I BOUGHT AN E46 BMW M3 (Part 4 - Summary)

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After many, many repair bills, I've finally finished my E46 M3 project. Here's a summary of everything I've spent. I'm off for a drive to cheer myself up and forget about the horrendous expense. What bills, Matt?
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#highpeakautos #bmwm3 #e46 #e46m3

[@adrianflower3230]

Listening to a car junkie justify their spending is really entertaining. Especially so when I am one too! :-) Well done Matt, Lovely car, Enjoy it.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha I'm normally quite sensible. Don't know what happened

[@peterowen4456]

£15,000 well spent. Just thing you could have had a top of the range Dacia Duster for that money!

[@DaciaProject]

Peter Owen The Duster is terribly underpowered. I remapped mine up to 130 hp and 302 Nm.

[@Billythebubble]

Need to buy an endless supply of brown paper bags to drive a Dacia?

[@ppppugh7892]

Good point Peter. M3 vs Duster. I know what I'd prefer and and M3 gives you so much pleasure.

[@rob5944]

@@DaciaProject Isn't remapping a good way to break a car?

[@rob5944]

And a warranty!

[@ZeroTo60Tube]

Love the honesty in the vids.... even if it is heartbreakingly expensive.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I wish I hadn't added it all together

[@soaringblackbird4431]

@@HighPeakAutos Thank you for your sacrifice. Certainly opened and successfully watered my eyes too on a case of different accidental suicide carriage.

[@alanmaxted6215]

I know you spent more than you planned, but that feeling you get when you walk towards it and get into it....is priceless ! Good for you. Remember money is worthless....until you exchange it for something you want, and I bet you smile every time you get into it .

[@Interisti2506]

She will only become more desirable and grow in class and character, The M3 E46 will always be a head turner when in pristine condition like your one. As I have said in my previous comments, I wish I never sold mine 😉

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree :)

[@levisanderson6951]

Buy another!

[@jaythornton2837]

Buy that 1

[@ppppugh7892]

Thanks for posting this and from all BMW lovers, thank you for putting the effort into preserving this car.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching :)

[@redmgf96]

Love your story. I more or less did the samething. I bought a 02 convertible with SMG for NZ $20k, spent $9k on mechanical things, including rebuilding the rear dif., new starter motor, to name a few. Luckily the paint work is in pretty good condition. My philosophy is you buy a 17 year old car, a high performance one too, you will expect previous owners use it to the extreme. Now I have an almost like new one. I enjoy driving it for outings once a month with the local BMW car club.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thats great. Hope you enjoy it for many years to come

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

I can completely understand when you start doing all the bits the car needs, it’s enjoyable to bring a car back to life and see how near you can get it to factory fresh. Brilliant :)

[@tismeDenis]

It's probably the best German peach out there now, great job and share ;) would I buy a car from this man? My computer says yes.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@geraldhornsby]

That's such a beautiful car. I'm not particularly a BMW person, but you should be proud of what you've recreated there,

[@kieronoreilly7589]

Absolutely loved these video updates ! Anyone watching this & wanting this model will snap it up in a heartbeat , it’s great to see an open & honest car salesman 👍🏼 Well done to you .

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching :)

[@kramsenoj1]

I find more enjoyment in having and driving an exceptionally well cared for/restored older car than a shiny new one. Shiny new ones are all around us, but something like that is hard to find.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree. What would £15k buy you brand new? A Medium spec fiesta? No thanks :)

[@kramsenoj1]

@@HighPeakAutos Exactly

[@mecoltd449]

Mark Jones I always said a clean car drives better but he's taken it to a new level. The car looks stunning.

[@Pingvin666]

@@HighPeakAutos to buy m3 e46 is the last worry...you need to keep it on the street

[@LB1980LUFC]

Absolutely stunning motor! Love your content, it’s real it’s honest and no drama’s like the other stuff I watch on here. Respect keep them coming!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I appreciate it :)

[@thenotoriousjcgl1171]

Brilliant “mini series” as per most videos! Thanks for sharing

[@robertheeley-SQ58R]

Well done, you chose the wright Option. From a happy SQ5 owner. Keep the videos coming they are brilliant.😀

[@MikeWaldt]

This car has been a labour of love for you Matt, you now have a magnificent example that in time will surely pay you back. Great series. Cheers Mine

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@jimhutton4352]

Beautiful car, well done for bringing her back to perfect, worth every penny

[@penman8985]

Cracking car Matt, fantastic job. Keep it!!!! 👍

[@ridgmont61]

Pleased by the comment that “it looks new, everything is new to be fair”- I commented this on a previous video - cheers. Keep the videos coming - the surprising cars that you would have never considered are always enlightening.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching. I appreciate your support :)

[@rwebster7923]

Another great video, i really enjoy your reviews for the unbiased nature across all marques This E46 M3 will help anyone considering buying or already owing an E46 M car - i am sure that those owners will be equally passionate. I bought an E31 840 in 2007 and I love it, i am relieved that the cars value is now on the up.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Richard Webster Thanks for watching! I love the 8 series. I’ve never had one

[@andyhong8080]

honestly love your honestly, hands down the best KZbinr! please don't ever change

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@mecoltd449]

Well done Matt, looks fantastic, you must be very proud.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@hammersteve]

Love your honesty!

[@TheGazza636]

just watched all 4 eps.what a loely m3 you now have .great vids .best on the tube well done

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidpayne7898]

Had an alpina in 1984 should never have sold it. car looks brilliant money well spent

[@lukeferguson9010]

Just finished the series. Have you made this series into a playlist so easier to play automatically one after the other? Also surprised it hasn’t got many more thousands of views hopefully gets even more popular so worth while for another project as they’re the best vids! And was great seeing some of the work being done. When can i buy my raffle ticket? 😂👍

[@MTechGuy]

Awesome job, looks tidy with the hard top in place too. You’re a brave man adding up the total!

[@HighPeakAutos]

I wish I hadn't added it up now to be honest. Ignorance is bliss :)

[@andyb190]

Great job and an interesting watch. Enjoy Matt and watch your investment grow.👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

andrew brown Thanks!

[@summiteater]

It looks great Matt, what a job. Worth the money!!

[@colh5910]

Hi Matt. When you've dried your eyes over the cost just remember how much work and love you've invested in that car and hopefully it's all worth the joy and pleasure you will get out of it as you drive it. Yes sure if you get a decent offer then sell it but in the meantime savour it, hold tight and enjoy the ride. Take care. Regards Col.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers Col

[@jameshendry27]

Great little series of videos, keep up the good work! If it was me I'd hold onto the car for a couple of years and enjoy it! Cheers.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I'm going to try and keep it for as long as I can afford to :)

[@nicholaswatson3896]

Looks amazing 👏 and although you've spent a lot, it's an appreciating asset.

[@colingraham9281]

Great job on a fantastic looking car. Well done!

[@kevincroft9848]

Well done again Mary good job done .

[@dunkyhut]

It's probably the best m3 of that vintage in the country. You might not win an award on dragons den but you will win awards for being a decent guy who sells top quality motors and won't rip his punters off with old sheds that are falling to bits.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@seanfinlay7393]

Looks absolutely cracking!

[@RMILLSMMA]

I did a bit of a project with a 325ci E46 back in the day, spread it out over a year or so, I did the same face when I added it all up! Looks beautiful mind and will be worth it in the long run with it being a ‘M’ 👍🏻

[@HighPeakAutos]

robm2092 Haha that’s the trouble. The costs soon add up

[@medabuzaki7416]

15k plus... big money no doubt but this car has a special place in your heart mate, and that is priceless, It looks stunning, and high standards finish I didn’t expect anything less from you, a well done mate

[@HighPeakAutos]

Simo Laazizi It is a lot of money. I got carried away but I couldn’t cut any corners. I had to do it properly. I’ll keep it for as long as I can afford to

[@DJL78]

Amazing! Looks spectacular.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers

[@WayneRambo]

Absolutely amazing job Matt, I watched the video part 4 and as you were adding up I thought it must be at least worth 20k now and 5 years from now 25k and so on. So a good idea to keep .😎

[@HighPeakAutos]

WAYNE RAMSDEN Thanks!

[@spainter1985]

Thanks for sharing the figures, a little scary but you have got an awesome looking M3 for the time being - certainly be a nice thing to use before it sells!

[@HighPeakAutos]

spainter1985 That’s right. I’ll try and keep it for as long as I can afford to

[@DD-fr5lt]

Brilliant. I've enjoyed following this. I wouldn't be able to part with it after all that. Looks epic.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I'm going to try and hang on to it for as long as I can afford to :)

[@Piner5074]

Definitely worth every penny of what you’ve spent on it, and some... fully sorted both inside and out, what’s not to love about this car.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree

[@paulnewton1410]

Looks fab. That's helped me feel ok about spending on my motor. Enjoy

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha glad I could help :)

[@alchapman1052]

Looks a real beauty and despite the cost its certainly put a smile on your face,

[@mtbuk1982]

Great videos. I’ve had a couple of e46 coupes in the past. I’m tempted by an M3, but with the mileage I do I think I’ll go for another 330ci if I can find a good example.

[@acs6656]

Watched all of your videos since July when I bought a Disco 3. Don't know what it is, but i love your videos. No BS, just honest talk. Nice work.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for that, I appreciate it! Hows the Disco going?

[@acs6656]

@@HighPeakAutos love it, has its problems but as you say, to be expected for a 10+ year old car. 👍

[@Leeholtom2911]

Amazing cars, you’ve got yourself a decent motor, when the summer comes and the roof goes down you’ll love it even more!!

[@Leeholtom2911]

Oh I should have said that the number 1 rule of M3 ownership is never add up your bills 😂😂😂 it’s the fastest way to heart failure 😂😂

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha I've learnt that now :)

[@ianyoud1]

Hi Matt something else we have in common I still have the cover on my sat nav unit been on ever since I replaced the head unit great video hope your well best wishes ian.

[@HighPeakAutos]

ian youd Cheers Ian!

[@tramlad2]

It is a classic BMW now, it will be on the road for many years to come, you have saved a classic, i think its worth every penny

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree. Thanks

[@stevie007]

👌👌👌 Immaculate car Matt, and may I say a truly honest review from a dam nice guy 👌👌👌

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers! :)

[@raymck2115]

Great car, looks great and you saved a classic matey

[@JayGatsby187]

Awesome work mate! Get the whole thing PPF’d or ceramic coated to protect that gorgeous paintwork 💪🏼

[@HighPeakAutos]

I've been thinking about that

[@unclejones5393]

its worth it. I plan on starting a build as well in my country. gonna be fun!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good luck! I love mine

[@DaveTony206]

Looks great! Nice job!

[@DaveTony206]

For years I’ve been finding old e46’s, fixing them up, and driving them until I’m ready to sell... Worst I’ve ever managed is breaking even on a sale. It’s very hard to beat an e46 in proper condition. Such great cars all around, and the M3 is the best of breed! Great job fixing up that M3! Glad to hear you’re enjoying it! Cheers!

[@HighPeakAutos]

I totally agree. Ive had lots of them and I'm a massive fan

[@johansvedlund4681]

All //M models deserves being restored to its fullest glory, good man!

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree. They all deserve the attention

[@jf8315]

Sensational mate! Looks terrific! If I were you I’d keep it too, till the right person that will appreciate it comes along that will give you what you are asking. 20k for that much car that is totally sorted is awesome really.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I'll try and keep it for as long as I can afford to

[@SulaimanRafiq]

Beautiful looking car, love the passion and desire to restore it to pristine condition. Enjoy it sir! Will look out for it in Deansgate :)

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha Cheers! :)

[@mlh4711]

I've had 4 E36 over the years the last one being a 4 door 323i in the same colour as the car in this vid. They are wonderful machines indeed, I have always wished they were a little bit more roomy inside though. Apart from that no complaints.

[@WestVanGarage]

Loving the M3 series of videos you have so far! Very inspiring for my project. Would you consider doing the SMG to manual conversion? Doesn't seem to be that bad considering it's the same gearbox.

[@HighPeakAutos]

West Van Garage Thanks for watching! I have considered that. It’s definitely an idea for the future

[@claywalker9064]

Matt - It doesn't matter what you spend on your own enjoyment and you should never put a business acumen on your "toy" - The M3 obviously gives you great pleasure and happiness (it is beautiful), as long as you can afford it - A wise man once said to me "you are only around this way once and if you don't do it this time - You won't get a second chance" Best wishes Clay.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Clay Walker That’s quite right. I totally agree

[@MrRawUK]

Another good video there mate! These things always leak oil sadly. Looks great with the hardtop too! I laughed out loud at the 15mins later part.

[@HighPeakAutos]

UK Bobby Bee Haha thanks for watching. This one is dry (for now at least)

[@MrRawUK]

@@HighPeakAutos When I seen the start I'm thinking...I can probably buy this. Video finished and I'm like ....this 2015 focus is staying then .

[@adrianclark149]

That is a beautiful looking M3. Me and my lad love them, and I always think that if 14 year olds love a car then you know it's a looker. The vicarious pleasure from these vids is great, even when I thought, 'I'm spending my breakfast watching a fella from near Stockport on a calculator.' 😆 I'm going to try and convince my wife that the 3 grand I spent on a 20 year old Boxster is an 'investment'.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Adrian Clark Hahaha thanks for watching!

[@athenastarbrite2955]

Not a bmw fan but this car looks really nice for an entry level. I really like the nav screen and where it’s placed.

[@niceviewoverthere4463]

Tis a thing of beauty. Potentially a future classic. There is something about some BMWs that just pulls you in. Can't put my finger on it.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree. They don't all have that effect but some definitely do

[@apexmarbella]

Love it = drive it, really doesn't matter about the value. It's a hell of a car and a keeper at that price because almost impossible to find another like it anytime soon.

[@HighPeakAutos]

APEX Marbella Property Spain I agree. There’s nothing else out there quite like it. If I can afford to keep it, then I will 😬

[@robc5955]

It does look good, hope the new owner looks after it.

[@davidanderson1230]

Maybe you should have bought one of those horses that trotted by in the video! Lol Only joking Matt, any car like this is definitely a labour of love and can work out at a loss but at least you've extended the life of this classic for a good few years to come and be proud of that. Great videos series on this car, it looks stunning.

[@Freedom010967]

Great series of videos on your wise M3 purchase, which actually encouraged me to bite the bullet & buy a M3 e46 2003 6 speed manual, convertible model also in Titan Silver. I've been lucky enough to have owned many fast cars over the years from Audi, Bmw, Mercedes, Porsche, VW etc. including 3 x M5s (e34 M5 3.8 saloon, e34 M5 touring & an e39 M5 5.0 V8), but I have somehow never owned a 3 series until now. The M3 e46 is fantastic fun. Smaller, lighter & more agile than my previous M5s & wonderful to drive with the roof down, especially through tunnels, to hear more clearly that straight 6 engine through a Scorpion exhaust. I always feel so exhilirated driving it. It's always an event to simply get into it and just fire up that sonorous straight six. Just bought a genuine BMW wind deflector for it, which makes the cockpit an oasis of calm in which to enjoy this incredibly animated driving experience. Bargain prices at the moment. Only one way they're going to go too in the long run.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Congrats! I love mine. I probably only use it once a week so everytime I drive it, I enjoy it

[@robp8218]

Great job Matt, looks amazing. This must be the closest thing you'll get to a brand new E46 M3.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thats what I was trying to do :)

[@anonymousfalsename5441]

Fair play for committing to getting it completely re-done and fixed. It looks lovely. I'd do the same to my car if I had the money...

[@andrewmullen4003]

loving the roof, looks so much better the silver than the black, thanks for the entertainment. Great ethics you have btw

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching :)

[@kdcoffice7331]

Nice one Rick - Looks good put the parts through the books !!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers!

[@robi4387]

And thank you again for saving yet another car that deserved to be treated better by its previous owner.

[@martingibson5636]

car looks stunning i doubt you could find better but the moment you got to the total outlay it folded you like a kick in the nuts lol you have to sit on it and let it mature Matt and enjoy it now and again

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thats quite right. Right now its parked in the garage protected from the elements :)

[@ianmitchell9102]

Keep it mate, it’s now perfect. I’m still between an E46 or E92. Either one I will spend thousands making it perfect, as far as the ocd goes I still have the plastic on my rear seats of my 2 year old M240i 🙄

[@beeswax888]

Wow it looks awesome 🤩

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers

[@FloridaClay]

It does look really good.

[@kingneptune8937]

Worth every penny.

[@Jahmed5635]

Keep it up mate🙏🏽

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers

[@garymorris801]

Mate it looks fab I have to say

[@markjohnson8352]

Isn't connoisseur a Rover word? Anyway, the best model of the most elegant 3 Series with the right bits (roof, stand, etc) refurbished to the best it can be. What's not to like? Lovely.

[@AndyJackson380]

Great job! I wouldn't sell it unless I had to, great car and value only going one way.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree. I'll try and keep it for as long as I can afford to

[@algernonwolfwhistle6351]

Lovely job. It's a great looking car.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers

[@justinbrowning9127]

Love your videos, keep them coming. My misses asked are you related to Jon Richardson the comedian??

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha no relation. I just have a similar pessimistic attitude

[@victor_y5083]

The bottom line is, you love it, and you spent the money because of it, no matter what anyone else thinks, It is worth every penny just to look back at it after you parked it and have that feeling that only those of us that love our vehicles have. Well done on the repairs, glad you didn't cheap out and replaced the sat nav unit with some aftermarket garbage and went to great lengths to have all done properly. Cheers! Enjoy it!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I agree. I wanted to keep the factory original look

[@chaonghabibdiev]

nice video mate, can you make a POV drive to show the fruits of your labour?

[@Mudmowerdiesel]

Cool video

[@edwardo1988]

Well done, the car looks immaculate, you didn’t scrimp on any job... the car will only get more valuable the longer you keep it. It’s a lot of money, but in Ireland the road tax on this car is €1800 for a full year. It’s my dream car but due to our tax system I’ll likely never own one. Be thankful for being a U.K. resident so you can enjoy cars like this!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Its such an unjust system of taxation. We're lucky here in the UK

[@miaafz]

Great review as always, please review the Toyota mr2 mk3 roadster.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks. Next time I get one, I will :)

[@bennetstone4005]

I had to laugh when you were adding those bills up. I drive an Audi so I know the feeling!! The 7 grand spent is a shocker but LOOK AT WHAT YOU ARE DRIVING!! It looks 50 grand all day. And those fat arches!!! It's the nicest thing I've seen you drive, and I could never sell it, even for £20k. I'm an Autotrader anorak so I'm addicted to your channel. 😂 Keep up the great work Matt. 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha yes youre right. I love looking at it. I've now taken it off sale - I'm keeping it for a long time hopefully

[@shaneweightman]

Well done and you must keep that car for the rest of your life , to justify what you’ve spent ,, blimey ,, cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧

[@alibaby1001]

Just bought a 2004 E46 M3 Convertible and fear I will end up paying a similar amount overtime. However, I know it will be well worth it in the long run. Great, honest video Matt and the car is lovely

[@HighPeakAutos]

They’re worth it. I love mine.

[@alibaby1001]

@@HighPeakAutos Good to hear! The car is for both pleasure and investment. Its complete OEM except for K&N intake and filter. Needs a good service, areas of the paint need some TLC and the alloys could do with a refurb but for a 16 year old car with 85k on the clock, what do you expect?? I am also considering documenting its progress on KZbin. Do you have any tips for a novice as I really enjoyed your M3 vids?

[@theimp67]

When you winced at the end I guessed it was circa £7k so I'm pretty happy with that guess. I'd say you've got a car that's definitely worth £15k all day long - today - but £20k? Well yeah, you've said you don't want to get rid of it and I don't blame you. One of the last great analogue sport saloons and yours is a beauty.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you!

[@maffthetaff8625]

Money well spent mate,, looks absolutely stunning,, Finnish it off with a private plate now and ur done lol...

[@geoffmatthews8302]

Nice one mate

[@HighPeakAutos]

Geoff Matthews Cheers

[@leighdamian]

Fair play to you. Cars like that are worth spending on.I had a 330d e46 estate and actually cried when I sold it.

[@HighPeakAutos]

People who love them have a bond with them unlike most other cars

[@paullondon7728]

Great job looks the nuts.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks

[@drepachi77]

I Suppose It will last until we have to go Electric. Lovely job, check the mounts for cracks!

[@Andy-From-England]

I fully understand why you paid so much in repair and spray bills looks great thanks for sharing... Also try not to go passed any gritters they make me feel sick when go passed them things when you hear all that grit on your paint work

[@HighPeakAutos]

Its tucked away in the garage. I don't want to take it out whilst the gritters are on the road, they're ruthless