BimmerFest is the premier automotive occasion in Europe solely for BMW fans, and it’s a everlasting fixture on my calendar.
This yr was no exception; final month I headed to Raceway Venray – Europe’s quickest 1/2 mile oval circuit – right here within the Netherlands, armed with an empty reminiscence card and a totally charged digital camera.
The distinctive venue calls for good trainers as you spend half your time standing on the banked monitor. As you may see, the steep banking is not any joke.
As all the time, sure paddocks have been reserved for particular BMW themes. This yr at BimmerFest Europe, there have been devoted areas for Alpina, classics, and a modified prime 10 chosen by Z-Efficiency wheels.
Varied BMW golf equipment had their very own areas too, with MFlight being the most important. Most members of this membership hail from America however are stationed at a US base simply throughout the border in Germany.
Standout automobiles for me included the twin-turbo V12 E36 (keep tuned for a more in-depth look in a observe up highlight), and the E23 7 Collection on the H&R sales space.
I’ve a mushy spot for older fashions, however this M3 Touring G81 caught my eye too, even with its controversial kidney grilles.
Yearly, BimmerFest Europe proves why it’s the final word gathering for BMW fans, and 2024 at Raceway Venray was no completely different.
At Manhart, aesthetics take a again seat. In contrast to different German tuners, Manhart all the time begins beneath the hood, placing efficiency above all else. This philosophy is obvious of their newest creation, the MH5, a reimagined M5 accessible in numerous energy configurations. The mannequin you see right here is provided with the ‘900’ bundle which interprets to a staggering 928hp and 1,240Nm of torque. For context, the usual M5 has an already spectacular 625hp and 750Nm.
From London to Las Vegas to Venray, the R44 Efficiency M3 Touring has seen extra of the world in a single yr than me.
In BMW circles, AC Schnitzer undoubtedly wants no introduction. This M2 demo automotive showcases all of the components the German tuner provides for the mannequin – from software program programming that reinforces the automotive to 560PS and 650Nm, to a carbon spoiler and canards, customized wheels, and reducing springs.
To my eyes, the E46 M3 is probably the most stunning of the M3 generations. This specific M3 made the journey from England for the occasion. In my guide, having AP Racing brake callipers means you’ve constructed a severe machine, and right here they’re simply the beginning of the efficiency upgrades.
The primary-generation M2, the F87, makes the newest technology seem like a large. This specific automotive options Moton Suspension and Titan7 wheels, leading to a particular and finely tuned machine.
This Touring began life as a 316d and has been remodeled by Full Automobile Tuning, utilizing an M3 CS F80 as a donor. The result’s a novel and expertly crafted fusion of two distinct fashions.
The Manhart MH8 5.0 V8 is a restricted version, with solely 5 models being made. That is #1. The bottom for this construct was a 1990 850i, with its authentic V12 engine swapped out for a 4.9L V8 S62B50 from a BMW E39 M5.
Solely 259 models of this Alpina E21 2.8-liter mannequin have been ever produced, making it a uncommon discover. The engine originates from a 528i, which Alpina additional tuned to supply 200PS and 248Nm of torque. These figures have been fairly spectacular again in 1988.
Among the many Alpina lineup, I noticed this E36 Touring, which seems to be a B8 4.6 within the Touring model. This automotive is uncommon. When creating it, Alpina couldn’t enhance the displacement of the unique E34 540i 4.0-litre V8 block because of the Alusil-coated cylinder partitions, so BMW solid a brand new block particularly for this utility, rising the displacement to 4.6 litres within the course of.
Arguably probably the most stunning BMWs ever made, this BMW E9 shines in Diamant Schwarz. Up entrance, A CSL air dam and bumper delete enhances its attraction, whereas the wheels – though barely outsized – complement the aesthetic completely.
This Z1 is not any stranger to Speedhunters; it was featured final yr by way of IAMTHESPEEDHUNTER. It’s a shocking machine from each angle.
Though all fashionable BMW fashions have been represented, BimmerFest Europe 2024 showcased a definitive shift in direction of the M3 Touring and the brand new M2.
Because the solar set over Raceway Venray, the rumble of engines and the camaraderie of like-minded fans echoed via the paddocks, leaving an indelible mark on yet one more unforgettable BimmerFest Europe occasion.
I’m not carried out with my protection simply but although. Keep tuned for a highlight characteristic on a number of of my favourite BMWs from the occasion.
Jeroen Willemsen
Instagram: jaccojeroen
