For the seventh consecutive year, BMW Manufacturing has been the United States’ top automotive exporter in terms of value with $8.9 billion worth of exports. The company’s South Carolina-based plant has been producing Bimmers on US soil since 1994 and has the highest production volume of the company’s plants worldwide. Regardless of where BMWs are produced, the German car brand remains one of the most sought-after in the world.
Generally, 2021 is crucial for most automotive companies, and we've previously published an analysis of the models that’ll be vital to BMW’s success. However, as the year keeps unfolding, the classic models that brought success to BMW in the past are proving to still be as relevant today as they previously were – through exotic modifications from their enthusiastic owners. Hence, here are some attention-grabbing modified classic BMWs.
10 1980s E21 “345i”
This E21 might look simple and stock, however, it’s been heavily modified. For a start, its E21 powertrain has been swapped with a more powerful M102 sourced from an E23 745i and made to fit into the 320i. Furthermore, help comes from an Alpina boost controller and other fabricated components for a total output of 315 horsepower and about 400 lb-ft of torque.
Notably, the modified classic Bimmer wears a specially designed one-off body kit with US impact bumpers and is fitted with a set of 17” 5-lug BBS E50 motorsports wheels.
9 Mike Burroughs’ 1971 2800 CS
Mike Burroughs prefers his cars as classics and has a thing for Bimmers as well. Having lost his awesomely modified E28 5-Series called “Rusty Slammington” to an inferno that consumed his garage, Burroughs decided to perform his transformation magic on yet another BMW.
This time, a 1971 BMW 2800CS. The modification includes a set of chromed-out 18-inch BBS RS wheels as well as a CSL air dam for a compelling exterior finish.
8 E30 M3 By Redux
A British aftermarket shop called Redux is providing enthusiasts with awesomely restomodded BMW M3s. The car’s E30 powertrain has been upgraded for an output of 390 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque when it’s operated at 14.5 psi of boost. Redux also gave the car’s exterior all the care it needed by media blasting and restoring all the necessary parts.
Also, there’s extensive use of carbon fiber on several parts of the car’s body that includes the roof, fenders, bumpers as well as side skirts.
7 Robert Downey Jr.’s 1974 3.0 CS
Speedkore is one of the best custom shops to hire if you want to turn a classic into a gorgeously built restomod – and Robert Downey Jr. knows this. Hence, when Downey Jr. was ready to turn his vintage 1974 BMW 3.0 CS into an enviable restomod, he knew just where to go.
Speedkore’s signature extensive carbon fiber use was however restricted to the rocker moldings, front air dam, and rear bumper while the car’s body was predominantly fabricated in steel and adorned in a brick red custom paint.
6 Willy Izaguirre’s 1973 E9 3.0 CS
Inspired by the BMW E9 CSL ‘Batmobile,’ here is a hugely modified 1973 E9 3.0 CS that belongs to Willy Izaguirre. Having bought the car from a friend in a pretty bad condition, Izaguirre quickly contracted Redline Restorations in Bridgeport to fit the car with a 3.2-liter inline-six from an E36 M3 along with other components.
The car’s incredible exterior was inspired by Jon Sibal’s CSL render which Izaguirre had been permitted to use, and it includes a full widebody CSL-inspired kit for the E9.
5 Ali Javidan’s 1971 2002
Motorsport themes are gorgeous on modified cars, and this autocross-built example wears its theme with pride. It’s Ali Javidan’s 1971 BMW 2002, a car the man has owned for 20 years before this shoot.
The front fascia is the highlight of this beautifully modified Titanium Silver-painted car as it rocks a conspicuous Koogleworks front air dam and Marchal headlights. The power supply comes from a rebuilt S14 that sits under the long black wind splits-fitted hood.
4 1970s BMW 3.0 CSL
Here is an overwhelmingly modified UK-spec BMW 3.0 CSL that is adorned in an awesome Inka Orange paint color. Power comes from a BMW straight-six engine with a unique subtle sound that affirms the car’s robust presence.
On the interior, the vintage car retains its wooden dash but is fitted with CSL-spec Scheel bucket seats. However, the exterior has the juiciest features which include Batmobile’s front aero, Zender “Group 2” flares, ultralight CSL rear bumper, and massive Alpina wheels.
3 Radu Muntean’s 1971 2002
The aesthetical perfection of this modified 1971 BMW 2002 seems unreal, but knowing that the car belongs to Radu Muntean who has a background in automotive design and an innate flair for color explains it all. Notably, the car got its mean and robust stance from its angular fender flares located on the car’s four corners.
Also, the front fascia’s remarkable demeanor features yellow fog lights and a massive front air dam. The car’s power comes from an adopted E30 powertrain.
2 Lawrence Lee’s 1987 E28 535iS
Bought new by his mom, this 1987 BMW E28 535iS was given to Lawrence Lee by his parents after the car has been left abandoned for several years. Getting to work modifying it, Lee contracted the Steady Garage for the suspension upgrade and the team also installed an Air Lift Performance universal system in the car.
Notably, Ron Perry was tasked with euro bumper conversion while a Pfeba front spoiler gives the car the needed aggressive demeanor.
1 Alejandro’s S14-powered 2002
Unlike his father who collected American cars, Alejandro prefers German and Italian cars. Also, asides from the numerous cars in his fleet, Alejandro’s dream car is a restomodded BMW 2002 fitted with an S14 four-cylinder from an M3. Hence, to build the car, he first acquired the S14 and then traded his BMW E30 Cabrio for Berny Ucross’ 2002.
The modded car’s fascinating exterior features 2002 Turbo-style flares, a custom front bumper kit, and the original 2002 Turbo rear spoiler. Alejandro’s restomod is finished in a cool light green paint.