We’ve seen plenty of home-built E46 M3 wagons, but this stealthy sedan is even more rare-groove
by Chris Chilton
7 hours ago
You probably know that BMW considered putting an M3 Touring into production in the early 2000s, but that the suits decided to spend the money elsewhere, probably on some rattly old diesel.
But while BMW has in recent years wheeled out its surviving E46 M3 wagon prototype to help promote the launch of the current G80 M3 Touring, we’ve never heard the M guys mention if they thought about filling the other obvious gap in the E46 M3 lineup with an M3 sedan.
Until the current wagon rocked up last year, the M3 was only available as a sedan, the coupe and convertible having switched to M4 labels in 2014. And in the late 2000s and early 2010s there was also an M-powered E90 sedan version of the E92 M3 coupe, and going further back, the E36 M3 was also available with four doors. The E46, though, was only ever a coupe or cabrio, despite its obvious rivals – the Audi RS4 and AMG C32 – being sedans.
advertisement scroll to continue
Related: BMW Has Increased M3 Touring Production To Keep Up With Demand
But you could easily be fooled by this beautifully stock-looking E46 sedan, which does an excellent impression of a proper factory car. We’ve seen a few M3 wagon conversions over the years, but not many sedans. This one started life as a 2001 320i SE before getting the full M3 transplant. And we mean full. The engine, transmission, suspension, fenders, flared rear arches, trunk floor (to allow the quad exhaust), bumpers and interior were all transferred to the new car.
The M3’s gauge pack shows 96,000 miles (154,000 km), which reflects the true mileage of the 3.2-liter S54 inline six, and the combination of the subtle Stahlgrau Metallic paintwork and stock 18-inch wheels as opposed to the flashier, available nineteens, means the whole package is just the right amount of stealthy. There’s some wear and tear on the trim, but that only adds to the faux-authenticity.
This right-hand drive UK car is up for grabs on the Car and Classic auction site, and if you’re really quick you might just be able to get a bid in before the hammer drops. And this is one family-friendly M3 we’d love to drop the hammer on.
