As fans, most of us have a “cash no object” construct. The type of venture that sounds great on paper and in concept — till you get to totaling invoices and understand you’d should promote all of your worldly possessions simply to cowl a fraction of the prices. Many fans get to ultimately dwell out their dream and create a real “dream construct.” AutoAlex, a UK-based YouTuber identified for reviving and modifying traditional BMWs, lately accomplished a two-year ardour venture: 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 previous 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 spite of everything. However he shortly realized his E46 330i Touring wouldn’t ever be as “uncooked, partaking, or as particular to drive” as an M3. Because the 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 automotive BMW didn’t have the balls to make.” The venture 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 rather than the previous wagon’s operating gear. Below the sheet steel, 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 observe: 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 trendy,” he praises his new M3 Touring as he drives a scenic Welsh freeway.
The M3 Touring Hits the Observe
In fact, after some avenue driving, Alex brings his new E46 M3 Touring to the race monitor. However sizzling laps don’t appear to be on the menu at the moment, with the motive force as an alternative taking as many alternatives as doable 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’d, too.
Oh, and there’s one different factor. Alex reveals that the fee to construct his dream automotive was £70,000. Which may sound good — particularly for those who’re within the US — till you understand that at at the 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 actually assume Alex made the best name.
