The Best Of Both Worlds: The Only E46 BMW M3 With A DCT And A V-10 Heart
Dutch tuner, Procar took three years and 700 manhours to create this unique M3 project car, that'll leave any BMW fanboy drooling The only E46 BMW M3 with a DCT and a V-10 Heart, has been hailed as the pinnacle of all BMWs. The car was unveiled at the Frankfurt show in 1999 and immediately outshone its predecessor, the E36. It features a 3.2-liter S54 engine, capable of cranking out 333 horsepower at 7,900 rpm, and a powerful 6-speed manual or SMG transmission, pushing power to the rear wheels through a groundbreaking Variable M Differential. The E46 M3 is known for its elegant design and high-revving six-cylinder engine. It also features a V10 engine that sings to the tune of 500 horsepower and 384 pound-feet at 6,100 RPM. Autoblog.NL had the privilege of driving this wonder back in November 2021.
Published : 2 years ago by Yasser Vrij-Alahwal in Auto
Just mentioning the legendary E46 M3 evokes visions of its signature high-revving six-cylinder engine and those subtle yet undeniably charismatic design elements. Nestled at the intersection of timeless elegance and pioneering performance, many argue that this third-generation M3 is not just the epitome of the M lineage but potentially the pinnacle of all BMWs. Bold? Absolutely. Unfounded? Hardly.
In 1999, this car rolled onto the scene at the Frankfurt show and immediately outshone its predecessor, the E36, taking the lead in a flash. Under the hood, a 3.2-liter S54 engine - a true masterpiece of naturally aspirated engineering. It cranks out 333 horsepower at 7,900 rpm, and you can tap into a rich seam of torque from just 2,000 rpm. Paired with either a six-speed manual or the avant-garde SMG transmission, it pushes power to the rear wheels through a groundbreaking Variable M Differential, available in both manual and SMG transmissions.
The aesthetically pleasing beast hints at its capacity without screaming for attention, from the nuanced flare of its wheel arches and the pronounced bulge on its aluminum hood to the distinct quad exhausts. Still turning heads over two decades later, one can’t help but wonder what could make it even more drool-worthy. Here’s a hint: Imagine it without that iconic Inline Six.
Related: 10 Things Every Enthusiast Should Know About the E46 BMW M3
A Match Made In Petrolhead Heaven: The E46 M3 Meets The V10 Prowess
When we speak of BMW’s crowning achievements, the E46 M3 inevitably rises to the surface, a testament to engineering and design. But then there’s the pulse-quickening thrill of the E60 M5’s S85 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V10, an engine that stands as a roaring testament to BMW’s prowess under the hood. Now, let’s embark on a hypothetical journey - what if we unite these two titans?
Envision an E46 M3, known for its poised elegance, but beneath that hood, roars the heart of a beast: A V10 engine that sings to the tune of 500 horsepower at 7,750 RPM—and 384 pound-feet at 6,100 RPM. And just when you think it might relent, this V10 continues to serenade the road until it hits 8,250 RPM.
This isn’t some fantasy car enthusiast’s daydream. This dream came to life somewhere in Germany, thanks to a daring owner who refused to choose between BMW’s bests and instead brought them together in harmonious unity. This extraordinary E46 M3, with the heart of an E60 M5, is evident in boundless creativity and engineering skills.
Related: Is The E46 BMW M3 The Best M Car Ever?
The E46 M3, in all its glory, never anticipated housing a beast quite like the S85 V10. Yet, in a testament to human ingenuity and sheer passion for automotive perfection, that’s precisely what happened. While the E46’s engine bay generously provides room, fitting the formidable V10 would likely have made even the most seasoned mechanics sweat.
If we trace the origins of this mechanical marvel, we find that Autoblog.NL had the privilege of driving this wonder back in November 2021. They unearthed a particularly intriguing detail: this V10 didn’t come alone. It’s now paired with the dual-clutch transmission of its cousin, the E92 M3. And while there might be other V10-powered E46 M3s in the world, this fusion – combining the V10 with the E92’s DCT – is considered a unique masterpiece.
Crafting such a machine is no straightforward task. Combining two powerhouses, each iconic in its own right, requires precision, dedication, and a touch of daring. But the adventure didn’t stop with the engine-transmission marriage. An added aftermarket exhaust system amplifies the V10’s roar, magnifying its presence on the road. These efforts culminate with an E46 M3 that challenges conventions and redefines the boundaries of automotive excellence.
Delving into this E46 M3, the attention to detail is undeniable. The number of modifications showcases the countless hours poured into transforming this car. While it’s nearly impossible to enumerate them all, here are some standout tweaks that capture the essence of its transformation:
• Ride Dynamics: Leveraging a coilover set from AST to achieve the perfect balance and suspension response.
• Acoustic Identity: Borrowing the stainless steel exhaust with rear silencers from the E92 M3 enhances its already formidable growl.
• Weight Efficiency: The pursuit of agility led to the removal of rear seats. In their stead, Cobra bucket seats grace the front, ensuring both comfort and performance.
• Aerodynamic Edge: While not immediately visible in snapshots, an M3 GTS spoiler is present, further honing its track-readiness.
Labeling this machine merely as a ‘track toy’ would be an understatement. Despite its track-focused modifications, it proudly flaunts yellow plates, signaling its road-legal status in the Netherlands. Recent re-registration ensures it’s recognized for its true might: 507 horsepower, all while maintaining a weight of 3,340 pounds.
Related: BMW M3 CSL E46 Shows What It Can Do On The Autobahn
Elevating Icons: The Unparalleled Worth Of This Transformed E46 M3
The evolution of this E46 M3 is nothing short of spellbinding. Melding classic design with groundbreaking innovation, it stands as an embodiment of automotive artistry and bold vision. With an asking price hovering around $84,999, it might raise eyebrows as potentially the most expensive E46 available. However, given the depth of engineering and dedication poured into this vehicle, it transcends mere valuation—it becomes an investment in a piece of reimagined history.
From our deep dive into this reinvented marvel, it’s evident that this isn’t just another E46 M3. It’s an icon that has been lovingly and daringly transformed, challenging the boundaries of what was once possible. Integrating the raw power of the S85 V10 seamlessly bridges the gap between legacy and modernity. The detailed modifications, both in performance and aesthetics, set it in a class of its own—a showcase of innovation spurred by relentless passion.
To sum it up, this E46 M3 narrates a tale of challenges met, boundaries pushed, and conventions defied. It is a display of technical prowess and a tribute to the indomitable spirit of innovation. And it’s sure to induce drool-worthy admiration and, perhaps, a bit of envy. After all, when the past meets the future so seamlessly, it’s hard not to be mesmerized.
Topics: BMW