Last week, I brought you my coverage of BimmerFest Europe 2024, Europe’s premier BMW event, held at Raceway Venray within the Netherlands.
As a follow up, I made a decision to pick my top three cars to share with you. In fact, that’s easier said than done with so many amazing BMWs on display, but I settled on one from the ’80s, one from the ’90s, and a up to date machine with some classic inspiration. Let’s start…
Mark van den Burg’s E28 in Alpine White is a well-known sight at European automotive meets. At first glance, it looks as if a reasonably standard automotive, apart from its lowered stance and fresh paint job. Nevertheless, a more in-depth inspection reveals quite a few details only true E28 fans would recognize.
Probably the most striking modification is the conversion to single headlights – something I actually have never seen before. Mark executed this transformation himself, including the grille adjustment, which I consider involved a 3D printer. Beneath the grille is an M5 front spoiler, and to create a fair cleaner look, the license plate recess has been removed.
Under the hood lies an M54B30 engine – originally present in models just like the 2000 BMW X5 – paired with a 5-speed gearbox from an E46. For me, the standout feature is the meticulous attention to detail within the engine bay. Mark crafted a completely latest longer wiring harness so all cables could possibly be neatly concealed. The battery has been relocated to the trunk, and replaced by a fuse box. Mark also used his 3D printer to create an airbox, which he then covered in carbon fiber for a sleek appearance.
The wheels are Schmidt TH Lines measuring 18×8-inch on the front and 18×9.5-inch on the rear. The rear wheels are tucked under newly welded wheel arches from an E24 6 Series. I’ve seen this done with E30 arches, however the E24 arches are barely wider, allowing for broader rear wheels. Without being told, I would never have noticed these intricate details.
With GAZ Gold coilovers the automotive sits significantly lower, but not before custom spindle risers were installed for higher geometry and improved handling.
Mark’s BMW E28 is a masterclass in subtlety and precision. Every modification, from the unique headlight conversion to the fastidiously concealed wiring, showcases a level of expertise that is really remarkable.
GP Products from the Netherlands has delivered a masterpiece using the legendary BMW E36 M3 GT as their inspiration. The E36 M3 GT holds an almost mythical status amongst BMW enthusiasts. Introduced in 1994 as a homologation model for the FIA GT series, only 356 units were produced, all painted British Racing Green. The BMW M3 GT featured a 3.0-liter inline-six engine delivering 295hp and 323Nm of torque.
Enter the G87 series BMW M2, reimagined as a BMW M2 GT – a contemporary homage to the long-lasting E36 M3 GT. Painting the M2 in BRG was an obvious alternative, but only after placing an order with Alpha-N, which supplied a carbon hood, carbon Version 4 fenders, and a spoiler. The grille was replaced with an Alpha-N version, and on the rear you’ll discover a carbon diffuser, also from Alpha-N.
The transformation goes beyond aesthetics. The turbos are from Ladermanufaktur and are able to producing as much as 1,000hp. To optimize the brand new turbos, Akrapovič downpipes were installed, channeling exhaust gases through a whole titanium exhaust system from the identical manufacturer. To enhance engine respiratory, a CSF aluminum intake manifold was installed, paired with a full carbon Eventuri air intake kit.
Last but not least, the wheels are from HRE’s vintage series, a transparent nod to the unique BMW Motorsport wheels that got here with the E36 M3 GT. The 528 FMR-Xs measure 20×10-inch on the front and 21×11-inch on the rear.
After which there’s the elephant within the room you most likely already noticed -the BMW M1000R. Crafted entirely within the sort of the BMW E36 M3 GT, it’s an ideal match for the M2. The spec list for this bike is nearly longer than that of the M2, mainly because every plastic part has been replaced with a carbon fiber equivalent. While I’m not normally a giant bike fan, I’d gladly make an exception for this machine.
GP Products’ M2 GT and the matching M1000R are a shocking tribute to the legendary E36 M3 GT, combining modern performance with classic BMW style in a way that can captivate enthusiasts for years to return.
At BimmerFest Europe 2024, Z Performance Wheels presented a Top 10 gallery, and the automotive that really stood out for me was this red BMW E36, crafted by Unlimited Auto from Weiden, Germany.
Let’s start with what’s under the hood, where the usual engine was replaced with a V12. This M70 engine block was BMW’s first V12, originally present in the E31 850CSi.
The E36’s engine bay was spacious enough to deal with the V12, and Unlimited Auto managed to slot in twin BorgWarner S366 SX-E turbos as well. Due to these turbos, the engine hit impressive numbers on the test bench: 1,012PS and 1182Nm of torque. What I like most in regards to the installation is the symmetry achieved. It just looks prefer it belongs there; nothing is misplaced.
The outside is dominated by a widebody kit of Unlimited Auto’s custom design. Normally, I’m not a fan of body kits that protrude so abruptly, but here it really works well with the sharper lines of the E36.
Contained in the wheel arches, you’ll discover a set of Carline CM6 wheels, highly popular within the BMW community. The wheels measure 19×10-inch on the front and 19×12-inch on the rear, with the rear tires being an enormous 305mm wide. Still, the owner mentioned that they’ll leave black stripes in third gear. KW Suspensions supplied their V3 shocks with airbags, and H&R provided the stabilizer bars.
This automotive is just not only a showstopper but a testament to the incredible craftsmanship and innovation that Unlimited Auto brings to the table.
Jeroen Willemsen
Instagram: jaccojeroen
This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
