While on assignment for another publication, I found myself looking at photos from BMW’s at this years Ultrace event, still the highlight of the year when it comes to top-tier car builds. The sheer number of BMWs on display was staggering, so much so that I decided to create a dedicated gallery for the Munich marque.
If you’re not a fan of BMW, this post might not be for you. But for everyone else, consider this a tribute to the Bavarian brand in all its glory.
A BMW E30 M3 with a Taifun headlight conversion? That’s sure to raise a few eyebrows. This bold build comes courtesy of the folks at Lowmolewerkz in Germany, who opted for this unique conversion. Taifun originally produced the kit, though they are no longer in business, making authentic kits hard to come by. Nowadays, many replicas are available.
Despite extensive online research, there’s surprisingly little information about this particular car, even though it’s been part of the scene for years. What I do know is that under the hood lies a six-cylinder engine from a newer E36 generation. This leads me to believe it’s not an original M3 but a converted E30. It’s similar to the Mercedes-Benz I posted about yesterday, where a standard car is transformed into a top-tier model. Here too, the conversion is done so meticulously that it’s hard to tell the difference at first glance.
The car also features a set of BBS RS wheels, painted in a sort of pistachio color to match the car. The wheel faces have been polished to a shiny finish after painting—a small detail with a big impact. Then there’s the suspension; an Air Lift Performance controller in the interior indicates an air ride system.
Bimmerfest is perhaps the largest car event in Europe exclusively for BMWs. It’s a permanent fixture on my calendar every year. This year was no exception, as I headed to Raceway Venray, Europe’s fastest 1/2 mile oval circuit, armed with an empty memory card and a fully charged camera. The unique location, while thrilling, does demand a pair of good running shoes since you spend half the time standing on the banked track.
As always, certain paddocks were reserved for specific themes. This year featured areas dedicated to Alpina, classics, and a top 10 selected by Z-Performance wheels. Additionally, there’s always space for various BMW clubs, with MFlight likely being the largest. Most members of this club hail from America but are stationed at a US base just across the border in Germany.
A standout car for me was the Twin Turbo V12 E36, which I’ve already posted separately. Another highlight was the E23 7 Series at the H&R booth, complete with a humorous “Arg Teuer” sticker mimicking the Tag Heuer logo. As you can tell, I have a soft spot for the older models. Yet, the M3 Touring, one of BMW’s newer models, also caught my eye and, yes, even with those large kidney grilles.
Developed directly from the crucible of motorsport, the BMW M3 was a groundbreaking marvel. When it made its debut at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 1985, it didn’t just turn heads; it set the automotive world alight. This was more than just a car; it was the genesis of an icon in the BMW M lineup, a machine destined to dominate both the streets and the racetrack.
The vision behind the original BMW M3 was deceptively simple yet profoundly ambitious: to create a racing sedan that was equally at home on public roads. What nobody could predict was just how phenomenally successful the M3 would become. It was a game-changer, blending everyday usability with the ferocious spirit of a track-bred thoroughbred.
When is something perfect? Only the one who claims something is perfect can answer that. If you ask me, it’s a car where I can’t find a single thing I’d do differently. That’s exactly how I feel about this BMW E30. If I say that this one car alone was reason enough to attend the Risenation Hall of Fame show, well, that says it all, I reckon. Years in the making, getting cleaner, lower, and after who knows how many new sets of wheels later, this is the end result.
Built by Damiano Di Viesti over many years. The car was bought brand new by his father back in 1990. Back then, Damiano was just a little 11-year-old lad. The car is still owned by his father, but Damiano has taken over control and made it his own. I bet not many folks can say a particular car has been in the family for that long. What I love most about this project is that it keeps the original lines of the E30 intact, no widebody or other alterations, just the way BMW intended it.
The car rolled off the production line as a BMW 316, but now it’s got a 1.8 liter engine under the hood. And it’s got a little boost from a compressor out of a newer model Mini Cooper S. Don’t expect earth-shattering numbers from the engine, but with a weight of 1065kg, it’s an absolute joy to drive. Plus, the entire engine bay has been cleaned up, with all the unnecessary bits removed or tucked away.
