BimmerFest is the premier car event in Europe exclusively for BMW enthusiasts, and it’s a permanent fixture on my calendar.

This year was no exception; last month I headed to Raceway Venray – Europe’s fastest 1/2 mile oval circuit – here in the Netherlands, armed with an empty memory card and a fully charged camera.

The unique venue demands good running shoes as you spend half your time standing on the banked track. As you can see, the steep banking is no joke.

As always, certain paddocks were reserved for specific BMW themes. This year at BimmerFest Europe, there were dedicated areas for Alpina, classics, and a modified top 10 selected by Z-Performance wheels.

Various BMW clubs had their own spaces too, with MFlight being the largest. 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 closer look in a follow up spotlight), and the E23 7 Series at the H&R booth.

I have a soft spot for older models, but this M3 Touring G81 caught my eye too, even with its controversial kidney grilles.

Every year, BimmerFest Europe proves why it’s the ultimate gathering for BMW enthusiasts, and 2024 at Raceway Venray was no different.

At Manhart, aesthetics take a back seat. Unlike other German tuners, Manhart always starts under the hood, putting performance above all else. This philosophy is evident in their latest creation, the MH5, a reimagined M5 available in various power configurations. The model you see here is equipped with the ‘900’ package which translates to a staggering 928hp and 1,240Nm of torque. For context, the standard 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 one year than me.

In BMW circles, AC Schnitzer definitely needs no introduction. This M2 demo car showcases all the parts the German tuner offers for the model – from software programming that boosts the car to 560PS and 650Nm, to a carbon spoiler and canards, custom wheels, and lowering springs.

To my eyes, the E46 M3 is 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 start of the performance upgrades.

The first-generation M2, the F87, makes the latest generation look like a giant. This particular car features Moton Suspension and Titan7 wheels, resulting in a distinctive and finely tuned machine.

This Touring started life as a 316d and has been transformed by Full Car Tuning, using an M3 CS F80 as a donor. The result is a unique and expertly crafted fusion of two distinct models.

The Manhart MH8 5.0 V8 is a limited edition, with only five units being made. This is #1. The base for this build 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 produce 200PS and 248Nm of torque. These figures were quite impressive back in 1988.

Among the Alpina lineup, I spotted this E36 Touring, which appears to be a B8 4.6 in the Touring version. This car is rare. When creating it, Alpina couldn’t increase the displacement of the original E34 540i 4.0-litre V8 block due to the Alusil-coated cylinder walls, so BMW forged a new block specifically for this application, increasing the displacement to 4.6 litres in the process.

Arguably one of the most 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 slightly oversized – complement the aesthetic perfectly.

This Z1 is no stranger to Speedhunters; it was featured last year via IAMTHESPEEDHUNTER. It’s a stunning machine from every angle.

Although all popular BMW models were represented, BimmerFest Europe 2024 showcased a definitive shift towards the M3 Touring and the new M2.

As 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 another unforgettable BimmerFest Europe event.

I’m not done with my coverage just yet though. Stay tuned for a spotlight feature on a few of my favorite BMWs from the event.

Jeroen Willemsen
Instagram: jaccojeroen