This is the only BMW M3 Panel Van Impostor in the world | Carscoops

      A modest BMW 320d was reimagined into a unique workhorse, now utilized for transporting car parts with flair.

       March 8, 2025, at 07:15

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Thanos Pappas

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      The BMW wagon depicted here is a heavily altered 320d, now featuring a widebody M3 aesthetic.

      The modifications involved removing the rear doors and covering the back windows with panels.

      This wagon received wide fenders, M3 bumpers, new wheels, and a notably lowered suspension.

      

      The BMW M3 Touring caters to those desiring practicality without compromising performance—it essentially serves those who need an M3 while also accommodating a dog, a bike, and children. But what if you seek even greater utility paired with M3 style? Enter Wayde Evans, a UK builder who transformed a diesel-powered E91 3-Series Touring into something that combines practicality with sports car appeal.

      

      

      The outcome is the M3-like van you never knew you needed. Believed to be the only E91 van of its kind, this creation is the work of Mohawk Customs, a UK-based shop operated by Evans himself.

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      Evans is recognized for his unconventional builds, including a Ford Ka rally car built on Audi S3 components (yes, truly). For his latest endeavor, he opted for a more subdued yet practical approach. This time, he required a vehicle to transport metal parts around his workshop.

      

      

      

      

      A Diesel Wagon with a Plan

      The foundation for this project was a pre-facelift BMW 320d Touring, which Evans acquired as scrap after its prior owner abandoned attempts to repair it. After salvaging parts, Evans developed affection for the worn-out wagon and chose to restore it and bring it back to the road.

      

      

      

      

      

       The donor BMW 320d Touring (above) juxtaposed with the completed build (below).

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Reviving the vehicle was no simple task, beginning with a damp and corroded ECU. However, with considerable effort, Evans resurrected the 320d, repurposing it for various uses ranging from off-roading to drifting, while also transporting logs along the way. Eventually, he pondered, “Why not convert this into a panel van with some M3-inspired style?” After all, BMW has explored unusual M3 variations before—recollect the E92 M3 pickup? But an M3 van? Now that presented a challenge.

      A Van, But Make It M3

      

      

      While most would merely fold down the rear seats in the 320d Touring, Wayde sought something more distinctive for his workhorse. The initial move? Removing the rear doors and handles, then covering the rear glass with panels. This effectively converted the BMW into a three-door van, concealing the cargo area.

      To enhance its sporty appearance, Wayde acquired a wide bodykit originally intended for the E92 M3. He made the necessary modifications to ensure the widebody would suit his wagon, seamlessly integrating it with the E91’s body. The fender extensions were paired with a replica M3 bumper and a custom hood featuring integrated vents and a prominent central bulge.

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      For the modified headlights, Wayde combined elements from both pre- and post-facelift 3-Series models, incorporating dual bi-xenon projectors into each unit. At the rear, he incorporated the latest taillights into a custom tailgate. Struggling to find a replica M3 rear bumper, Wayde displayed his creativity by crafting a custom piece with an aftermarket diffuser and a Mini-inspired grille pattern. For the exhaust, he opted for a straight-pipe system with dual tailpipes.

      

      

      The Finishing Touches

      The wagon was coated in a vibrant lime green, setting it apart from the black roof and black leather interior. An older set of BMW M alloy wheels, combined with spacers and a drastically lowered suspension, provided it with the ideal stance for an M3 imposter.

      While a V8 swap would have been enticing, the van retains the original 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel from the 320d. However, it has been tuned to generate approximately 247 hp (184 kW / 250 hp), thanks to an enhanced turbocharger and a remapped ECU. According to the owner, this power is sufficient for a commercial vehicle, and the diesel engine’s excellent fuel economy makes it cost-effective to operate.

      Below, you will find images documenting the transformation, illustrating the extensive effort invested in this extraordinary project.

      Thank you to Wayde for sharing this impressive project with us.