFest Europe 2024 showcased a definitive shift towards the M3 Touring and the brand new M2.
Because the sun set over Raceway Venray, the rumble of engines and the camaraderie of like-minded enthusiasts echoed through the paddocks, leaving an indelible mark on yet one more unforgettable BimmerFest Europe event.
I’m not done with my coverage just yet though. Stay tuned for a highlight feature on a number of of my favorite BMWs from the event.
Jeroen Willemsen
Instagram: jaccojeroen
This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
