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This 1995 BMW 3 Series has been transformed into an ultimate drift machine, thanks to its owner’s creative modifications. When the car was first rescued from a scrapyard, it was a neglected 325i. The BMW 3 Series has been greatly modified and now looks like a large buggy with a roll cage.
Top Gear magazine recently visited Detroit to learn more about this unique 3 Series from its owner, Carl Balzer. The original inline-six M50 engine has been replaced with an LS engine featuring two turbochargers, allowing the car to produce an impressive 1,200 horsepower while still being street-legal.
In addition to the engine swap, the OEM transmission had to be removed and replaced with a Tremec T56 Magnum gearbox. The differential, on the other hand, comes from an old M5. This 3 Series was turned into a drift car with a roll cage that has been certified by the NHRA. It was originally meant to be a fun street car.
During a test drive at Flat Rock Speedway, the car unfortunately broke down due to the amount of torque produced by the engine. The twin-turbo LS engine caused the differential brace to fail, but the differential itself was still functioning. The car was quickly repaired and returned to its smoke-filled glory. While some may criticize the heavy modifications to this 3 Series, it brings joy to its owner and anyone who gets the chance to drive it.
