German cars are known for their sleek designs and outstanding performance. However, it is not something that started in recent years. Porsche, for example, released the very first hybrid vehicle in 1900. Car companies like Mercedes-Benz and BMW really took after World War 2. From the 1970s onward, German carmakers saw their portfolio filled with an ever-increasing number of amazing cars.
Back in the 1980s, BMW released its infamous 3-Series E30. It was a great vehicle for the time. As time went by, car fans realized that the potential of the E30 was greatly under-utilized and decided to modify them. Some of these modified Bimmers are the definition of cool.
10 Wasabi Bratwurst
BMW Motorsport GmbH was originally a small subsidiary of BMW AG. Tasked with the production of sportier cars, the subsidiary was so successful that it grew from 35 employees in 1972 to 400 in 1988, following the successes of the M3 E30 and M5 E28. As the M-badged cars were widely successful, they logically became instant icons.
This insane Norwegian M3 E30 is the sort of awesomely modified BMWs gearheads cannot stop staring at. Calling it an M3 is sort of a stretch though. Under the hood is lodged a 3.0L 2JZ-GTE inline-six. The same engine found on the Toyota Supra. That is not where the surprise ends. The Toyota engine was given a huge Garrett GTX4294R turbo and a bunch of other goodies. The entire combination produces 1,305 hp and 1,163 lb-ft of torque.
9 Twins
Designed by the late Claus Luthe, the E30 seems to age just like good wine. The more time goes by the more the emblematic BMW is looking like a true European classic. As E30s were produced in large numbers, it is quite easy to find one in average condition for almost nothing and turn it into a monster.
Some would say that this E30 was modified by another amateur lacking skills and taste. Though it is true that M3 E36 mirrors are no longer fashionable, this car is far from being your average E30. Under the hood sits a rebuilt 1977 350ci small-block Chevy engine. Two Holset HX35 turbos were added to the mix, thus making sure that this E30 would easily beat your average Lamborghini.
8 German American
In Europe, the BMW E30 is among the most popular German cars to turn into a beast. Thanks to its very modular nature, it is possible to fit about any engine in the car's engine bay. Moreover, the car's design is already quite attractive, which is perfect for tuners with a limited budget and great aspirations.
It is quite common to see LS-swaps on older American muscle cars. However, gearheads rarely get to see an LS-swap on an E30. This particular BMW was fitted with an LS 376/ 525 V8 engine making 500 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. That is far more powerful than the stock 4-cylinder engine that cranks out 103 hp.
7 Classic
When the BMW E30 was first released, it was originally equipped with a 4-cylinder engine. Though it was considered powerful at the time, it would not cut it in 2020. Thankfully, the M42 and S14 engines are made to be pushed to extreme levels. Though an engine swap may sometimes be required, it's still very possible to get 300hp from the original engines.
This is by far one of the most classic BMW E30 ever made. Built by Singer Vehicle Design, this E30 is not overly powered. However, it does pack a punch that would scare most of the popular Japanese sports sedans. The car inherited an S50B32 engine from the E36 M3. Now producing 321 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, this gorgeous E30 will scare some of the most respected sports cars out there.
6 Blue Bomb
It is quite common to stumble across highly-modified BMWs. The vast majority of the time, amateur and professional tuners focus their attention on coupes and sedans as they tend to have a more sporty feel to them. Moreover, coupes and sedans are often lighter than a station wagon. This E30 wagon is the living proof that wagons can also be sporty.
There are several reasons why cheap BMW sports cars are the best. First, they are easy to find. Second, they are extremely modular and can be modified in many ways. This E30 is the prime example. It is equipped with a modified LS 376/525 V8 that must crank out at least 460 hp.
5 New Gen Oldie
As it was previously mentioned, the E30 has tremendously decreased in value over the years. As the car was mass-produced and shipped to almost every single part of the world, it is possible to get a hold of a decent E30 for less than $5,000. For that price, it is possible to turn them into anything. Absolutely anything.
The E30 is a fantastic car. It is a true German classic. Moreover, its engine bay can be modified to accommodate almost any engine. For example, this 1992 E30 was fitted with a Tesla electric engine. Its owner set up an entire YouTube channel to explain what has been done to the car and what it can actually do.
4 Clean
Some people out there wrongly believe that a truly successful project must contain an outrageous amount of stickers, three oversized spoilers, and an exhaust system that sounds as good as nails on a chalkboard. Sometimes, it is better to keep it simple. The result might actually be far more impressive.
It is not very often that people modify their cars in the cleanest of ways. This E30 is practically stock. Practically. Its owner restored the entire car to its almost original condition, but added some parts that would definitely let onlookers know that it is not stock. From the engine bay, to the seats, to the rims, this E30 was given a second youth.
3 Family Affair
When looking at the M-badged cars that came out over the last thirty years, it is really easy to see where the inspiration came from. The E30, though not the first BMW car with round headlights and very peculiar traits, has given BMW engineers something to base their work upon for over three decades.
This beautiful E30 was featured at SEMA 2018, and definitely garner a lot of attention. Instead of the usual Ls and 2JZ swaps, this M3 E30 received an F80 M3 S55 engine. It means that this M3 can produce 425 hp between 5,500 and 7,300 rpm, as well as 406 lb-ft of torque 1,850 and 5,500 rpm.
2 Lorax
There isn't one correct way to modify the E30. Depending on how skillfully the car was customized, the result may leave people in awe, regardless of it was lifted or slammed to the ground. Some E30 owners out there have decided to blend a couple of styles together. This E30 M3 is the perfect example.
This M3 will upset most purists out there. As the value of the M3 E30 is going through the roof, it is quite understandable that keeping such a car stock is the way to go. However, the owner wanted something extra. The S14 engine was thrown out and replaced by the S54 engine found on the M3 E46. The owner claimed that the engine was going to be supercharged, hence bringing the power from 343 hp to 550 hp.
1 Purple Reign
Though any style can be applied to a BMW E30, one style that will never get old is the German style. Whether it is applied to a Golf GTI, an 1991 Audi S4, or a 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300 Class, the result is very likely to be mind-blowing. This conservatively modified E30 is a pure gem.
It does not get more German than this build. The car has been modified both inside and out following the most mainstream German practices. The original S14 engine was replaced by a 2.8L M52 engine; the same engine found on the M3 E36 marketed in the North American market. Though this car is nowhere as powerful as some of the cars featured in this list, it is an amazing vehicle.