As lovers, most of us have a “cash no object” construct. The kind of challenge that sounds great on paper and in principle — till you get to totaling invoices and understand you’d must promote all of your worldly possessions simply to cowl a fraction of the prices. Many lovers get to ultimately stay out their dream and create a real “dream construct.” AutoAlex, a UK-based YouTuber recognized for reviving and modifying traditional BMWs, just lately accomplished a two-year ardour challenge: constructing the last word E46 M3 Touring — a automotive 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It’s a story as outdated as time — and precisely what occurred to me, too.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 lot 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, partaking, or as particular to drive” as an M3. For the reason that mechanicals (i.e., engine and gearbox) have been advantageous, he did what just about anybody with means and auto enthusiasm would do. He mixed his Touring along with his M3 to make the “M automotive BMW didn’t have the balls to make.” The challenge took over two years to finish, with work commencing in March 2023.
As with all good M3 Touring builds, the method primarily strips down the M3-to-be down. Suspension, body, and even physique elements are grafted, welded, or inserted instead of the outdated wagon’s operating gear. Below the sheet metallic, after all, the automotive will get the S54 3.2-liter inline-six from the E46 M3. And, after all, a six-speed guide transmission. On that notice: oddly, Alex calls the Getrag six-speed on this automotive “completely spot-on,” which is a frankly weird take. One factor we will 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 Observe
After all, after some avenue driving, Alex brings his new E46 M3 Touring to the race observe. However sizzling laps don’t appear to be on the menu at the moment, with the driving force as an alternative taking as many alternatives as potential to get the automotive sideways. Who can blame him? The E46 M3’s pure stability might be not upset by being a few kilos heavier with the Touring physique type, 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 automotive. We might, too.
Oh, and there’s one different factor. Alex reveals that the associated fee to construct his dream automotive was £70,000. That may sound good — particularly when you’re within the US — till you understand that at at the moment’s conversion price, 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 outdated BMW as an alternative of shopping for one thing arguably “higher” for not way more cash? On this case, we definitely assume Alex made the suitable name.
