The Phoenix.
2003 E46 M3 6spd
A new crowdfunding project to create a 1 to 1 replica of the original CSL carbon diffuser to OEM specifications.
It deserves to live on.
The Generational Gap.
As a millennial, I grew up with the E92 and E60 as my M poster cars.
The E46 M3 was a faint signal on my radar: I understood the classic appeal yet it wasn't enough to trigger an emotional purchase.
Until it did.
After getting my hands dirty revamping the E92: I wanted a new restoration challenge.
This is it - and I might just be in over my head.
Welcome to my build journal.
- Matt / @m3_epoustouflant
Specifications
My E46 M3 is a MY2003 produced for the Canadian market. It is finished in the signature Phoenix Yellow Metallic paint.
The car is optioned with the M-Texture Alcantara interior upholstery. When combined with the paint color and 6spd manual transmission, it makes it 1 of 7 in the world.
My latest entries
Spring did its thing and melted away the snow bank. Driving this car again immediately made me smile but the interior reminded me how far away this car is from mint.
A deep dive into BMW's rear chassis shortcomings on the E46: the often misunderstood cracking issues in collaboration with Vince @ PracticalPerformance.
Supersprint x EuroConnex Part Deux
The E46 M3 CSL was no doubt a masterpiece - yet was many of us look back at it as a classic, it was back then a call to the future of BMW M.
Coming from the S65 & S85 plenum, what first hits me about CSL airboxes in the flesh is the higher level of engineering & design requirements.
These CSL airboxes are complex - the engineering & design expertise is not only for reliability, but also performance.
