FYI: Gatebil’s 2024 Summer Festival showcased an array of jaw-dropping cars, but Johan Persson Elin’s 1992 BMW E36 325i Coupe stole the spotlight with its monstrous 1,126hp.
### Gatebil 2024: A Festival of Automotive Wonders
Each year, the Gatebil event never ceases to amaze with its astounding variety of cars. From an 800whp Volvo Amazon to a BMW-based Hudson hot rod, the event offers enthusiasts a unique glimpse into some of the most innovative automotive builds. Among the many highlights of Gatebil’s 2024 Summer Festival was Johan Persson Elin’s 1992 BMW E36 325i Coupe—a car that left many attendees in awe.
### A Legacy of Passion and Dedication
Johan Persson Elin, a 33-year-old service technician from Halmstad, Sweden, has dedicated countless hours to perfecting his BMW E36. With a lifelong fascination for mechanics, Johan’s journey began with taking apart mopeds and eventually moved onto cars—an interest path that many passionate builders share.
### Evolution of a Masterpiece
Johan’s foray into car modifications started with a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V and progressed into drifting. Initially, he acquired the BMW E36 in 2010 but sold it due to its overwhelming power. In 2017, he repurchased the car with the intent of using it as a donor for a friend’s project. However, Johan’s plans shifted, and he instead transformed it into one of the most extreme BMW E36s in Scandinavia.
### Exterior Styling and Modifications
The car has undergone a complete cosmetic overhaul, featuring a factory M kit and an M3 GTR-inspired bonnet. A replica front bumper replaced the original due to minor accident damage, while the rear sports an M3 GT wing and Maxton Design rear diffuser. Fitment Lab’s custom fenders and its striking Lexus Matador Red Mica paint finish augment the car’s aggressive stance.
### Performance-Oriented Modifications
To accommodate the larger wheel and tyre setup, the rear wheel arches were extended by 100mm front-to-rear and 170mm inboard. The car sits on 18×10.5-inch Kansei KNP wheels with Pirelli P Zero tires up front and 15×10-inch Weld Prostar drag racing wheels with Mickey Thompson ET Street slicks at the rear.
### Drift to Drag: A Versatile Contender
Though initially built for drifting, the E36 has evolved into a versatile machine capable of competing in drag races and half-mile events with minimal adjustments. Its chassis has been extensively modified, incorporating a mix of BMW components. Johan custom-fitted E36 M3 control arms, adding wider wheels and tires, and reinforced the strut towers with an 8.5-point roll cage.
### Advanced Suspension and Braking Systems
The E36 features BC Racing Extreme Drop coil-overs with 12kg springs at the front and BC Racing RH coil-overs with 8kg springs at the rear. The braking system includes BMW F22 M240 calipers paired with 340mm brake discs from a Volkswagen Transporter at the front. The rear setup comprises dual BMW E34 M5 calipers and Brembo discs and pads from the same model.
### Interior: Track-Ready Efficiency
Inside, the car is equipped with Toorace TR02 and Bimarco Futura seats secured by RRS six-point harnesses. Additional features include a Finess roll cage, a Coolerworx handbrake, and a custom intercom system. The ECUMaster ADU 7″ display provides all essential data.
### An Engine to Behold
Under the hood, the E36 boasts an S50 engine from the BMW E36 M3, with a 3.0-liter block expanded to 87mm and partially filled with concrete. The engine setup includes a 3.2-liter S50 crankshaft, forged rods from DP Engine Parts, and CP forged pistons. The cylinder heads have been ported and fitted with PPF valves and upgraded springs by Erland Cox.
### Turbocharged Power
What sets this car apart is its turbo setup. The right-hand headlight has been replaced with a Reverse Lab air intake, feeding a Precision Turbo 82mm turbocharger. A 66mm Precision external wastegate manages the boost. The custom intake system includes two rows of 1,500cc fuel injectors, a 1,000cc water/methanol injector to cool the charge, and a burst valve to prevent backfiring.
The exhaust system comprises a 4-inch stainless steel setup with a Speeding 5-inch stainless muffler, resulting in a roaring 1,126 horsepower.
### Conquering the Half Mile
Although the car is yet to compete in a quarter mile race, Johan’s E36 has proven its mettle in the Nordic Half Mile, achieving 298.8km/h from a standstill and securing 11th place overall.
### Conclusion
Over the last three decades, Gatebil has showcased some of Scandinavia’s most audacious automotive builds. Johan Persson Elin’s BMW E36 Coupe is a testament to that tradition—a true marvel of engineering and creativity.
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Donald Smith,
Editor of Automotive.fyi
