Words: Harrys Euro Photos: Deven Solanki, Supplied
Euros offer such a wide variety of models that the options feel endless — whatever your style, there’s something that fits. Want something light and fun? A Volkswagen GTI is spot on. Keen to get a little sideways? The BMW M range is the go-to. After a fast, comfy cruiser? An AMG or RS ticks that box. And if you’re chasing grip and speed, anything AWD is a solid bet. Most of Harrys Euro customers daily their Euros and come to them to keep them running mint, while also dialling in upgrades that add power, personality, and a bit of their own flavour to the build.
Euros are upgradable to your heart’s content. Take the DAZA engine found in RS3s and TTRSs, for example — these things have been pushed to 1400 hp and run seven-second quarter miles. The B58 and S58 platforms go even harder, with some builds cracking over 1500hp thanks to billet blocks and serious tuning. Whether you’re chasing reliable power or looking to break records, the Euro game has plenty of headroom to play with.
What’s the purpose of your Euro?
Before buying, think about your Euro’s purpose. Will it be a daily driver, a track car, or a weekend beast? Here’s what to consider for each:
Daily Driver
If you’re looking to daily-drive your Euro, you’re after something reliable, comfortable, and still fun for when that itch kicks in — but it also needs to handle your commute, weekend drives, and maybe even the odd road trip.
BMW 120i or 330i — You get that classic rear-drive feel with reasonable fuel economy. Plus, it’s an all-around solid choice for comfort without being boring.
Audi A4 or A3 — Smooth interiors, decent performance, and excellent tech features.
VW Golf — Practical, comfy, and still fun to drive. The GTI variant gives you a bit more punch when you need it, while the TSI variants are great on fuel economy.
You’re not going to be throwing on huge power mods here, but getting the ride height just right, upgrading to a nicer set of wheels, or refreshing the suspension for smooth cruising is where you can really make it your own. Don’t forget subtle intake upgrades and a clean exhaust tone to keep it feeling sporty. But if you want to leave it stock, these are already pretty spot-on from factory.
Harrys Euro Tip
“Remember, comfort is key. Don’t sacrifice ride quality for looks. It’s gotta handle those potholes without making your spine hurt.”
Drag
If you’re building a Euro to drag, then power is your number one priority. You need something that can handle serious straight-line speed and quick pass times. Think less about comfort and more about getting that launch off the line.
One thing to keep in mind is that each Euro brand has its own name for AWD — Audi calls it Quattro, BMW uses xDrive, Mercedes goes with 4MATIC, and Volkswagen calls it 4MOTION. They all work a little differently under the hood, but the end goal is the same: sending power to all four wheels instead of just two for better grip and traction.
BMW 135i / 335i (N54/N55) — Not AWD but incredible value for money, RWD makes it easy to do big burnouts to warm up the rear tyres too! Turbocharged and ready to be tuned to hell and back. With the right upgrades, you can easily push 500+hp out of these.
Audi S3 / RS3 — AWD grip and power to burn. Not only are these quick, but with the right setup, they’ll pull hard at the drag strip.
VW Golf R — These little guys can make big power, and their AWD system keeps it planted for killer launches.
Turbo upgrades, intercoolers, downpipes, and remaps are your bread and butter. Also, don’t forget the clutch or DSG service if you’ve got a tuned car — you don’t want it slipping under all that power. Beef up your brakes too; you will be stopping from triple-digit speeds!
Harrys Euro Tip
“If you’re getting into the drag game, don’t just go for raw power. Get your launch control dialed in, and make sure your cooling system is on point. You’ll fry your engine faster than you can say ‘launch control’ if you don’t keep it cool.”
Drifting
Drifting isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s all about control, power, and aggression. If you’re looking to slide your way through corners, your Euro needs the perfect mix of power, balance, and angle. While many BMWs are ideal for drifting, here are the top ones you’ll often see sideways:
BMW E46 / E36 (Non-M) — A classic rear-wheel-drive chassis that’s super affordable, easy to modify, and tough enough to take a beating. When set up right, these are ultimate drift machines — and they’re gaining popularity fast as JDM options become harder to find. Manual transmissions are common, they’re still relatively inexpensive, and they’re a great way to rack up seat time.
BMW E30 — Lightweight and super chuckable. These are getting harder to find, but they’re still a crowd favourite for a reason.
BMW F80 / G80 M3 — More modern M3s, still packing that classic RWD setup with a punch of power. These are incredibly popular for drifting, offering solid control, a balanced chassis, and plenty of aftermarket support to turn them into serious drift weapons. The F80 is the turbocharged powerhouse, while the G80 brings more tech and a sharper edge.
You’ll need to focus on suspension — adjustable coilovers and solid sway bars are key. Make sure your diff is up to snuff and consider a quick-ratio steering rack for snappy turns. Also, you’ll want to beef up the cooling and get a solid exhaust system for that sweet, sweet sound when you’re ripping through the bends on the limiter.
Harrys Euro Tip:
“Don’t just slam it on big wheels and expect it to slide perfectly through every corner. Get your suspension dialled in first — otherwise, you’ll end up in the grass instead of staying on track.”
Track
When you’re building a track car, it’s all about performance, handling, and durability. Forget about how it looks — you’re building a monster that can put down consistent lap times.
BMW M — Pretty much the entire M range will blow your socks off around a track circuit, and still get you home in comfort. They’re built for speed but don’t skimp on refinement.
Audi RS — The RS3, RS4, RS5, RS6, and RS7 are nothing short of a menace to actual race cars when on track. Brutally fast, planted, and packed with tech — these things mean business.
Your first Euro checklist
Here’s a checklist to help you out as you shop for your first Euro — it’ll keep you focused and help you dodge some of the usual rookie mistakes. Every model has its quirks, so once you’ve narrowed it down, give Harrys Euro a call. They’ll run you through the common issues, what to keep an eye on, and a rough idea of the maintenance costs involved.
- Budget:
Set a clear budget for both the car purchase and any modifications. Be realistic about how much you’re willing to spend on upgrades, and consider how that might affect your long-term costs. - Research:
Identify which models suit your needs, whether it’s a daily driver, weekend warrior, or track/drift car. Look into common issues for each model, such as timing chain problems in BMWs or electrical issues in Audis. Familiarise yourself with regular maintenance tasks and costs, and be aware of what’s involved. If you’re considering an M or RS model, ask about the brakes — they can be expensive to replace or maintain. Staying on top of maintenance helps avoid unpleasant surprises later. - Service history:
Always request the car’s service records to ensure it has been regularly serviced by a reputable shop. - Inspect the car:
Check for signs of rust, especially in older cars, and look for wear and tear on the suspension, brakes, and tyres. Consider a pre-purchase inspection to catch any issues you might have missed. It can save you thousands in the long run. - Test drive:
Take the car for a spin, listening for any unusual sounds or vibrations. Pay attention to how it drives, focusing on smooth shifting, good brakes, and solid suspension. Bring along a friend or an expert who knows Euros; their experience can help spot issues you might miss and provide a second opinion on the car’s condition. - Modifications:
If the car has been modified, check whether the mods were done properly. Poor modifications can lead to more problems than they’re worth. - Negotiation:
Don’t hesitate to haggle. You’ll almost never pay the asking price for a Euro.
Maintenance: Don’t be scared, just be smart
This is where a lot of JDM enthusiasts get spooked. Yes, Euro parts can sometimes cost more — but a lot of that comes from people blindly going to the dealer or dodgy mechanics who don’t speak Euro. Independent specialists like Harry’s Euro exist for this exact reason — they know the cars inside out and can save you time, money, and headaches.
Also, most issues happen when maintenance is skipped. Think cooling systems, DSG servicing, carbon build-up on direct-injection motors — it’s all stuff you can stay on top of if you know it’s coming.
European maintenance follows a preventative approach — replacing parts before they fail. A good example is spark plugs, which typically need changing around 90,000km. Can you push it to 100,000 or 110,000km? Maybe, but there’s always the risk of a breakdown, like being stuck on the South Island over the festive season with no phone signal. It’s better to stay ahead of maintenance and avoid the hassle.
First mods: Don’t go overboard just yet
Alright, so you’ve got your hands on your first Euro. You’re probably already on the hunt for parts, itching to slam on a wide-body kit or slap a bigger turbo on it. But hold up! Before you go spending big on all the flashy mods, take a step back. Start small. A simple intake, exhaust, or suspension upgrade can make a huge difference in how your Euro drives and handles. The beauty of the Euro scene is the endless supply of aftermarket parts off the shelf — whether you’re after that aggressive stance look or just want to make sure your car handles and performs well, the options are out there. Just make sure you’re not skipping maintenance to buy coilovers. Trust us, it’s not worth it.
But if the budget allows and you need a 10-second car next week, Harrys Euro can sort you out!
DSG vs Manual?
The age-old question: DSG or manual? Spot a DSG badge or an auto gearbox on a Euro — do you walk away or take the plunge? Manuals are getting harder to find in modern Euros, so here’s a breakdown:
DSG (Dual-Clutch):
DSG isn’t your average auto. It shifts fast, like paddle-click fast, making it smooth around town and perfect for daily driving. No clutch to deal with in traffic, but still fun when you want to flick through gears. However, they’re not maintenance-free — a DSG service every 60,000km is crucial. Skip it, and you could face expensive repairs. Haven’t tried a DSG? Go drive one — it’s eye-opening.
Manual:
If you’re all about engagement and grew up banging gears in a Civic, then yeah, manual is the way to go. It’s simple, reliable, and gives you full control. There’s something satisfying about rowing through gears in a classic E46 or GTI on back roads. But in stop-and-go traffic, especially in Auckland, it can get old fast. Plus, finding clean, newer manual examples is a challenge.
Navigating the Euro car scene doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you want a daily driver, weekend warrior, or track beast, the right guidance makes the process easier. And when in doubt, reach out to the experts at Harrys Euro — they’ve got you covered from the test drive to your first mod, ensuring your Euro experience is smooth like that DSG shift. Ready to dive in? Your Euro adventure awaits!
