This is the Most Beautiful BMW e30 Film You'll See All Day

"saltcityeuros" (saltcityeuros)
10/05/2014 at 05:14 • Filed to: Car Porn, BMW, e30, 325is, video, short film

… at least, I hope it is. Say what you will about the stance – these are awesome cars. Overrated? Perhaps. Too low for a daily driver? Depends on your tolerance for scrapes and sparks. Gorgeous? YES.

I'm a cinematographer, and I just wrapped up the edit on this short piece. These cars were a joy to shoot – doesn't matter where you put your camera. It's gonna look great.

On the day of the shoot, the rain drove us underground - but I was pleasantly surprised with the results, given the lack of "Canyon at Sunset" and other planned automotive cliches.

I'm working to expand my automotive portfolio – this is actually my first real car film. Let me know what you think!

DISCUSSION (100)

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 06:43

That's amazing. I want to make videos like that for fun.

Autofixation > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 08:04

I'm headed to the Bavarian Autosport annual show here in two hours. Going to see more Bimmers!

murphmatic > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 08:32

That is absolutely stunning. You're making me want to get into dSLR cinematography.
What is the music you looped over this BTW?

PoorBoysRacing5389 > Autofixation
10/05/2014 at 08:45

That's a great show, went once with my e36 many years ago.

WINGZERO > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 08:46

I can't let wheel and tire fitment ruin cars for me.

pip bip - choose Corrour > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 08:53

i like the E30 series BMW especially M3 , but LOVE E36 more

John Coctostan > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 09:06

When I see this I long after my former pristine '91 318iS.

BMW has lost its way.

Kinja'd!!!

(not mine in pic but spot on.)

DeLM > pip bip - choose Corrour
10/05/2014 at 09:18

I won't say I like the E30 more, but I am quite surprised that there is someone else who loves the E36 like I do..... wonder if there are others?

T off the New > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 09:23

Kinja'd!!!

Classy.

DeLM > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 09:23

DUDE! It's wonderful! Everything about it, the music, the cars, angles, location, little bit of rain!! MORE PLEASE/ KEEP IT UP!!! :D

mazdaspeed2 > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 09:25

I personally am not a fan of anything stanced, but awesome film. I'd love to see more from you!

AussieDan > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 09:33

Nice work!

dale hunter hall > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 09:34

OK I love the cars. My best friend had one back in the day. I still prefer this over modern BMW's. I have to say this. I hate, hate, hate those rims. C'mon man put something better on the rims. Give the car enough ride height so that you can clear stuff. Still nice angles and the rain shots are neat.

williamzitser > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 09:42

Awesome footage Ikarus! as an editor I'd kill for footage like this!

martin > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 09:46

Any idea why the white one has a Basque country coat of arms ??

Audistein > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 09:53

Looks really good. I know almost nothing about videography, but I liked the use of depth of field and the synchronization of the music and cuts.

What equipment (lenses, cameras, rigs) did you use to film this?

-P.K. > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 10:09

Looked like he hit a nickle on the road in the closing shot.

-P.K. > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 10:09

Looked like he hit a nickle on the road in the closing shot.

Money Hustard > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 10:12

I've watched this like 4 times all the way through already today.

Lexi Luther > John Coctostan
10/05/2014 at 10:40

Artificial engine soundtrack, anyone? #bmw

Angels2apples > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 10:45

Wanted the back in to step out so much but nothing. would've made a beautiful drift vid.

twinturbobmw > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 11:04

Great video! What stabilizer did you use for the shots? Also, what lens?

You had fordboy357 at "meat tornado" > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 11:12

5-lug?

jkm7680 > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 11:17

Vigorous fapping commences.

LTA > John Coctostan
10/05/2014 at 11:23

I just looked on local listing and there are only 3 for sale, all of which are turned into terrible ricers.... what a shame.

I need to bring one in from Germany. it really is one special car.

Have Jeep, will travel. > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 11:26

This film here is actually a pretty cool E30 documentary that came out last week on Vimeo. Its free, no affiliation just thought I would share

http://vimeo.com/m/107437867

OldDeutsche > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 11:33

*sigh* I miss my 325i.

E30 M3 Guy > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 11:35

As a fan of the E30, some aspects of the stance movement, hip hop, and great cinematography, all i can say is wow. Outstanding video, you should be very proud of this

Maxima Speed > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 11:56

Im not a fan of the editing style, the music, or the stance (I know im picky). but cinematically(is that right?) it very nice. Im curious, what if any after effects did you use or is all camera and good filming :)

Micro-dosing Gawker's Tears > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 11:56

That's a tolerable amount of stance.

truedectective2 > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 11:57

Awesome job! Very well shot!

DipodomysDeserti > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 11:59

Very nice. This reminded me to add euro bumpers to my list of upgrades for my 325e project. Spent all day yesterday trying to swap out the center support bearing.

CALUSA > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 12:06

The music kills it! Very nice!

superdave847 > John Coctostan
10/05/2014 at 12:08

I would agree if it weren't for the 135i, M235i, & 320i. All three of those models share this spirit.

Andrew T. Maness > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 12:08

Great piece, way to make use of the parking garage lighting/reflections.

What are you shooting on? Shots are nicely stabilized, color is good too.

Keep up the good work man, I subscribed to your YT channel so hope to seem more soon.

fritzo > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 12:40

That car is a supermodel- great to look at, but useless for much else :)

Eyemightbewrong > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 12:48

Two and a half minutes of E30 sexiness and not even a millisecond of tail wagging shenanigans? Even in the rain!? These cars are hard not to slide around in the rain, even stock.

Blair > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 13:07

stance is like guys whereing skinny jeans and Emo curtain hair......

......worse fad ever and everyone is counting the days till it's over

KC-10Paul > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 13:34

Well done video. Can't wait till stance is dead.

Maddox Kay > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 13:54

Well done! I love the music too. I know canyons at sunset are cliche but I love them haha. Keep up the good work

Tony Markovich > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 13:55

beautiful shots, mate.

MrTexas > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 14:08

All I see when I look at stanced cars is women with bound feet. Its perverted and cruel, just stop doing it please.

UglyDuckCar > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 14:13

I usually offer constructive criticism because I hope when I release stuff, that I get some in return to improve my film making. But I got none. You guys had a clear idea of what you wanted, and everything was done very very well. Incredible, great job.

NoahsArkade > John Coctostan
10/05/2014 at 14:13

This is a very old and ongoing argument, but I'm still onboard with BMW. They can chase as many insane niche market rabbit holes as they want but as long as they still offer at least one model that is as close as it can be to following in the E30 footsteps (the 2 series), we're cool (did you hear that Quandt family? Now where's my freaking M2???). The X6's X4's 3 series GT's ect. are all just subsidies for great cars that I will eventually own once they become CPO. To backup my very important internet opinion with a little experience: Last month I visited the Nurburgring via a rented 220d with a sport package and 6 speed manual. Side note: For those planning to do the same Ring trip, the rental company "Sixt" is pretty awesome and has cheap, fun cars that you can load up with full insurance coverage. They're starting to open a few locations in the US but are very popular in Germany). Having driven a race-prepped 2002tii, I must say, driving the 220d was ....almost as fun. Any new car will block out 90% of what you used to feel and hear from something made in the late 1960's. You know, before those pesky "safety regulations" were passed that now...you know...piff... "keep you alive" and stuff...., but the 220d was still a damn fun drive. Even the little turbo diesel under the hood made a satisfying noise at full throttle. After our fun was done with zero crashing (bonus!) we went into town to grab some beer and I happened to pull up next to an E30 32ois, something we never got in the US, but it proved to be the perfect visual comparison to our modern ride, well....just overlook the sweet venetian blinds on the rear window. THAT, is a car I would love to grey-market just for the pure E30 geek factor, and because I too let one too many (admittedly dirty) E30 slip from my grasp. Which would you choose?

Kinja'd!!!

zumjosh > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 14:19

Very nice. I need to get my E30 up to par on the looks aspect but I've started modding from the inside out. I've finished suspension and braking and now I need to move on to power and then I can consider doing bodywork. So much more to go.

NoahsArkade > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 14:19

Great job. The rain definitely helped elevate this beyond the very cliche car shoot locations you mentioned. Keep it up!

KC-10Paul > Blair
10/05/2014 at 14:31

Stance is the new rice.

TerraTech > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 14:57

Sweet. Will regret forever that I didnt buy a magnificently preserved and restored black e30 2.5 coupe with the proper original rims from a bmw fanatic who needed money. She was such a beauty but I kept dragging my feet because of parents and friends telling me its stupid, irrational.... so of course someone bought it before me... I just never learn from mistakes. Chances lost... Be it girls, cars, various opportunities...One should listen to his heart not overthink sh*t. So I bought my second choice and drove around for the next 2+ years always slightly miserable, the second year selling the car. I think you either listen to your instincts and you be content with your decision or rationalize it too much and listen to others and that decision will most likely be wrong for you. Perhaps right for all the other reasons(like financial or quality etc..) but wrong for you. Needed too long to realize that,to listen to yourself first...

ali > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 15:06

check this french one with a basic mercedes sedan

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Optimus Prime > John Coctostan
10/05/2014 at 15:30

BMW, Brainless Midleaged Woman. The 90's was truly the era for BMW. They haven't produced a single loverable car since the e46 M3 a part from the M6 Gran coupe.

thetedderbear > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 17:42

You are a man of talent. Give me moar

Autofixation > PoorBoysRacing5389
10/05/2014 at 18:01

It was absolutely insane!! 635i CSL, twin turbo 635 CSi, Several supercharged E36 M3's, Dinan M5's, 135i M edition, at least 10 E30 M3's, 2002's, Z1, Z8, 320, some sort of 2002 Alpina Targa removable rear window things, and just insane, stupid fast BMW's.

Zagato-Zee > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 18:31

Beautiful video. Only criticism I could offer is to work with your audio a bit better. It may just be YouTube compression, but the engine noise around the 25second mark just sounds bad to me.
Most quality vehicle audio is grabbed form 2 locations - a mic near the tail pipe and another quite close to the engine. The 2 tracks are then mixed together carefully to get the right balance of engine and exhaust note. If recorded with the right gear - allows you some leeway when it comes to levels.

The use of the audio clip again at 1:50 or so seems too much like a bad early 2000's rap video. It was fine the first time - but doesn't enhance the video the second time.

These are just my opinions - take them or leave them as you like. The cinematography work was excellent.

Torque Affair > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 19:25

This is really cool - what camera did you use? How'd you keep it so stable? Great job!

Patrick Shea Laking > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 20:56

Nice little cruising piece... Like a little slice of car lifestyle.

Probably the only body style of Bimmer I'd ever own.

You do lovely work, please share some more when you can.

Kin Polaj > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 21:15

when the video went into that west coast hip hop beat and then into that smoothy jazz song I immediately knew it would go back to the hip hop beat. The filmography worked very well with the music; so much so that it was predictable but in a "I know what's going to happen next but I'm enjoying it " kinda way.

IgotaSNAKEman!!IfeditsomeBEER > saltcityeuros
10/05/2014 at 22:50

Stance ruins ANYTHING. Whenever I see it, I automatically assume the driver is a special kind of doushe that I would literally have nothing to do with based purely on his choice to "stance?" His car.

saltcityeuros > mazdaspeed2
10/06/2014 at 00:23

Thanks dude!

saltcityeuros > LTA
10/06/2014 at 00:25

The guy who owns the grey e30 went to Germany just to buy his interior. It's flawless.

Cash_AU > saltcityeuros
10/06/2014 at 00:41

Brilliant, loved it!

saltcityeuros > Zagato-Zee
10/06/2014 at 00:53

Thanks, I appreciate that. I think the audio was 30% youtube's fault and 70% mine. haha. That's my next frontier - I'd like to focus on getting super high quality audio on my next shoot.

saltcityeuros > UglyDuckCar
10/06/2014 at 00:54

Thanks!

saltcityeuros > Andrew T. Maness
10/06/2014 at 00:56

Hopefully there will be more soon - I'm working on setting up some more shoots. I'm shooting with an a7s and a ronin.

saltcityeuros > twinturbobmw
10/06/2014 at 00:57

Thanks man. I used a Ronin - and most shots were with a 50mm f/1.4 and 24-70 f/2.8

saltcityeuros > Torque Affair
10/06/2014 at 00:58

Ronin and a7s! Perfect combination.

saltcityeuros > Money Hustard
10/06/2014 at 00:58

Haha nice. I appreciate the help with the view count.

saltcityeuros > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
10/06/2014 at 00:58

Find a car and do it! I spend all my free time on this kind of stuff.

saltcityeuros > Blair
10/06/2014 at 01:00

Yeah, stance isn't my style, but I think it can look really good. These are pretty tastefully done

saltcityeuros > dale hunter hall
10/06/2014 at 01:01

Thanks man. It's definitely not for everyone - personally, my car is a slightly lowered BRZ on 245s that I take to the track - and I enjoy being able to daily drive it.

Jesús Serrano > saltcityeuros
10/06/2014 at 01:01

Everything was great in a average gear head kinda way at looking at it especially the rain scene but was disappointed when i never really saw the cars drifting or speeding by or doing something to just raise the video up just a hint otherwise it was basically showing off a couple of glamorous bmws . . .

saltcityeuros > murphmatic
10/06/2014 at 01:04

First song - I can't find it again. Something like "Won's Russian Drums." I'm trying to find it again on SoundCloud. Second is "These City Streets" by BigAlBeatz

saltcityeuros > DeLM
10/06/2014 at 01:04

Thanks!

saltcityeuros > Audistein
10/06/2014 at 01:05

Thanks! Canon lenses, a7s and a Ronin.

saltcityeuros > Angels2apples
10/06/2014 at 01:05

Unfortunately, traffic didn't allow for that - but - I think we've got a drift video in the works!

saltcityeuros > E30 M3 Guy
10/06/2014 at 01:06

Thanks man! I appreciate that.

saltcityeuros > Maxima Speed
10/06/2014 at 01:06

Thanks, I think. haha. No effects - it was all done in camera.

saltcityeuros > zumjosh
10/06/2014 at 01:07

I think that's the way to do it - that's how I'm doing my BRZ

saltcityeuros > IgotaSNAKEman!!IfeditsomeBEER
10/06/2014 at 01:08

Haha definitely not for everyone. I can appreciate some - but personally, I'm loving my slightly lowered BRZ on 245s that I take to the track. I enjoy that more for a daily driver.

saltcityeuros > martin
10/06/2014 at 01:09

The driver of the white car has Basque ancestors - I think he found the badge over there.

saltcityeuros > -P.K.
10/06/2014 at 01:09

Hahah. Seriously though

saltcityeuros > Micro-dosing Gawker's Tears
10/06/2014 at 01:09

Agreed. Just the right amount, I think.

saltcityeuros > fritzo
10/06/2014 at 01:10

Yeah, it looks great on film though! Definitely not a daily driver.

saltcityeuros > thetedderbear
10/06/2014 at 01:10

Why thank you very much. Working on it.

saltcityeuros > Jesús Serrano
10/06/2014 at 01:12

Ah, well that's exactly what the video was supposed to be... we've got track and drift videos in the works!

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > saltcityeuros
10/06/2014 at 01:35

Might need something better than my Canon HF200, but I'm sure it'll work fine despite that.

Bruce McDolan > saltcityeuros
10/06/2014 at 02:11

Very tastefully stanced. Lovin' the vibe of the video too.

Gloff > saltcityeuros
10/06/2014 at 03:29

Phenomenal. If you're not an E30 fan after that, you have no soul.

saltcityeuros > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
10/06/2014 at 04:00

I shot a bunch of short films on what was basically the Panasonic version of that - and it was on Mini DV tapes. Gotta start somewhere!

Chteelers > saltcityeuros
10/06/2014 at 09:05

Kinja'd!!!

Experimental > saltcityeuros
10/06/2014 at 09:13

Also, and I only offer this as constructive criticism, look at music levels going from section to section. It may have been the music itself, but it seemed to go from higher dB to lower dB. Noticed it around the 1:00 -> 1:08 area. What camera/lens combo did you use? Gorgeous.

Experimental > superdave847
10/06/2014 at 09:15

Agreed. Coming from a 135i owner. It's why I purchased the car. And why I now cannot sell the car.

Experimental > saltcityeuros
10/06/2014 at 09:17

Nice combo. Thoughts on the Ronin? I've heard it is heavy and a bit awkward to handle compared to the Movi M5.

DeLM > saltcityeuros
10/06/2014 at 10:29

You are welcomed friend.(Anyone who loves E30's is considered a friend) Seriously though, I see a bright future in this for you. Top Gear America/ your own internet show???

GoKart_MoZart > saltcityeuros
10/06/2014 at 12:39

Straight off the brick 100% disco shit right there.

McSchmalex > saltcityeuros
10/06/2014 at 13:53

Spah-loosh

Swerve > saltcityeuros
10/06/2014 at 14:42

Great job! I'm not a huge fan of BMW in general, but I have a soft spot for e30's. This video highlights the cars' simplistic beauty well.

Jesús Serrano > saltcityeuros
10/07/2014 at 04:05

all in respect of course still beautifully shot cars maintained and driven im sure, otherwise goodluck can't wait to see the new videos

Rick > saltcityeuros
10/07/2014 at 09:28

Nicely done. I love the slo-mo and editing to the music.

superdave847 > Experimental
10/07/2014 at 13:08

You're a lucky individual. I had to settle for 3 Series since my wife's single requirement is that our cars have 4 doors. The 135i is a little bulldog.

superdave847 > NoahsArkade
10/07/2014 at 13:20

That 2-series photographed is perfect. I love the dark gray.

And you're analysis is spot-on—-all the gimmicky models called, "Sports-Activities Vehicles"—-or whatever, subsidize the engineering of truly brilliant sports sedans and coupes. Especially in the 2-series, 3-series, 4-series, and M-Division.

But, I feel that the current 5-series has lost its way. The E39 was excellent. While I love the understate styling of the F10, it lacks the balance between luxury, handling, and performance of the E39.

If only I could find an E39 with a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty. It appears they are too old for even Carmax.