During a summer checkpoint in Hagen, a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, police focused on vehicle safety and compliance as part of routine road checks. Their attention settled on a white BMW 3 Series Touring from the E30 generation, specifically noting an unusual feature: a trailer built from components of the same E30 family. What stood out were the two rear sections of the station wagon, creatively joined to form a two-axle caravan. The result resembled a compact, self-contained unit, with eight wheels configured to match the style of the original car line.
Trailer builds fashioned from station wagon rear sections are not unheard of, and they often visually echo the same family line as the vehicle they accompany. Yet the Hagen example is distinctive because both rear halves of the car were welded together, and the original rear doors were integrated into the sidewalls in a neat, centered seam. The overall appearance suggested a deliberate, cohesive design rather than a haphazard conversion, elevating the sense of a well-thought-out project rather than a casual patchwork job.
Law enforcement at Hagen conducted a thorough inspection, looking over both the exterior and interior of the trailer. Officials noted that the interior accommodations appeared comfortable, including a mattress that suggested long-distance travel could be planned with an eye toward rest and comfort. In their official remarks, officers wished the driver and their family a safe journey and a pleasant stay, reflecting a respectful tone toward road users who undertake unusual travel arrangements.
In Germany, caravans and trailers are subject to regulatory requirements. A caravan must display an inspection sticker and be insured, and from an insurance perspective, a motorhome is treated as an independent vehicle. The state also imposes a vehicle tax on caravans, calculated based on weight since these units typically lack their own engines. The tax is set at 7.50 euros per 200 kilograms of weight annually. In this instance, the police determined that no violations were present, allowed the driver to proceed, and shared a photo of the encounter on their official social media channels to illustrate the assessment process and outcomes for the public.
Public reaction to the post was largely positive. Many commenters praised the officers for a measured and reasonable response to the unusual trailer, and others noted that the caravan’s design was striking in its own right. The exchange underscored how authorities aim to balance safety oversight with an appreciation for inventive but compliant vehicle projects.
A final note on the scene emphasizes the broader context: while creative reconfigurations of vehicles can capture public imagination, they must align with safety and legal standards. The Hagen encounter serves as a reminder that road safety regulations cover not only conventional vehicles but also innovative carriers that travelers might adopt for extended trips or unique living arrangements.
A picture: Police Hagen