M3 323 LSD 5 speed conversion Cold AC E46 M3 front Bilstein shocks M3 steering wheel M3 seat covers Blue tooth stereo New: Vanos, clutch, clutch slave, recent tune up Clean Title The Bad: Warped head, PS leak, oil leak, Sun roof works but needs some parts replaced, driver window works but needs some work, body is good but needs paint Even when you take into account the chip shortage and the rise in used car prices, your average E46 M3 simply isn’t going to be a good investment. These are temperamental cars that require constant upkeep and attention. For good reason: That detail added 40 hours of fabrication. But there’s no other E46 M3 wagon conversion in the world that adheres as faithfully to factory specifications. Including the one BMW Screaming, high-revving six-cylinder engine, understated but unmistakeable looks and the perfect balance of power and performance make the E46 M3 a definitive future classic What is it? There’s a good argument the third-generation M3, widely known by its E46 internal code, is perhaps peak M . When the E46 M3 debuted in 2001, the buff books spent a great deal of ink heaping praise on its ferocious speed, its impeccable handling, its impressive gearboxes, and its good looks. Power is upped from 343hp to 360hp at a heady 7,900rpm, with a modest 273lb ft of torque at 4,900rpm. Yes, this engine needs – no, demands – to be worked hard. Find an autobahn and the uber-M3 will hit 62mph in 4.7 seconds (0.4 seconds quicker than standard) and a top speed of 161mph. BMW rightfully wanted to keep its investment into updating the 8 Series down, as it just doesn’t sell well enough to likely justify a big-money refresh. Naturally then, the 8 Series’ LCI Quality, used race-ready vehicles can be had for $45,000. Past the initial investment, Spec E46 does offer a low cost of ownership. “The culture of the class is supercritical,” notes BimmerWorld’s James Clay. A major goal: Create close, quality racing so that others will want to join. Either way, racers are buying in. There are two BMWs most often considered to be the best driving cars the brand ever made—the E30 M3 and E46 M3 CSL. Some fans are in camp E30 M3, while others are in the CSL’s camp. grUp.

is an e46 m3 a good investment