Bimmerfest is one of those events that does not need an introduction. Yet every year, it somehow manages to feel different. Maybe it’s the mix of cars, maybe it’s the people, or maybe it’s just the unpredictability that comes with spending a full day on the steep banking of Raceway Venray.
This year was no exception. Rolling into Venray with a camera in hand (and realistically, shoes that could handle that incline), it didn’t take long before the paddock filled up with everything the BMW world has to offer. From spotless classics to aggressively modified M cars and everything in between, the variety once again made it impossible to stand still for long.
Between catching up with familiar faces, discovering builds I have seen online, and trying to keep track of where I parked, Bimmerfest 2026 delivered exactly what you’d hope for: a full day of cars, conversations, and constant distraction.
Below is a selection of what stood out to me this year.
Finished in Individual Miami Blue, this G99 M5 Touring stood out on the GP Products stand. The ADRO front lip and side skirts add just enough aggression, while the Trevora roof spoiler and carbon rear diffuser tie the whole rear end together in a way that feels OEM+. Sitting lowered on AST Suspension springs, the stance is properly dialled in. Especially on custom Signature SV310S wheels that fill the arches perfectly. The Eisenmann exhaust adds the soundtrack to match the look, giving the V8 a sharper, more purposeful tone, while under the bonnet the Karbonius engine cover kit and Eventuri intake system finish things off.
This wasn’t your typical tuned G80. Built by Wolf Performance from the Netherlands, this M3 pushes well beyond the usual limits, with a fully reworked twin turbo S58 now delivering well over 1000 horsepower. Backed up by extensive engine, fueling and supporting modifications to keep everything together under load. When I saw this car entering the paddock I new it was packing some serious horsepower because of the beadlock wheels in the rear.
The perfect ringtool on a set of classic E88 BBS wheels in gold. Lowered on KW Suspension you know this car is used for what it was intended.
Picture this…
Late 70s, southern Italy. You are the head of a mafia family and money isn’t a problem. BMW has just unveiled the M1 and you want one. So you order one in red and by 1981 it arrives. You enjoy the car and rack up 7000 km while driving on sunny Italian country roads. But the story cuts short. A rival family steps in, and just like that, it’s over The car? Hidden away. Forgotten. For 40 years it sits in silence until it re-emerges as a true barn find. A Dutch collector acquires it, sends it to BMW Classic, and they bring it back to life with a nut and bolt restoration. Fast forward to 2026: the same M1, now showing just 8,151 km, shows up at Bimmerfest like nothing ever happened… except everything did. Some cars are rare. Some cars have stories. This one has both.
How good does this look? Matte frozen silver exterior on VPX silver wheels. Found this G87 M2 on the H&R stand, so this must have H&R lowering springs. Love the stance
This 2026 BMW M2 CS (G87) is a lesson in OEM+. While the factory already delivered one of the most focused M cars in recent memory, the owner chose to elevate the package with a selection upgrades. Under the bonnet, an Eventuri carbon intake, matching engine cover and strut brace finished in subtle matte carbon. The stance is equally impressive thanks to a set of new Edelweiss LT°10 wheels finished in Neodyme. Measuring 20×10.5 at the front and 21×11 at the rear, they perfectly fill the arches. They are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber, sized 285/30R20 and 305/25R21
I’ll be honest, I know nothing about motorbikes or caferacers. So I have no idea on what we have here. I do know that it is based on a BMW motor and it looks incredible. Kudos to Custom caferacer.
The Manhart MH4 900 and MH3 800 are two of the most extreme interpretations of BMW’s modern M cars, both built around the S58 3.0‑litre twin‑turbo straight-six but taken to very different levels of excess. The MH4 900, based on the G82 M4, pushes things into supercar territory with more than 900 hp and 1,190 Nm, thanks to upgraded turbochargers, forged internals, a larger intercooler and a full ECU recalibration, backed up by transmission and chassis upgrades to cope with the output. Visually, it leans into Manhart’s signature look with aggressive carbon aero and gold accents.
The MH3 800 takes a slightly more understated approach, using the M3 Touring (G81) as its base, but still delivers a brutal around 855 hp and 1,090 Nm, effectively turning a practical wagon into something that rivals supercars in a straight line. Despite the massive power gains, it retains usability, combining estate practicality with heavily upgraded suspension, cooling and drivetrain components.
This is a one of two original Alpina E30 M3 DTM restored by Vink Motorsport. A lightweight, high-revving, dogbox-equipped touring car that captures peak late‑’80s DTM. Around 300 horsepower might not sound outrageous today, but in a ~1,000kg shell with razor-sharp throttle response and zero driver aids, you know this is a handful on the racetrack.
This is a prime example of projects that spiral out of hand. I spoke with the owner, Joost, turbo_e30_1985 on Instagram, and he told me he built the car as his track car. But he has spent so much money and time in this car he hasn’t tracked it since it was finished. Really need to have a shoot with this car to show you how special this car really is.
A car that needs no introduction in BMW circles, I’m positive this has been shared in BMW enthusiasts groups numerous times. And rightfully so, this car built by Evolve Automotive has some choice upgrades including a special V8 under the hood. I will have a spotlight on this car very soon.
Below is the rest of the gallery, please enjoy 😉
It’s amazing how much variety you can find at Bimmerfest, even with a core group of enthusiasts. I always appreciate the unique atmosphere they create.