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This BMW E46 M3 Sedan Has it All

BMW E46 M3 Sedan 11 photos
Photo: hawknpoke.com
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BMW went through some rather interesting ups and downs along the way and the M3 was part of its history since the late 1980s. This model too was affected by the various disputes happening inside Munich.
Over the 5 generations, we’ve seen a couple of changes in the line-up and one of the biggest refers to the body styles the M3 was available in. The original was only built as a Coupe and Convertible, with a sedan model being kept away from the market.

Then came the E36 and this time, BMW offered it in the all-familiar sedan shape as well. This was also when the M3 was officially introduced to one of its biggest markets of all time, the US.

With the E46, there was a different story, as the company wanted to separate the sedan and coupe models in different ranges. That’s when the 4 Series idea started popping up. Unfortunately, that meant we couldn’t get a proper M3 in the shape of a four-door car. Enthusiasts were not stopped in their tracks by BMW’s decision.

They took matters into their own hands and created their own M3 Sedan cars, like this one, hailing from Indonesia, belonging to a guy named Iwan. His work on it is so impressive that we had to share it with you.

He started by swapping the original engine with an S54 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder from a proper M3. That wasn’t it though. The power delivered by the engine in its stock guise is impressive but he took it to a whole new level by installing an ESS VT-550 supercharger kit that took the crank power output up and over the 500 HP barrier, around the 550 mark according to him. The M3 gearbox and rear axle seem to be holding up so far, speaking of the way the Germans used to make their cars.

Supersprint headers, front and mid pipes, a Kreissieg exhaust and Rogue Engineering clutch keep things in check along with a Brembo GT brake kit with 6-piston front calipers and 4-piston ones. The suspension setup includes KW Clubsport adjustable coilovers along with new control arms from Rogue Engineering.

Inside, comfort of the sedan was sacrificed for more safety at high speeds. The front seats were replaced with Recaro’s own Sportster CS done in full black leather with Schroth belts. Other add-ons include a BMW performance short shifter, M3 steering wheel in alcantara and 3D design pedal set.

On the outside, you’ll immediately be able to tell this is no ordinary BMW 3 Series. The M3 mirrors, rear spoiler, sideskirts, fenders and bumpers will give everything away from the moment you lay your eyes on it. As for the wheels, they’re the already famous HRE P101s measuring 19x8.5 all the way around, wrapped in Michelin PSS tires.

So, does this car have it all? It has more than enough performance, four doors, four seats and the looks to kill. We think that might be enough...
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