As lovers, most of us have a “cash no object” construct. The form of undertaking that sounds great on paper and in principle — till you get to totaling invoices and understand you’d need to promote all of your worldly possessions simply to cowl a fraction of the prices. Many lovers get to finally stay out their dream and create a real “dream construct.” AutoAlex, a UK-based YouTuber identified for reviving and modifying basic BMWs, lately accomplished a two-year ardour undertaking: constructing the final word E46 M3 Touring — a automobile BMW by no means made.”
How Alex’s E46 M3 Touring Got here To Life
It’s a story as outdated as time — and precisely what occurred to me, too. You scrounge up sufficient money to purchase a superbly imperfect E46 M3 and the subframe decides “my work right here is finished” and break up. Alex picked up a high-mileage Imola E46 M3 coupe after years of lusting for one. However sadly, it had a number of rust, rot, and subframe points. Not an issue — he nonetheless had a 330i Touring, in any case. However he shortly realized his E46 330i Touring wouldn’t ever be as “uncooked, partaking, or as particular to drive” as an M3. For the reason that mechanicals (i.e., engine and gearbox) have been superb, he did what just about anybody with means and auto enthusiasm would do. He mixed his Touring together with his M3 to make the “M automobile BMW didn’t have the balls to make.” The undertaking took over two years to finish, with work commencing in March 2023.
As with all good M3 Touring builds, the method basically strips down the M3-to-be down. Suspension, body, and even physique parts are grafted, welded, or inserted rather than the outdated wagon’s operating gear. Beneath the sheet steel, in fact, the automobile will get the S54 3.2-liter inline-six from the E46 M3. And, in fact, a six-speed guide transmission. On that observe: oddly, Alex calls the Getrag six-speed on this automobile “completely spot-on,” which is a frankly weird take. One factor we are able to agree on is the E46 M3’s different virtues. “Pedal weights are good, the steering is agency however doesn’t really feel rubbery. It doesn’t really feel too fashionable,” he praises his new M3 Touring as he drives a scenic Welsh freeway.
The M3 Touring Hits the Monitor
In fact, after some road driving, Alex brings his new E46 M3 Touring to the race monitor. However sizzling laps don’t appear to be on the menu in the present day, with the motive force as an alternative taking as many alternatives as attainable to get the automobile sideways. Who can blame him? The E46 M3’s pure steadiness might be not upset by being a few kilos heavier with the Touring physique fashion, and managed slides are one of many E46 M3’s pure habitats. The video ends with a wholesome dose of sliding and Alex, predictably, gushing about his new automobile. We’d, too.
Oh, and there’s one different factor. Alex reveals that the price to construct his dream automobile was £70,000. That may sound good — particularly for those who’re within the US — till you understand that at in the present day’s conversion charge, that’s $94,000. Maybe extra attention-grabbing is the truth that a brand-new M3 Touring prices £91,865; that’s $123,000. Would you construct up your favourite outdated BMW as an alternative of shopping for one thing arguably “higher” for not rather more cash? On this case, we definitely assume Alex made the correct name.
