As fans, most of us have a “cash no object” construct. The form of mission that sounds fantastic on paper and in idea — 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 fans 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, just lately accomplished a two-year ardour mission: 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 wonderfully 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 numerous 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) had been tremendous, 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 mission 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 parts are grafted, welded, or inserted rather than the previous 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 handbook 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 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 Observe
After all, after some avenue driving, Alex brings his new E46 M3 Touring to the race monitor. However scorching laps don’t appear to be on the menu at this time, with the driving force as a substitute 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 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 automotive. We’d, 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 if you happen to’re within the US — till you understand that at at this time’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 previous BMW as a substitute of shopping for one thing arguably “higher” for not far more cash? On this case, we definitely assume Alex made the correct name.
