As fans, most of us have a “cash no object” construct. The type of challenge that sounds fantastic on paper and in concept — 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 fans get to ultimately dwell out their dream and create a real “dream construct.” AutoAlex, a UK-based YouTuber recognized for reviving and modifying basic 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It’s a story as outdated as time — and precisely what occurred to me, too.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 wonderfully imperfect E46 M3 and the subframe decides “my work right here is completed” and cut 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 any case. However he shortly realized his E46 330i Touring wouldn’t ever be as “uncooked, participating, or as particular to drive” as an M3. Because the mechanicals (i.e., engine and gearbox) have 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 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 Suspension, body, and even physique parts are grafted, welded, or inserted instead of the outdated wagon’s operating gear. Beneath the sheet steel, in fact, the automotive will get the S54 3.2-liter inline-six from the E46 M3. And, in fact, a six-speed handbook transmission. On that be aware: 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 Monitor
After all, 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 as we speak, with the driving force as an alternative taking as many alternatives as attainable to get the automotive 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 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 price to construct his dream automotive was £70,000. Which may sound good — particularly when you’re within the US — till you understand that at as we speak’s conversion charge, 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 an alternative of shopping for one thing arguably “higher” for not way more cash? On this case, we definitely suppose Alex made the best name.
