A Tesla-powered BMW E30 Convertible? Yes, We Mean It.
With $4,500 worth of batteries from a Model S, this classic BMW E30 is sent from zero to light speed faster than a M20 ever could.
As far as titles go for articles, this one is definitely among one of the strangest. However, we aren’t lying about a single part of this unique build. Obviously, the BMW E30 aka the cheapest way to get into a BMW other than a E36, is beloved among enthusiasts. It’s simple, light weight, and has a iconic styling that is instantly recognizable by even those not familiar with classic German sedans. The owner of this particular E30 of discussion is Jon Volk, an E30 enthusiast. He admitted that he has owned well over half a dozen of these cars and the reason for purchasing this current one was to have a daily driver.
However, after 5 years of driving the classic boxy sedan around in the harsh natural environment that is that Connecticut winter, he decided to retire the car from its daily duty. So what do you when a car is no longer your daily? Turn it into a project. Thanks to The Drive on YouTube, we get to see exactly what the result of that project ended up being.
Well, if you didn’t catch the title, this is 1992 BMW E30 powered by a Tesla Model S electric engine. Originally Volk though about doing the traditional turbo route, something that has been done a million times with the M20 straight-six powering the E30, but he decided to do something a bit more unique. The motor is called a “large-drive unit” which is the powerplant that pushes the Model S to lightning acceleration times. He states that it is a self-contained singular unit, it holds no transmission or transfer case or anything like that. Rather, it is a direct drive unit which is held onto the car via three custom fabricated mounts.
Volk also states that the motor is limited to around 1,600 RPM and with the tires he has equipped, has a top speed around 140 MPH (not that want to go that faster in a 30 year old convertible E30). The batteries powering this E30 are directly out of a Model S and Volk states that with the equipment he has, the power has cost him around $4,500 for the batteries. As with any growing technology, the battery will most likely be outdated in a couple years time. Thus, Volk has also made sure that he can easily swap the battery when its time for an upgrade.
There is a lot more to cover about this strange E30 and we have to admit that we love the spirit behind this build. If you like what you have hear so far, please check out the full video. I promise you won’t be seeing too many of these, well, ever.
Join the 6SpeedOnline forums now!
You must be logged in to post a comment.