The Legendary 900hp BMW E30 M3 Clone That Dominates the Scene
Fasten your seatbelts, gearheads and automotive enthusiasts! This weekend, automotive paradise unfolds at Rudskogen Motorsenter in Norway, hosting the iconic Gatebil Main Event. Amidst this exhilarating festival, we revisit a legend—a 900 horsepower BMW E30 M3 clone that turned heads a decade ago and continues to drop jaws today.
Revving Into the Past
In 2014, at the same sensational event, Stig Helland’s turbocharged BMW E30 M3 clone made its grand appearance. Fast forward to 2024, and Helland still owns this beastly beauty, which remains a testament to impeccable engineering and power.
Modern cars today offer unprecedented speed, safety, and fuel efficiency. They’ve evolved to a point where a family sedan like the Honda Accord could rival yesteryear’s sports cars. However, certain classics, notably the E30 BMW M3, still capture hearts despite not keeping up with contemporary performance metrics. Enter Stig Helland, a passionate tinkerer from Hellandsjøen, Norway, who decided to rewrite history by blending classic design with modern might.
The Genesis of a Beast
Stig's love for the E30 M3's aggressive wide body panels fueled his desire to push its limits. However, the M3’s original S14 engine, while celebrated, couldn’t compete with Norway’s high-octane builds. Opportunity knocked when Helland got his hands on a transformed 1986 BMW 325i, packing both the legendary M3 aesthetics and the thrill of a turbo powerhouse.
At first sight, it might look like a meticulously maintained E30 M3 with a few tweaks. It's only upon closer inspection that you realize the gravity of this build. Wider tires, a large exhaust, and a comprehensive roll cage suggest that this car is not your average M3.
Under the Hood
Opening the hood reveals a different story altogether—a potent inline-six engine, the 3.5-liter S38B36 from the E34 M5, stands as the heart of this beast. Prepped for high boost, this engine sports CP forged pistons, a polished crank, and forged H-beam rods. The valvetrain boasts upgraded springs and retainers, while the fuel system includes twin Bosch 044 fuel pumps, 1,260cc injectors from Precision, and a Nuke Performance Blackline fuel rail.
The showstopper? A BorgWarner S475 race turbocharger, mounted on a custom manifold, feeding into a custom 3.5-inch exhaust. The front-mounted intercooler tucked neatly into the bumper hints at the raw power at play. Running at 25psi of boost, this setup churns out a staggering 900 horsepower.
But it's not just about horsepower; it’s also torque. Helland enjoys an immense 849 lb-ft of peak torque, ensuring wheelspin at the push of a pedal in any gear.
Bulletproof Drivetrain and Suspension
To handle such immense power, the drivetrain received significant upgrades. The gearbox is from an E39 5 Series diesel, paired with a twin-plate, rally-spec Tilton clutch. Power is delivered to an E28 M5 differential, reinforced with heavy-duty axles.
Suspension components largely remain factory E30 M3, supplemented with K-Sport adjustable coilovers and Powerflex polyurethane bushings. Helland ensures period-authentic aesthetics with 17x9.5-inch OZ Hartge wheels in front and 17x11-inch wheels at the rear, fitted with 215/40R17 and 245/35R17 tires, respectively. Peeking through these wheels is the upgraded braking system, featuring a 330mm K-Sport setup at the front and E28 M5 brakes at the rear.
Subtle Exteriors, Race-Ready Interiors
Despite its power, Helland’s BMW retains much of the classic E30 M3 styling. Subtle modifications, such as an M3 Sport Evo front spoiler, upgraded Hella lights, and DTM carbon fiber side mirrors, blend seamlessly into the iconic design. The car is finished in striking Zinnoberrot Red paint by Øyvind Leiknes.
Inside, the theme of simplicity continues. While much remains standard E30 M3, enhancements include M-Tech steering wheel and shift knob, a roll cage, and Sabelt Racer bucket seats—perfect for the intense driving this monster endures at track events like Gatebil.
A Legend in the Making
While calling this E30 M3 a ‘sleeper’ might be a stretch, its exterior gives little away about the beast beneath. This 900hp marvel respects the original M3’s spirit while breaking performance norms. It’s a homage that not only honors the classic but also redefines it, making it a timeless piece of automotive art.
Follow the Journey
Stay tuned for more thrilling tales from the world of high-octane masterpieces. For now, revel in the history, the engineering marvel, and the sheer power of Stig Helland’s extraordinary BMW E30 M3 clone.