
Last week, I brought you my coverage of BimmerFest Europe 2024, Europe’s premier BMW event, held at Raceway Venray in the Netherlands.
As a follow up, I decided to pick my top three cars to share with you. Of course, 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 contemporary machine with some classic inspiration. Let’s get started…

Mark van den Burg’s E28 in Alpine White is a familiar sight at European car meets. At first glance, it seems like a fairly standard car, aside from its lowered stance and fresh paint job. However, a closer inspection reveals numerous details only true E28 fans would recognize.
The most striking modification is the conversion to single headlights – something I have never seen before. Mark executed this transformation himself, including the grille adjustment, which I believe involved a 3D printer. Beneath the grille is an M5 front spoiler, and to create an even cleaner look, the license plate recess has been removed.

Under the hood lies an M54B30 engine – originally found in models 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 in the engine bay. Mark crafted an entirely new longer wiring harness so all cables could 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 at the front and 18×9.5-inch at 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, but the E24 arches are slightly wider, allowing for broader rear wheels. Without being told, I might never have noticed these intricate details.
With GAZ Gold coilovers the car sits significantly lower, but not before custom spindle risers were installed for better geometry and improved handling.

Mark’s BMW E28 is a masterclass in subtlety and precision. Every modification, from the unique headlight conversion to the carefully concealed wiring, showcases a level of craftsmanship that is truly 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 among 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 modern homage to the iconic E36 M3 GT. Painting the M2 in BRG was an obvious choice, 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 at the rear you’ll find a carbon diffuser, also from Alpha-N.

The transformation goes beyond aesthetics. The turbos are from Ladermanufaktur and are capable of producing up to 1,000hp. To optimize the new turbos, Akrapovič downpipes were installed, channeling exhaust gases through a complete titanium exhaust system from the same manufacturer. To improve engine breathing, 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 clear nod to the original BMW Motorsport wheels that came with the E36 M3 GT. The 528 FMR-Xs measure 20×10-inch at the front and 21×11-inch at the rear.

And then there’s the elephant in the room you probably already noticed -the BMW M1000R. Crafted entirely in the style of the BMW E36 M3 GT, it’s a perfect match for the M2. The spec list for this bike is almost longer than that of the M2, mainly because every plastic part has been replaced with a carbon fiber equivalent. While I’m not usually a big bike fan, I’d gladly make an exception for this machine.

GP Products’ M2 GT and the matching M1000R are a stunning tribute to the legendary E36 M3 GT, combining modern performance with classic BMW style in a way that will captivate enthusiasts for years to come.

At BimmerFest Europe 2024, Z Performance Wheels presented a Top 10 gallery, and the car that truly 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 standard engine was replaced with a V12. This M70 engine block was BMW’s first V12, originally found in the E31 850CSi.

The E36’s engine bay was spacious enough to house the V12, and Unlimited Auto managed to fit in twin BorgWarner S366 SX-E turbos as well. Thanks to these turbos, the engine hit impressive numbers on the test bench: 1,012PS and 1182Nm of torque. What I love most about the installation is the symmetry achieved. It just looks like it belongs there; nothing is out of place.

The exterior 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 works well with the sharper lines of the E36.

Inside the wheel arches, you’ll find a set of Carline CM6 wheels, highly popular in the BMW community. The wheels measure 19×10-inch at the front and 19×12-inch at the rear, with the rear tires being a massive 305mm wide. Still, the owner mentioned that they can leave black stripes in third gear. KW Suspensions supplied their V3 shocks with airbags, and H&R provided the stabilizer bars.

This car is not just a showstopper but a testament to the incredible craftsmanship and innovation that Unlimited Auto brings to the table.
Jeroen Willemsen
Instagram: jaccojeroen
Red E36 is the winner! V12 twin turbo in that small car? Wow! And the kit is incredible!
Three great picks right here showcases the Ultimate Driving Machine brand BMW
This is the then and now of BMW cars and probably the best here
That E28 is beautiful, a lesson in less is more.
G87 is ugly as!
Article reads like it's been written by AI
There are VERY FEW things in the world of cars less inspiring than the grotesque and lazy iPad dash boards plastered throughout these new machines. You could do 100s of different types of integrated dials, digital tach's etc... but the vomit inducing black screen when the car is off is just depressing. Porsche is doing it pretty well still, but never forget what we've lost.