$140k M3 vs $15k M3

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Vorsteiner spent a LOT of time and money developing the many V20 carbon fiber parts for this E46 BMW M3. This car has new paint, CRAZY carbon bucket seats, Brembo brakes, Ohlins coilovers, and more Alcantara than you'll find in the Alcantara region of France. It's a VERY expensive M3. But how's it drive?
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[@TheSmokingTire]

How much would you spend on YOUR car if money was no object? Restoration, mods, everything?

[@atascatorDAOC]

How much money woukd I put in my evo if money was no issue? Yes.

[@Gearbhall]

if I could pull 200+ lbs out of my Camaro ZL1 it would be worth a lot to me.

[@Gearbhall]

Camera question - why not leave any gopro smoothing/stabilization off and do the stabilization in post?

[@johnhurst3737]

Don't look at the cost of a M3 by "redux" .....😮 that's a very nice house.

[@CrappyCar]

I would do a full paint correction and PPF on my E39 M5 and drive it stock. I should do that anyway.

[@jire9831]

The biggest flex in this video is "I bought my M3 for 15 thousand dollars"

[@minervamotorsports]

I bought a manual one owner one for 10 lol

[@matts5430]

"All the Cantara." Brilliant, Zack!

[@throker]

So basically $135K to save 200 Lbs. That works out to $675 per pound.

[@peppers1331]

what are you on about? the kit is 12k

[@pherron7471]

Every E46 M3 aftermarket exhaust should be resonated. That is all.

[@ricepony33]

With anti rasp

[@y2ksierra]

Best exhaust is the stock exhaust. If you want noise, add the carbon intake, makes the car sound magical.

[@cscheid]

Idk my dad had a superspring without the rasp, I personally loved the rasp as a kid. Was super menacing@@ricepony33

[@easydayez]

@@ricepony33 Rasp is a good thing why change how it was designed?

[@993mike]

Dinan exhaust sounds great on these. The stock exhaust sounds awful. I’ve had an M3’s in the E30, E36, E46 & E92 generations, and the best for me is the E92 which i still own from new. The S65 V-8 is absolute magic in so many ways.

[@JSmooVE3990]

The camera pan was actually kind of cool.

[@sailosikepa8950]

Yeah it was almost like the Ferrari movie for the immersive effect. Wish it continued longer.

[@jagpilotohio]

Wow. The exhaust is really horrific.

[@nikescar]

I like the "hypersmooth" oopsie. It gives a much better feel of the motion of the car compared to a static cam.

[@georgebull-mclean3333]

Zach is the best reviewer.

[@pnash225]

For how smooth this engine is, that exhaust note is not a match. Glad they're making a change

[@993mike]

The best changes in my experience for an E46 M3: Dinan exhaust and software, big brakes, matched wheels & tires to eliminate the wheel stagger understeer, front camber, Michelin PS 4 or 5’s, air box, and the most significant - shorter gear diff, which makes a huge difference.

[@CHubbs376]

I bought an E46 M3 about two weeks ago. One of the first things I did to it was the CSL software for the SMG. The best way to describe that change is that it sucks less than stock, but still think a manual swap is the right answer. I bought the SMG knowing I could do the swap myself and probably come out ahead vs just buying a manual one. This is definitely not a car that sounds great when you uncork the exhaust. The comparison to VQ motor is apt and what I thought of many, many years ago when I first heard a straight piped S54 running in World Challenge at Laguna Seca. I’m not sure the muffler itself is much of a restriction on an NA car like this anyway; the aftermarket ones are definitely a nice weight savings, though.

[@Mp-jw1qg]

the smg to manual swap is pretty easy, definately a good first project. If you can owrk on bmws you can work on anything.

[@chrissshenanigans4936]

listen to the sunbeam motors exhaust. thats the best sounding exhaust for these imo

[@yewtubez]

how much USD is the manual swap kit?

[@JoeEngineer]

Zach, you have the best similes and metaphors in automotive journalism. 👌

[@pedromeggiolaro]

The onboard sound is perfection.

[@johnnyr25]

I actually like what the GoPro is doing. It's...DYNAMIC!

[@LateNightRituals]

I think this is the best car review i seen. The details he gives n comparisons are just flawless n makes me understand everything perfectly somehow. Idk how he does it

[@max.racing]

Thats natural aspirated heaven for me As a german this M3 and the M5 got released when i was in 1st grade. And one of my classmates dads had a job as some kind of test driver for BMW. So in the parking spot of him i always saw the latest BMW's. Safe to say that my chin dropped when i first saw those 4 exhaust pipes on the M3. This (back then) was my indicator for a really nice car haha. I personally liked the M5 the most. But looking at it right now, i would defenitely take the M3. I guess time changes things. When i first saw the Z8 in his parking spot i thought its looking weird haha. Nowadays i love it.

[@FreshlySnipes]

I remember when I first saw the E46. I was on a family vacation in Italy (13ish years old) and stuck in traffic on the way to Monaco. There was a dude in traffic next to us for hours driving a yellow E46 with a smokin’ hot girl in the passenger seat. Ever since then I was hooked. I just bought a G80 M3 MT in 2022, my first M car.

[@brendanngin9939]

@@FreshlySnipeswas the e46 hard top or convertible ? Also you should trying driving an old school m3 vs the new ones it feels much better

[@Topher7527]

Much as I love my M3, I can't imagine doing anything to bring out more rasp. I wouldn't remove it since it's a part of the car's character but I don't want more of it. I put some catless headers on and moved the cats to section one. Better flow, more growl, but not too much more rasp or volume. Now, the induction sounds. I can take more of that.

[@jacebeleren429]

fwiw, I kinda like the in cab auto panning that is accidentally happening.

[@QuidproMoto]

My son’s Civic had a “coffee can” exhaust. We did a road trip from SF to LA. 100 miles in and a new exhaust was ordered. So obnoxious…

[@zackklapman3569]

LOL he matured in just 100 miles? That’s rather efficient.

[@Audfile]

It's the drone caused by being a hatch. You need a full cat back exhaust. Hatch or the trunk, same.

[@papa_pt]

like the h&r sport springs that only lasted 3 months on my wagon. Destroyed the ride

[@memertmemes2586]

@@zackklapman3569 A world record probably.

[@FreshlySnipes]

That’s a good trick. Annoy my dad so much he gets me a new exhaust! Haha

[@jamesf2656]

Zack videos are always a treat

[@GethinJames]

Nice job with your reviews... Enjoying them.

[@N0SK1LLS]

Really liked this review! Well put together and honest.

[@jimmysandshoe]

That’s why I have the karbonius intake on mine and oem exhaust. Didn’t do it for any power increase, just sound. For me it was worth every penny.

[@HeyG4444]

I sold my E46 M3 when i had my first kid to make space for another SUV… great car. Had a Borla exhaust. At first i wasnt a fan of the raspy M3 exhausts, but by the end, i did in fact want to get a supersprint, just never ended it doing it.

[@rashodbacon]

Solid video Zack!!

[@FEAR_CB]

This was an excellent review. Bravo, Zack!

[@The_Greg_5000]

This car is so close to perfection. Just save the money on the bucket seat, spend it on a manual swap, carbon roof and a better exhaust.

[@martink7338]

Best automotive stand-up on YT 😎 Informative and entertaining, great as always Zack ‼️

[@TeamCupNoodles-nn9og]

What a refreshing honest review

[@Maxx8666]

Zack, you're a genius with your words.. "a chorus of leafblowers" 😂😂

[@sikhovski]

Movaglobe is pretty cool. Thanks for the birthday gift idea!

[@chrise2329]

That exhaust is shocking! Wheels and air box are really nice.

[@baddriversofcolga]

That paint is so good.

[@adolfogonzalez1305]

Nice ride, great review. Could you ask them to share who did the Alcantara work for the interior?

[@jo05dk]

Great work reviewing this car Zack. You owning one makes for a lot more in depth and interesting watch. I hate the sound of that exhaust. I'm used to thinking that modern day BMW 6s sound absolutely crap, farty, but not an E46. I'm also convinced it's doing what it's supposed to, but no thanks. Good to hear it's being changed. Second: Manual swap, right away. Personally, for me, i think third: I'd likely prefer some more relaxed seats. ..but overall: What a cool build. ...and an absolutely beautiful car. Well done.

[@kyledrexler7749]

Awesome review Zack. An honest take on a total faff of an automobile.

[@608tttv]

What another great look at a gorgeous BMW. THANKS ZACK-TST

[@xFzNHaZarD]

The quality and attention to detail on this car is so incredibly good.

[@elcasho]

Looks so good! Go manual and change the exhaust. Perfection

[@FreshlySnipes]

Amazing car outside of the exhaust and the SMG.

[@marcelo1810]

I liked the camera angles "hyper..." thing. It makes me feel more involved in the video. Like as if I can feel the corners.

[@BarbWaltersMusic]

The amount of sex bots here already is wild

[@noahp6886]

WTF is happening here

[@zackklapman3569]

Yeah they’ve been swarming KZbin lately.

[@Alex-iu8xx]

Lmao 😂 was waiting for someone to finally say it

[@WhoIsSea.]

I think that exhaust sounds a lot more mature than other exhausts I've heard on the E46 that rasp. Most aftermarket exhaust for the e46 are really obnoxious.

[@augustortiz]

I think it sounds amazing outside and inside, very close to S70/2. I saw a goodwood Mclaren F1 GTR video before this and the "shortail" versions sound really similar flat out. Not surprising considering this is very close to being half a S70.

[@patrickdp842]

I have a supersprint turbo back exhaust on a big turbo Tiguan 2 non mqb (weird I know) and it sound amazing but it’s also insanely loud. Definitely a race exhaust. Lightweight and loud!

[@purplepurplesaurasne]

So many mentions of 3rd gear being the sweet spot on BMWs, I thought I was just imagining it the first time I ripped a canyon road at a lonely hour. It is the magical gear.

[@petetofani4896]

One of the first mods I would have converted to manual trans. I think I would also have done a sun roof delete and added a carbon roof. Anyway, it is an extremely well done example of an M3. Guntherworks can do no wrong. All their cars are amazing.

[@mrlong6267]

My 2002 e46m3 is completely stock, silver w black interior and manual transmission. Some might think it’s boring but I like flying under the radar especially during these uncertain times. Cheers to all my m3 bros out there 👍🏻

[@HoratioHoodoo]

😂 kudos for the honesty. Comes off as a colossal waste of money

[@BOOSTEDDUDE]

Hilarious description on not being able to hear that nice intake! 😅 The seating position looks perfect in that. Clean build and great color and rims.

[@Richyrich328]

nice updated key.

[@creilly907]

With the gear change, what is the highway cruise RPM. And with that exhaust do you even want to drive it on the highway....

[@real_talk8749]

4:10 gears hell ya!

[@karpetcm]

I've heard them all and on my own i went with magnaflows. Just sounded as good as it can on a e46 m3.

[@papa_pt]

the sound at @11:49 is laughably bad 😂

[@Jorcap]

2:05 explains fitment and shows prob the 1 thing that hasn't been the best yet (akward gap between the alcantara, leather & carbon)

[@alexyummmy]

Interesting detail is the key. Not an E46 key.

[@carguy3645]

Very cool man. I am not at all a fan of the side gills they installed on that car. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the OEM ones. The exhaust sounds like fart cans you see on race boy Honda cars. Everything else minus this seats is very nice. This car needs the Recaro Sportster CS seats in full Alcantera or high quality leather. I own a 2002 M3 with the Dinan muffler only and she sounds just perfect. I absolutely love these cars BTW a true classic. Cheers!

[@uniqu3xperience965]

I have driven this car on manual version. Maybe the best daily driver ever. This is the reason There are a lot of high mileage ones. I have an advice leave the resonator on the exhaust and just put a deep sound muffler like a magnaflow for muscle cars. It will make a huge difference. Intake noise in straight six engines is beautiful. Specially on high revs ones like this one. I have on my backyard a 1997 volvo 960 wagon that straight six was designed and built by porsche if you open it up it sounds beautiful

[@mikaelgaspar9547]

It would be nice if someone was able to put a DCT in a M3 e46 and also on the M5 e60 and M6 e63. If someone is able to make the same on some Mercedes AMG models like the C63 6.3 AMG Sedan/Coupe and C63 Black Series for sure they will have a business. Actually there are alot of old AMG models which are great but the gearbox is messing things up if they could make a DCT swap on them and in some models maybe put a modern torque converter like a ZF 8 speed gearbox working fast and responsive in the paddle shifters they would probably have some clients. Maybe add some suspension and brake upgrades all while keeping the original look of the car for sure they would be sucessful. There are more AMG's which could benefit from this recipe like E55 and E63 AMG, CLS 55 and 63 AMG and others.

[@Snappy650]

Mine is on Öhlins, BBS LM’s, Dinan S3-R supercharged. CB/cinnamon 32k miles. I must be sitting good, thanks fam

[@CRMN_Tech]

SMG they have lest the stock intake piping in place with seats that dont fit properly? Paint is nice but it seems like a parts bin special that not actually been done right

[@pshhyeahh]

SCZA or RE exhausts sound pretty good specially with CSL headers and euro cats. Not sure if that setup will outshine a CSL intake, but I would much rather have a nice exhaust setup than spend 2-3x more on an intake with potential low RPM drive-ability issues.

[@onespeed2624]

E46 ///M3 for Life!

[@skorpinox]

I must say... this M3 and the the Gen following are the only M3's I care about.... and this stole my heart.

[@jamestorres5582]

Sounds pissed off . Love it

[@jabrel3]

Hey Vorstiener, I’d like to introduce you to my friend Garrett. I think you guys could make this car better together.

[@davjones8636]

What type of key is that? I’ve never seen that type of key used on an e46

[@motorsportadvanture1951]

You can fit dsg from m4 trans..

[@AutomotiveAvocation]

The over run exhaust note is really nice… not feeling the exhaust sound overall though either.

[@peanutbutterpadre1519]

The exhaust doesn’t sound good, but it definitely doesn’t sound like a 350 Z

[@eb110americana]

I came here to say this. This exhaust is one of the worst sounding I have heard. The VQ song is loved and hated, but I happen to like it. Saying this sounds like a 350Z is like saying you don't listen to Christina Aguilera because she sounds too much like Metallica.

[@mrkkiani]

I have a VF Supercharged e46 325iT 5spd manual with 3.46 gears. The 5th is 1 to 1 so it's revving like mad on the highway, 4000rpm at 85mph. Anyway, just saying that one of the best and worst parts of my car, even over the extra 100hp from the SC is the gears. On a back road, or just running around you get to shift a lot. I would not mess with the power on a M3, but changing the gearing is the jam! I'm not an SMG fan, but its quirkiness shown in the video, with the short final drive looks engaging in a way that a DC or slushbox auto would not be, thoughts?

[@G2_JP48]

you guys should review an E46 that has VF Engineering's Supercharger plus these mods

[@TheSmokingTire]

That would be fun. I drove a Dinan SCed E46 but it was like 92 degrees out so the car felt quite slow. - ZK

[@stevenhernandez2108]

Glad they changed that exhaust

[@stevenhernandez2108]

Straight Fart can noise lol

[@HenryStan]

One of the best roads around

[@Driver_88]

It was only a matter of time before the Singer/gunther/alfaholics effect thing reached the E46 M3

[@oversteer6771]

I would really like to see a company bore them out to 3.5

[@papa_pt]

@@oversteer6771 there's almost no space for boring and it's already a long stroke motor

[@EightyFiveHundred]

Would love to see that e46 running hot laps as WSIR.

[@andrewkerman5347]

lost me when i saw the shift knob lol. body kit is some beautiful work tho!

[@Duffmanb6]

Thats what stops me from putting on a muffler on mine, most mufflers just dont make them sound good at all. I have a Turner CSL intake and Megan headers and Im glad all i hear is the intake. Only reason i want a muffler is to save weight cuz that thing is heaaaaaavy!!

[@1kontrabida]

I ran all types of set up and having a supercharger is the one thing i would go first regardless of a csl setup i'll leave that to the purist, all the inputs u made aside from the diff is what any e46 m3 with CAI and tune will do, and ebay headers are a jem. Not sure if money was well spent here.

[@dmitryt9286]

When changing the transmission, don’t forget to change the exhaust ;)

[@Piketom1]

Probably an unpopular opinion, but I’ve never been a particularly big fan of the E46. The E92 is the best M3 IMO. The V8 just sounds sooo much better than that I6 and it is still small enough to be a proper drivers car.

[@augustortiz]

I agree, the E46 is insanely overrated. It's a very good car but the E9X was better in my opinion.

[@Metalution]

Body panel mods look great! Exhausts sounds terrible. Kind of reminds of a supercharged 4 cylinder engines. Cobalt maybe.

[@poolmonkey]

If the engine is "basically stock" (333hp), where did the extra ~50hp come from? The exhaust system?

[@vvevvevvvv]

Exhaust, intake, remap. But extra 50hp might be too optimistic, imho.

[@valentijn9]

This guy is good

[@acroracing]

ALL THE CANTARA!! Loooool

[@XxCrazedEvolutionXx]

SMG transmission experience is something to get used to but i hated it, testing a M5

[@dposney]

I’m just trying to figure out why does it only save 200lbs when the csl does that without full carbon fiber body.

[@goodnaruk]

Dude, dont lift to shift, S6 at 7900 RPM is the magic of an SMG car. Also, curious if you noticed the downshifts being far better with the CSL tune, you do not need to blip with the CSL tune, blipping actually slows it down.

[@NYBeater.]

No Vorsteiner Carbon Roof?

[@emperorbobarino]

It sounds like a high revving Buick 3800. Very on brand for an NA BMW 6. Kind of a shame for such a cool engine to sound so lame. Amazing how much the old HPF turbo kits cleaned up the exhaust sound on the S54.

[@porscherain]

Zack you did a brilliant job! Also, all that work and they didn’t bother putting a carbon roof on it ? 🤨

[@TheSmokingTire]

They don't make a carbon roof. This was to showcase the parts they made for the anniversary. - ZK

[@kylemgregg]

Gotta admit I’m surprised they put that much money into a sunroof smg model. They couldn’t have used an smg convertible to really waste their effort on the least return?

[@augustortiz]

Sunroof car would be fine if it's the owner's preference, I like having a sunroof on a street car.. but the SMG really is an atrocious gearbox, I dont get how they chose to spend to much on this particular car.

[@josephregan1007]

maybe its just the spec the owner originally had? @@augustortiz

[@augustortiz]

@@josephregan1007 if he had 100k to blow on it he could have easily sold it and bought a 30-40k clean manual example. The attention to detail is insane, making the manual conversion would have been very low effort compared to the rest of the car. But yeah you could be right maybe he just wanted to work with what he had.

[@g2thecore6]

What watch is that

[@alexturnqest6202]

lol the hyper smooth feature is kinda cool and keeps my eyes busy while you’re talking which is sick for us ADHD folk 😂

[@Labergemusic]

I'd love to be IN the car when it's driving by lol that exhaust sounds amazing inside lol

[@TheSmokingTire]

It's soooo loud inside. - ZK

[@Labergemusic]

Dang that's too bad to hear (sorry lol)@@TheSmokingTire

[@STRGHTSXBNZ]

The exhaust note is seriously 1:1 like my neighbours Straight piped Toyota Aygo. Not kidding😂

[@BlueHokage]

This is the first E46 I've ever liked the sound of. I must have missed 2 days of my meds.

[@racerboy063]

Does anyone know what radio unit that is?

[@christophermay1229]

a chorus of leaf blowers, I'm stealing that if you don't mind?