BMW E30 Unique and Refreshing!

[Laidback]

Mfest Article
Andy Manuka
Written by Stephen Daubert
Photo: Mike Crawat

80’s Love




From cell phones to Apple, shoulder pads to parachute pants, the 1980’s was a decade filled with useful and useless inventions and trends. One creation has withstood the test of time and been labeled as one of the best cars to come out of such a radical decade, the E30 BMW. One owner’s passion was ignited not by sight but by the noise of the E30 M3. Andy Manuka of Brussels has a deep passion for BMWs and he goes on to explain how his desire has evolved into an amazing project. Sharing the insight and struggles of his build, reveals just how strong his passion is for the E30 BMW.





The saying, fall in love at first sight, differs a little for Andy, fall in love at first roar is more along his line. I began the interview with a simple question that would set the stage for an interesting story. I inquired, “When did the interest in cars begin, and how?” Thinking back to his childhood Andy replied, “I saw the car slamming everybody in a local rally, and I was sold. This would be my car! Since I was young, I always loved the Golf I cabrio, and its round headlights. And when going to a rally close to my home, I heard and than saw how amazing the E30 looked, so I was sure this would be my car!!! Then doing some research on the internet I feel in love with the “German” style and wanted to add my personal touch. I was in love from the first second!” Andy went on explaining, “I never listened to any comments around me. Everybody wanted me to put on an M-tech II kit but I stuck to my plan, and after a few years, I reached my goal.”





Andy’s passion for BMWs and cars lead him to an interesting job. Working as the Diplomat Sales Executive for Volvo, he has the responsibility of ordering different specifications of Volvos for government officials from China to Brazil. This job might seem daunting to some but over the past years Andy has had the pleasure of crafting a unique BMW to keep his mind off of work. My first question of how the build started was, “How long did it take to purchase it?” Andy quickly replied, “1 min, just wanted THAT one!” Wanting to find out what exactly he had modified I asked, “What have you done to it so far?” Andy began to list off his changes one by one until I could barely keep count. Andy replied, “For the suspension, KW V1, next the exterior was painted E92 M3 grey metallic along with a Lancia Delta-look hood. Some other parts added were, carbon fiber window trim, Rieger rear bumper and E46 angel eyes, this is only a few parts.”




Shocked by the amount of time and effort put into his car I asked, “What were the main challenges with creating a BMW like yours?” Andy thought for awhile and responded, “The wheel arches and gap... every arch has been home made, and there is always a little difference.” I followed up with, “How long did the project take from start to finish?” Andy explained, “I started in April 2004 with buying the car, the modifications started in 2005 with just other wheels and KW -3. But in 2006 I changed the color to light grey with a complete new body kit and wheels (RH ZW1), together with the leather interior. In 2009 I painted the car in a Dark pearl coated grey-purple and lowered it to the max with a KW V1 set! I also installed the wheels I always wanted, AC Schnitzer Type 1. In 2011 I added a lot of carbon work!” Andy’s on going build has created one of the most unique but refreshing BMWs on the streets today.





Moving on from the actual build process I inquired, “Having such a unique BMW, what do many people say about it?” He gathered his thoughts and replied, “People like the way I personalized it, but think it looks to aggressive for the engine… so the next step should be a nice engine swap!” You could see how excited Andy is about the next step in his never ending build. Andy’s passion for BMWs stretches far deeper than just adding parts here and there. He wants to create something truly different that will catch everyone’s eye. Ending the interview I asked one final questions that summed up his whole style and experience with his build, “What are your reasons behind the style of your car?’ Andy paused and enlightened me, “I always liked the concept “tief und breit” (Deep and wide), the car looks clean but is slammed on the ground, and has a great stance!”

[MikeCrawatPhotography]

Sweet read, thanks again for publishing my pictures

[Paul46rider]

lovely car, saw it at one of our car shows here in the uk

[DennisCooper!]

Hi

Fantastic photography Mike and excellent for the writeup Stephen D. !

I miss all the E30's me and my brother had back in the 90's.. there was so much less choice on bits to get though !

Cheers, Dennis!

[indohan]

Love everything I see on the car... From the front bumper to the tail lights...
Wheels looks really good on the car..

Great article as always..

[lacster]

Amazing! Any interior pics?

[MikeCrawatPhotography]

Originally Posted by lacster

Amazing! Any interior pics?

No interior pics where made, but i plan another day to shoot this one i think next summer !

Thanks Dennis !

[GOLFFRR]

[Snooka]

thanx for the repo, car is at paintshop now, putting a new front.

M-tech II , but with a personal touch ;-)



full rebuild of my car http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13785

[MikeN'Ike///]

nice e30 is that a e46 m3 conversion body kit?