AutoAlex Builds the Ultimate BMW E46 M3 Touring

As fanatics, most of us have a “cash no object” construct. The form of undertaking that sounds fantastic on paper and in concept — till you get to totaling invoices and notice you’d should promote all of your worldly possessions simply to cowl a fraction of the prices. Many fanatics get to finally dwell 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 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It’s a story as outdated as time — and precisely what occurred to me, too.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 superbly imperfect E46 M3 and the subframe decides “my work right here is finished” and cut 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 wonderful, 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 Suspension, body, and even physique parts are grafted, welded, or inserted instead of the outdated wagon’s working gear. Underneath the sheet metallic, 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 notice: 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 avenue driving, Alex brings his new E46 M3 Touring to the race observe. However scorching laps don’t appear to be on the menu right this moment, with the motive force as an alternative 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 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 automobile. We might, 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 for those who’re within the US — till you notice that at right this moment’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 far more cash? On this case, we definitely suppose Alex made the precise name.