blueprint

Sold my S2000... It's been an incredible 7 years of S2000 ownership but all good things eventually come to an end. Having 2 2 seaters just didn't make sense anymore and every time I wanted to take the family out in my car it was impossible. Decided it was time to move on so I ended up selling her to a friend and picked up a 2003 BMW E46 M3. The car has been quite a lot of fun and am very pleased so far with the switch. It was a pretty beat up example but in the money I saved in picking it up I can apply towards repairs/upgrades in making it even better. I purchased the car knowing it would be a pretty cool project and a car I could share with the family. The wife approves!

The day i picked it up:




Thorough 2 day Wash/Detail:
















At the shop for the overhaul... Many things were neglected so im making sure the entire foundation is set before modding the car.

-Full VANOS Overhaul (Beisan Systems)
-Rod Bearings
-Clutch/Flywheel
-Subframe repair and reinforcements
-Radiator and Coolant lines
-Misc. Gaskets, Seals and Belts



Broken exhaust hub tab...





Cracked subframe.



Quite a bit of work but in the end im still coming out having spent about what a decent M3 would run me out here. Look forward to the new adventure with my first BMW.

RedCelica

man nice job on the detailing work. Looks great! What are you gonna do about the subframe?

blueprint

Weld the crack closed and install chassis reinforcement plates. Since the entire rear end is getting dropped m changing out all the bushings in the rear as well as the Diff seals.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-9...xX8BoCeUzw_wcB

dat boi

Congrats on the purchase! One of the best blends of grand-tourer and sports car.

Marioshi

Man I was just looking into these. I would love to get a price breakdown on what all that costing you if you don't mind sharing. I am more interested in the convertible, even though it weighs way more and loses rigidity, it just seems like it would make a total package for me (and then I wouldn't be tempted to track it!)

highwaystardoritos

I was looking at E46's myself, but I needed a 4dr, wifey didn't approve for one...so I went with an E90 M3. Hopefully to check the E46 off my bucket list sometime later down the road.

white98ls

Congrats! I sold my S2k last year after 3.5 years and got an E90 M3. Love it so far, but probably would have gotten an E46 M3 if a sedan was available. I saw an E46 wagon fully converted to M3 spec last summer and I drooled immensely.

blueprint

SMG Convertibles are the least sought after E46 M3's and are quite a bargain.

Parts alone were over $5500 but i bought a ton of stuff. Friend is hooking me up on the labor.

blueprint

Love the E90 M3... more so than the Coupe version. The torque on that car is incredible.

JamesD89

Congrats! I was tempted to pick one of these up to replace my E36 by the potential repair costs scared me away. Looks like you went in head first