By some petrolheads, including myself, the BMW M3 E30 is considered the best generation of the BMW M3. And it is because of its lightness, dynamic balance and purism. That BMW 3 Series did not need a 500 hp engine to be one of the best sports cars in its class. The current BMW M3 and M4 have already exceeded 500 hp, have all-wheel drive and are flirting with two tons. Renner’s proposal tries to mix the best ingredients from two different eras of BMW Motorsport: the best M3, with the best engine ever created by BMW Motorsport.
And if we’re talking about the best engine ever created by BMW Motorsport, that title goes to the shiny S85 from the BMW M5 E60. A naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10 developed with F1 technology, capable of turning over 8,000 rpm and developing 507 hp in its factory configuration. This engine replaces the S14 of the first generation of the M3, which in its common versions used to deliver 200 CV of power without catalysing. Renner has installed the brilliant S85 in the BMW M3 E30, and has created the best possible crossover in the BMW Motorsport universe.
Fitting the V10 engine into the E30’s engine bay was no easy feat.
The engine in question is modified. Its intake is made of carbon fiber, the electronics and exhaust have been adjusted, and the VANOS system has been eliminated to achieve superior power. The result is a final power of no less than 625 CV. We do not know what gearbox this engine is associated with, but everything points to a six-speed manual gearbox of BMW origin. The car’s chassis was reinforced to support all the new mechanical components and the suspension is brand new.
In fact, it mounts adjustable threaded suspension, with new stabilizer bars, and additional reinforcements such as turret bars. We don’t know many additional mechanical details, but this restomod is carried out by a highly professional and competent workshop. On an aesthetic level, the best thing about this preparation is how respectful it is with the original philosophy of the vehicle. The body kit is standard – the front splitter is from an M3 Evo I – except for the adjustable rear spoiler and the beautiful 18-inch AL13 wheels.
The Projekt 3 is priceless, but it could be sold to an interested customer for around $350,000.
With their aerodynamic hubcaps and details in blue, the car has a formidable retro look while retaining a more modern feel. The paint of the car, by the way, is completely personalized. The same goes for the interior: everything is reupholstered in high-quality leather and the attention to detail is palpable in the instrumentation, complete with custom clocks. Renner is currently developing slightly less extreme versions of the Projekt 3, with powertrains like the brilliant 3.2-litre S54 from the BMW M3 E46.
What is clear is that whatever your fetish, in the world of BMW, Renner has the answer to your particular affiliation.
