I just had to do it! I couldn’t resist not sharing my first experience from the West Coast Bimmerfest 2014 held back in May at the Rose Bowl in sunny Pasadena, California. Like a young boy going to his first dance, I had no idea what to expect! Looking back on the event, I was damn lucky to go!
The sheer number of BMW vehicles in attendance was a border-line overdose. Mash this overwhelming feeling with a build quality level that was impressive and uniquely West Coast. Complement it all with grass for some high-end hard-parking, and you had a recipe for one of the best BMW gatherings in the world.
After teaming up with some BMW heavyweights such as Bimmerworld, SSF, and VF Engineering at the beginning of the year, we quickly started to dive as deep as we could into the development of new cooling components for the BMW performance aftermarket. VF Engineering was debuting our very 1st production unit high-performance oil cooler for the BMW E9x M3.
Many of CSF’s other BMW partners and dealers were in attendance as well. They were lined up in the large vendor area featuring the west coast’s best BMW performance shops and high-performance parts manufacturers.
Next, we caught up with GSR Autosport! They brought an all-business, track-ready E46 M3 to display their shop’s race-prep capabilities. GSR was one of CSF’s 1st R&D partners way back in 2011 with the development of our 996/986 Porsche side radiators alongside the 2013 Formula Drift Champion, Michael Essa, who used to be co-owner of the business.
A show trend that was quickly noticed as I started to explore the area was the paring of yellow and Blue BMW’s. These two colored vehicles, when placed next to each other, were the perfect complement to showcase the range of BMW tuning machines.
One of the highlighted builds at the event was hard-parked outside the Work Wheels booth. This fully customized bright white BMW E46 M3 was the perfect blend of power mixed together with elegant touches of Euro and JDM style. The lux Voltex aero pieces really set off the custom wide-body kit sitting on an adjustable AirRex suspension system for a neck-breaking combination that had everyone stopping in their tracks.
The VF Engineering booth showcased a trio of E9x M3’s that had been given their supercharger treatment for an extra-large dose of insane BMW power. The standout of their display was this custom wide-body coupe in white with and black Kermit green accents.
Platte Forme AG brought out their time attack monster. A custom turbocharged E46 M3 had just finished its 1st year of duty. Finished off with the classic “John Player Classic” golden livery scheme, it has made a big splash in the racing community.
Being my first time at this event, I had no idea how big Bimmerfest 2014 was genuinely going to be. Billed as the biggest BMW gathering on the west coast, it did not disappoint. The cross-section and model range of BMWs in attendance showcased all the different eras and styles of BMW tuning culture.
The tri-color stripe of the M performance badge, typically light blue, royal blue, and red, have really become the most iconic sign of BMW performance. It also has translated well into vehicle liveries and other accents showcasing the performance brand’s legacy.
There were a few professional or pro-am builds scattered throughout the vendor area. This Achilles Motorsports E9x M3 was one of our 1st customers for our upgraded S54 oil cooler to help keep its oil temperatures under control during demanding driving conditions.
One of the most popular body-kits for the BMW E9x platform, especially the M3 version, has been the wide-body LibertyWalk kit with its huge signature bolt on flares. Supercharger manufacture, ESS Tuning, brought out a few examples of these wide-body beast showcasing some serious power, stance, and grip to highlight the advancement of the E9x tuning platform over the last year. Most of the So-Cal builds for LibertyWalk have taken shape at LTMW, who have blown onto the scene getting known for perfect fitment of the popular wide-body LibertyWalk and Rocket Bunny bodykits.
Some regard Dinan as the pinnacle of BMW performance. Their fully decked out engine bay on their New M4 was no disappointment showing how the brand is always on the cutting edge of BMW Performance.
Enthusiast BMWs lined the lawn of the Rose Bowl for as far as the eye could see on a beautiful sunny California day.
We’ll leave you with this final picture of the gorgeous Kermite green E92 M3 with matching Volk Racing wheels built by Euro specialist parts dealer, IND Distribution.
COMMENTS