In the world of BMW, there are countless reviews that delve into the engineering aspects of these cars. Engines, suspensions, body stiffness – it can all get a bit monotonous.
But hey, let’s shift our perspective and look at BMW from a different angle… the angle of width!
So, we start with the post-war BMWs, like the Model 2002. Neat, tidy, and rather charming, isn’t it?
So, we start with the post-war BMWs, like the Model 2002. Neat, tidy, and rather charming, isn’t it?
So, we start with the post-war BMWs, like the Model 2002. Neat, tidy, and rather charming, isn’t it?
But wait, suddenly (surprise, surprise ;)), we have the 2002 Turbo version.
And what do we see over the wheels? You got it, widened wheel arches!
Not just that, they needed more than the standard track and wheel width. The increased engine power demanded more precise control. It couldn’t all fit into the standard body. So, they had to come up with a wider body.
But let’s keep going.
But wait, suddenly (surprise, surprise ;)), we have the 2002 Turbo version.
And what do we see over the wheels? You got it, widened wheel arches!
Not just that, they needed more than the standard track and wheel width. The increased engine power demanded more precise control. It couldn’t all fit into the standard body. So, they had to come up with a wider body.
But let’s keep going.
A good sports coupe… but guess what? Still not wide enough!
A good sports coupe… but guess what? Still not wide enough!
So, they birthed a monster, now famously known as the BMW Batmobile. Or the BMW 3.0 CSL.
With its square, wide body and gigantic air intakes, it’s just a beast! ;))) I bet it looked even more monstrous in the rearview mirror!
So, they birthed a monster, now famously known as the BMW Batmobile. Or the BMW 3.0 CSL.
With its square, wide body and gigantic air intakes, it’s just a beast! ;))) I bet it looked even more monstrous in the rearview mirror!
Then comes 1975. A cute sports coupe, the E21. You’d think, “Just drive it around and have fun,” right? Nope.
Then comes 1975. A cute sports coupe, the E21. You’d think, “Just drive it around and have fun,” right? Nope.
We witness the birth of another monster. This one is not just wider but also longer!
And then BMW got tired of that, and they decided to create a true sports supercar. The M1. A dream
And then BMW got tired of that, and they decided to create a true sports supercar. The M1. A dream
But wait, it had a wide body too!
Alright, the E30 comes along, and there’s already a widened version – the M3. All for the customers.
But guess what? Did they really think that was enough?
Alright, the E30 comes along, and there’s already a widened version – the M3. All for the customers.
But guess what? Did they really think that was enough?
Behold, the BMW E30 vision by Koenig. We have a kit like this. It’s seriously HUGE widening!
And off they went! They slapped on all kinds of wide bodies on the E30. Every garage had its own expansion. And it went on for a long time. Very long. Personally, I found the “universal fender flares” to be the most dreadful. Thanks to Mr. Miura, who put an end to this race! Elegant, balanced widening that allowed for further evolution.
The E30 underwent a change in the shape of its wide body. From “boxes” to “ovals.”
But let’s step back in time!
A beautiful, wide 5-Series sedan! But for some, it seemed a bit narrow.
A beautiful, wide 5-Series sedan! But for some, it seemed a bit narrow.
We won’t point fingers, though. But it’s Koenig again.
Take a look at the width of those rear wheels!
And here, we see that “oval” again. It looks like the car was “inflated.” The slight widening on the E30 might have looked scary but harmonious, in an ’80s way. But on the E34, it’s too much. Too heavy.
We won’t point fingers, though. But it’s Koenig again.
Take a look at the width of those rear wheels!
And here, we see that “oval” again. It looks like the car was “inflated.” The slight widening on the E30 might have looked scary but harmonious, in an ’80s way. But on the E34, it’s too much. Too heavy.
Of course, after having their fun with the E30, the tuners went after the E36. Let’s inflate those arches! But something’s not quite right. We need to puff up the fenders! The car, with its controversial design, was just mutilated.
I’m sorry, I won’t post any photos. It’s truly a horror story. I couldn’t find a single elegant widening from those years.
The saga continues. Bulky fender flares and wings. Even the M3 looks a bit heavy.
And then, ‘click,’ a design that can visually relieve these ‘bubbles.’
You can read the company name on the rear license plate.
And that’s where the story of standard Fender Flares ends. A new era begins.
Welcome to Went Fenders World!
And then, ‘click,’ a design that can visually relieve these ‘bubbles.’
You can read the company name on the rear license plate.
And that’s where the story of standard Fender Flares ends. A new era begins.
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