As the final chapter is being written on one of Europe's best loved and successful performance cars, the E46 M3 takes its last bow as it's replaced by the eagerly anticipated fourth generation E92 M3. But the E46 won't be forgotten in a hurry, particularly when modifiers around the world continue to break new ground in their effort to realize the ultimate interpretation.
Travel to just about any reasonably-sized US city and you'll spot an E46 M3 soon enough. The same can be said of most parts of the world: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome - anywhere you care to mention. It's everywhere because it is so damn good.
The E46 M3 is the BMW that serves as show car, track-day weapon, family transport and back-road hero and is loved or respected by all; to continue discovering such fine examples is quite something, considering it's been around seven years.
This particular example utilizes choice aftermarket body parts, combined with OEM M3 CSL goodies, unusual Japanese racing wheels, carbon fiber overload and the freshest color available for the M3. All combine to leave you weak at the knees.
We had to show you both sides...
We had to show you both sides of this motor. It looks so good - carbon on the left, blower on the right
It also squats menacingly, thanks to a track-orientated suspension, GT3 bucket seats and a roll-bar, and under the hood is the renowned 3.2 liter straight six enhanced by Active Autowerke's latest supercharger system. Good for over 500hp, this M3 is unquestionably the complete package.
While it would undoubtedly look at home cruising the streets of LA, Miami or NYC, this '02 M3 SMG calls Varberg home; a quiet, rural town in southern Sweden.
In a country where residents are blessed with a blend of tuning talent, strict attention to detail and seemingly plenty of disposable income, modified cars from Scandinavia are usually world-beaters. And Magnus Bjrnerhag's is no exception. Having modified more than 40 BMWs in his 39 years, it's little wonder he built this masterpiece.
The way those rear wheels...
The way those rear wheels fill the pulled fenders is sick!
The story starts in '03 when Magnus picked up a silver M3 as a track toy. The usual wheels and suspension upgrades were first on the agenda, before a trip to Kelleners Sport in Germany took things to the next level.
The company's Motorkit KS M 3/46 kit, comprising cams, ported head, bigger valves and an exhaust system offered respectable gains for use on track days organized by Sweden's BMW Club. "The only problem was people came with hotter M3s," he said, "so I worked on the car more before each new track session to gain an advantage. I looked at lots of car magazines and forums and found some good ideas overseas."
Attempting to create a car that could perform on the track as well as at shows, Magnus's ride has constantly evolved. Last summer it was a respected package dressed in its silver paintwork, but after much winter work he feels it is finally perfect.
In true, no-corners-cut, Swedish fashion, the M3 was completely stripped in Magnus's workshop and painted a US-inspired Alpine white - a color not available to European E46 M3 purchasers.
Before the final paint was applied, Magnus built up a body that would turn many US M3 owners green with envy. Europe may not have received white M3s, but it did get the limited edition M3 CSL. And that means CSL parts are easier to access if you've the proper connections. Magnus came up trumps, buying a CSL front bumper (with Vorsteiner chin spoiler), trunk lid, exhaust diffuser and the ultimate OEM carbon fiber roof.
The desirable carbon panel hasn't simply been stuck over the metal roof either; this is Sweden and things are done properly here. "It's scary to cut an M3," Magnus confirmed, "but after I bought the carbon roof I had to do it. I couldn't sleep for a few nights beforehand, but eventually two of us removed the windows and screen, then cut the steel roof off. We used special glue to fit the carbon roof, but it only gives you eight minutes before it sets. It was nerve-wracking, but I'm really happy with the job and it saves many kilos."