As lovers, most of us have a “cash no object” construct. The kind of undertaking that sounds fantastic on paper and in idea — 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 dwell out their dream and create a real “dream construct.” AutoAlex, a UK-based YouTuber identified for reviving and modifying basic BMWs, not too long ago 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It’s a story as outdated as time — and precisely what occurred to me, too.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 wonderfully imperfect E46 M3 and the subframe decides “my work right here is completed” 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. Because the mechanicals (i.e., engine and gearbox) have been nice, 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 primarily strips down the M3-to-be down. Suspension, body, and even physique parts are grafted, welded, or inserted instead of the outdated wagon’s operating gear. Underneath 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 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
After all, 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 right now, with the motive force as a substitute taking as many alternatives as doable 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 model, 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 understand that at right now’s conversion fee, 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 a substitute of shopping for one thing arguably “higher” for not far more cash? On this case, we definitely assume Alex made the suitable name.
