With overnight rain, a new venue and in the midst of an economic recession, we approached Bimmerfest X with a degree of trepidation. Yet we shouldn't have worried. The weather was typically warm sunshine with a cooling sea breeze, the new location at the elegant Santa Barbara Polo Grounds was a triumph, and the majestic hills behind made a magnificent backdrop for many of the nation's best modified BMWs.
Having outgrown two of its former locations, the Polo Grounds were said to be capable of holding 3000 cars on one of its two impeccably manicured fields. Certainly everybody agreed the new venue was a fitting location for BMWs. Furthermore, the organizers had ensured better quality food and ample seating to continue the super-relaxed atmosphere.
As if to underline the show's continued dominance, BMW North America made its first official appearance, choosing to unveil the new Z4 Roadster to the public - you can read our driving impressions elsewhere.
With HorsepowerFreaks as the headline sponsor, we knew there wouldn't be a shortage of E46 M3s in attendance, but the newer E90/E92 M3s gave them a run for their money. Yet the beauty of Bimmerfest is how it combines the old with the new, the wild with the mild. So while you could stroll the field and admire 1000hp M3 turbos, the "best of show" award went to an immaculate 2002 twin-turbo. It was chosen for its wild mods installed to factory standard, and was one of several older Bimmers that could easily have taken the crown.
One of the more interesting battles was between the displays from HPF, VF-Engineering and Active Autowerke. As the pre-eminent purveyors of forced induction, each had a point to make. Undoubtedly, Horsepower Freaks was the most ambitious with its giant steel trellis, around which an array of turbocharged E46 M3s were gathered. Yet Active brought it's A-game from Miami and displayed not only several supercharged E46 M3s, but also an E36 M3 turbo and its latest supercharged E90 M3 (see our driving impressions elsewhere). Not to be outdone, VF gathered a row of blown E46 M3s as well as its latest E92 M3 painted matte grey with a prototype supercharger. Recession! What recession?
Looking back, we all agreed this was one of the best shows we've attended in years. We wish every event was so relaxed and well organized. It made a welcome departure from hot, dusty parking lots and we can't wait for Bimmerfest 11 to roll around again.
For information about the 2010 event, check out www.eurotuner.com or visit www.bimmerfest.com
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