FYI: Discover the Art of a Custom BMW Super Saloon with a V12 Heart
If you’ve ever dreamt of having a V12 engine car in your automotive collection, you’re not alone. Automotive enthusiast Mantas Rekavitius has transformed those dreams into reality with a jaw-dropping custom build that revives the legacy of the BMW E34 5 Series, infusing it with the luxury and power of a V12 engine.
The Dream Build: BMW E34 544i with a V12 Engine
Mantas Rekavitius took on an ambitious project by converting a BMW E34 into his own muscle car masterpiece, the 544i. His choice reflects a yearning for an everyday classic with plenty of oomph. Originally spotted on Facebook Marketplace, this BMW caught Mantas’s eye for its clean chassis, despite some unfinished bodywork.
Engine and Performance Enhancements
At the heart of this custom creation resides an M73B54 V12 engine sourced from an E38 750i. This engine, known for its simplicity and dual camshaft design, initially produced a modest 300 horsepower. Mantas, armed with his expertise in BMW electronics, unleashed the engine’s potential by replacing the wiring with a Maxxecu Pro Management system and adding custom fuel rails, Ferrari injectors, and E85-friendly components. The V12 now roars with an impressive output of 365 horsepower and 540 Nm of torque, ensuring a drive that is smooth and exhilarating.
Exterior and Handling Upgrades
Refusing to settle for half-hearted modifications, Mantas equipped the E34 with thoughtful exterior and handling improvements. The body flaunts new metal flares replacing the original cut arches, with a respray that pays homage to the car’s factory color. An AC Schnitzer-style front bumper ties the aesthetic together, and a fiberglass hood helps balance the added weight of the V12.
For unparalleled handling, the BMW rides on a set of Bilstein coilovers from the E60 model, accompanied by enhanced stopping power from E38 Brembo brakes. This superior handling setup ensures that every drive feels as controlled as it does powerful.
Inside the Unique Cabin
Step inside the custom BMW and you’re greeted by a fully retrimmed interior in luxurious saddle brown leather. Mantas has ensured modern touches blend seamlessly with classic style through a vintage Blaupunkt head unit, retooled with Bluetooth for a modern listening experience. Sentimental touches, like a 1990s pack of "Kaunas" cigarettes, pay homage to his Lithuanian roots.
The Ultimate Driving Machine
Mantas drives this impressive build regularly, clocking around 20,000 kilometers annually. Whether on a track day or a leisurely road trip through the countryside, the E34 delivers a unique mix of comfort and performance. This vehicle maintains maximum torque at a low 2,500 rpm and shows off an affinity for speed with a max velocity of 305 km/h, offering a thrilling Old F1 V12 sound that’s impossible to match.
Conclusion
Lithuania’s understated automotive culture shines brilliantly through Mantas Rekavitius’s E34 544i. This V12 dream car defies expectations and shows what is possible when dedication and expertise meet creativity. Stay tuned to Automotive.fyi as we continue to highlight such extraordinary automotive feats.
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Donald Smith
Editor, Automotive.fyi
