If the world ever runs out of carbon, you'll know why
Continuing the carbon fiber theme, Vorsteiner also supplied the hood and roof spoiler, while MSD provided carbon mirrors, door handles, kidney grille, side grilles and headlight surrounds. Furthermore, the B-pillar and BMW badges came from Fiber Design, while the hood vent and rear M3 badge were from SSDD Motorsport. Magnus even ordered custom washer jets in carbon.
The side skirts are Hamann GTR items, but the rear features Magnus' own handiwork modifying the stock bumper. It's an impressive GTR-style design featuring large vents behind the fat rear tires. But despite many inquiries from other M3 owners, Magnus has no plans to build them en masse.
The rear wheel arches were pulled by 20mm each side to accommodate the wheels, which now sit perfectly under the bolstered bodywork.
Volk wheels are uncommon choice, Brembos aren't. Red stripe works really well
Avoiding the regular HRE or BBS options, Magnus chose a set of light but strong 19" Volk Racing wheels. More commonly seen on imports, the look works unquestionably, with 8.5s up front plus 10mm spacers, and 10.5" at the rear.
It's hard to believe this immaculate car is used for anything but shows. However, the factory mechanic is happy to race and drift whenever the opportunity arises. Evidence of how seriously he takes the on-track ability is witnessed by the Brembo GT brake upgrade, plus the KW coilovers, anti-roll bars and Dixis titanium front strut brace.
In a land where turbocharging to stratospheric levels is nothing unusual, Magnus demanded more horsepower. The best forced induction available was the Active Autowerke supercharger kit. He ordered its top offering, the Generation 3 Level 2 system, and was delighted with the service the Miami-based company provided.
Active's Level 2 kit offers a 53% power increase to 525hp because the Rotrex C38-81 supercharger has a 70mm pulley, as opposed to the Level 1's 75mm pulley, plus a thicker 8mm drive belt.
Larger fuel injectors and water injection were also provided in the kit, along with new software. Nonetheless, Magnus prefers his Khler Racing ECU that he had custom programmed, giving a dyno reading of 520hp at 9.5psi. "I will map it further," Magnus said. "I'm hoping to get 550-600hp when it's finished."
The E46 M3 has always sounded good, but the addition of a lightweight Dixis exhaust muffler takes it into the racecar league. And imagine how that sounds now that the 155mph limiter has been removed and Magnus claims he nudged 200mph on the autobahns.
While it's no slouch, there are other reasons the car scooped 25 show trophies. Under the hood is an MSD carbon engine cover and Kelleners air inlet, plus custom covers for the fuse box, air pump and air vents.
Calling again upon his CSL contact, the interior boasts its carbon door panels and suede steering wheel. The Vorsteiner center console and paddle shifters, plus Schnitzer dash and steering wheel inserts are also made from, you guessed it, carbon fiber. Titanium pedals from Dixis and alcantara boots are choice touches, but the real treat for BMW enthusiasts is the OEM E60 M5 SMG shifter Magnus fitted.
Despite these touches, a pair of Recaro GT3 seats with Momo harnesses dominate the cabin. Behind these, a Weichers Sport roll-bar hammers home the motorsport theme.
Magnus promised work on the M3 is now finished, and although he refuses to sell it, his time will be diverted to his new toy: an E92 M3 V8 in white with black leather.
For the time being, Magnus is happy with his efforts. "The M3 forums in America love my car," Magnus told us. "I find people in the US are hard to impress, but they like my car because everything is done. They seem to like that I've used expensive parts."
Expensive indeed. You don't get an M3 to look this good without shedding a few tears. So far, Magnus estimates his modifications have cost more than $150,000. "But it's worth it for my own enjoyment," he said. No matter the cost, the finished article can only be described as priceless.