Gary Martins’ family has been involved with BMWs for many years, owning both dealerships and workshops in South Africa. Gary has personally being involved with the brand since 2001, and among many things is a BMW Master Technician.
When Gary decided to open his shop, Grease Monkey Motor Garage, in 2016, he worked on anything that came through the doors. His real passion, however, was diesel-powered cars. So while the subject of this story surely doesn’t look like – and definitely doesn’t go like – a coal-rolling 2016 BMW F22 220d M Sport, that’s exactly what it started life as.
After purchasing the coupe stock, it wasn’t long before Gary became bored of its 188hp 2.0L turbo-diesel engine. He started wondering what life would be like if BMW had produced a high-power diesel version of the popular M2…
Gary’s imagination quickly got the better of him, and after coming across an X6 M50d triple-turbo engine as well as OEM front fenders and a front bumper from an M2 for sale, the future of his 220d was written.
The front left M2 fender had some light cosmetic damage, but that was quickly fixed. Gary couldn’t find original pumped M2 rear fenders or a rear bumper though, so those items were all custom made. After everything was fitted and properly gapped, the car received a full respray in matte Daytona Grey.
On top of the OEM and OEM-style bodywork upgrades, BMW Adaptive LED headlights were retrofitted, and FSU Developments custom-made a carbon fiber hood and front lip. In the rear, LED tails and an FSU boot lid and rear wing were also added.
For wheels, Gary’s fitted up a set of Asanti Athena wheels measuring 20×8.5-inch in the front and 20×10-inch in the rear, all wrapped up in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres sized 255/30R20 and 295/25R20 respectively.
While the exterior certainly looks the part, under the hood a function-first approach has been taken. Gary says that a lot of work went into the engine conversion, getting it to physically fit in the first place a real challenge. Because with three turbochargers and everything that goes with them in the mix, the 3.0L inline-six turbo-diesel unit isn’t small. The lack of space also necessitated a full custom radiator setup to keep it cool.
Prior to the install, Gary went on a ceramic-coating spree and upgraded the turbos with hybrid units. He also fitted a huge custom intercooler behind the grille, Cool Boost Systems water/methanol injection, and a Nitrous Express (NX) kit. On the exhaust side you’ll find a 86mm straight-pipe stainless steel system that exits through quad Akrapovič tips.
After a custom tune (by Gary himself), a power and torque output of 610hp and 1,070Nm on 3.2bar (47psi) boost pressure was realised. Transferring those numbers to the road – or at least trying to – is an F30 330d automatic gearbox (with custom ECU tune), and an LSD-equipped F30 330d differential.
With more that three times the original power of the 220d, the standard suspension and brakes weren’t going to cut it. To solve this issue, BC Racing coilovers, adjustable stabiliser links, Powerflex bushings, and BMW F10 M5 front brakes plus M2 rear brakes with (Endless race compound pads all around) were fitted.
Likewise, the original 220d interior needed some work. It may look race-themed, but the car actually sees plenty of track day action, hence the half cage and Sabelt seat and harness to keep Gary secured and safe.
The cabin also features a BMW M steering wheel, late-model digital cluster and iDrive system with widescreen monitor, an NX touchscreen display, and AEM boost and GlowShift nitrous pressure gauges.
It may have started as a random idea, but what’s been created is testament to the skills of Gary and Grease Monkey Motor Garage.
One goal was to have the car ready to race at the Knysna Hillclimb in 2020. It was, but of course COVID ruined the opportunity to compete. If it happens this year, I’ll definitely be there to see this oil-burner smoke its tires on the start line, and quite likely the rest of the way up the hill too.
Stefan Kotzé
Instagram: stefankotzemedia
info@stefankotze.com
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Sooo read the article in case I missed something, but still don't understand the point of an automatic appliance with nos that costs stupid money to build and run slower than a newb but rich teen's first Tesla?
I know there's gotta be something special here I missed...
Even in Eco mode, that transmission will walk away from a manual setup. Manuals may be more fun but just about any automatic built in the last ten years is better.
Nearly 800 lb-ft of torque at around 2000 rpm comes to mind...
This is WAAAAAY cooler than some Tesla. So much more interesting to look at, so many more details to pour over. And the best part is that father Musk can't come and steal your third turbo over the internet!
Soul. Plain and simple
tl;dr you can't appreciate a diesel burner with big power, and the amount of work and engineering that goes into making the massive engine fit inside a small car like this, followed by the small details that he's surely spent some time working on, to make the car look as it is. He simply built it because he wanted to, not to appeal to people like you who are disinterested in it.
While I'm not the biggest fan of diesels, I can appreciate a well-put together car like this.
This is such an amazing build and was an absolute pleasure to be apart of it
That is some serious engineering that went into this car! But I 've never heard of a "triple D" before. What is that? The car is setup nice and looks killer.
Absolutely epic! I love diesel builds, this a dream car!
Cool car great idea I love it, my only issue would be the quality of the roll cage in particular the welds especially when the rest of the car is so nice... nice car tho I’m jealous
So this is essentially an M2d. Hahaha!
What is the weight of this power plant with all the turbos etc? What about weight distribution? What about understeer?
This is something I never seen before something very different especially as a diesel
That's pretty cool!
That is incredible. Thank you for sharing this one! Absolutely amazing Gary... I’ve played with Cummins and BMW’s (not together) a bit and always wondered what a diesel track car project would look like.
That's a lot of torque.
610hp at what rpm? Badass car
Probably somewhere around 4.5k-4.7k? lol just guessing
Very cool build, great info, nice pics.
No dragy times? No performance information? C'mon.
Like they stated in the articel, it wasn't possible because of Covid.
WOW!!! That is a beast of an engine and mad respect for getting all the systems to work together in a different platform!!
OK, aside from panel fitment and the positive rake, a really cool project.
But THOSE WELDS?! Horrendous.
wow a triple turbo bmw....i mean i dont know any diesel bmw engines but wow, its just mind blowing