Mate Rimac praises custom BMW M3 E30 with V10 engine swap

Mate Rimac, the CEO of Bugatti Rimac, has expressed significant interest in a custom BMW M3 E30 restomod featuring a V10 engine swap. The vehicle, built by Belgian workshop S2000 Parts Europe owned by Jim Amelinckx, replaces the original 2.3-liter S14 four-cylinder engine with a 5.0-liter S85 V10 from the BMW M5 E60, producing 507 HP and 520 Nm of torque.

Rimac noted the technical difficulty of fitting the large V10 into the E30 engine bay, which required custom electronics and a specialized oil pan. The build also includes a roll cage to increase torsional rigidity and bucket seats. The project holds personal significance for Rimac, who began his automotive career experimenting with a BMW E30, which he eventually converted into an electric vehicle that set several FIA acceleration records in 2011.