As fans, most of us have a “cash no object” construct. The type of undertaking that sounds fantastic on paper and in idea — till you get to totaling invoices and notice you’d must promote all of your worldly possessions simply to cowl a fraction of the prices. Many fans get to ultimately reside 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 previous as time — and precisely what occurred to me, too. You scrounge up sufficient money to purchase a wonderfully imperfect E46 M3 and the subframe decides “my work right here is finished” and cut 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 spite of everything. However he rapidly realized his E46 330i Touring wouldn’t ever be as “uncooked, participating, or as particular to drive” as an M3. For the reason that mechanicals (i.e., engine and gearbox) had been fantastic, 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 elements are grafted, welded, or inserted instead of the previous wagon’s operating gear. Beneath the sheet metallic, 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 notice: 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 scorching laps don’t appear to be on the menu right this moment, 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 fee to construct his dream automobile was £70,000. Which may sound good — particularly when you’re within the US — till you notice that at right this moment’s conversion charge, that’s $94,000. Maybe extra fascinating is the truth that a brand-new M3 Touring prices £91,865; that’s $123,000. Would you construct up your favourite previous BMW as an alternative of shopping for one thing arguably “higher” for not rather more cash? On this case, we definitely suppose Alex made the fitting name.
