We got up close and personal with the world’s first M3 Touring, which was still made from the E46 series.

In 1986, BMW launched the first truly sporty version of the 3 Series, the M3, which has since become a cult, the station wagon version of which was not mass-produced until recently.

However, this does not mean that the M3 Touring did not exist before. Here is the one-of-a-kind M3 E46 Touring prototype captured by us in the pouring rain on the shores of Lake Como:







BMW produced the E46 M3 series between 2000 and 2006, of which this station wagon was initially produced, back in 2000, which eventually did not go into series production.

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For the developers, the biggest challenge was the combination of a complex rear suspension and practical cargo space, as well as the coupling of the rear doors and the expansion of the body.

In the background is the new M3 station wagon

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The legendary S54B32 engine is hidden in the front of the naturally aspirated rear-wheel drive M3 E46 Touring, which was kept secret until 2016. This 3.2-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder petrol engine produces 343 hp at 7900 rpm.

Maximum torque of 365 Nm can be summoned from 4,900 rpm, and the coupe can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h perfectly in 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 250 to 280 km/h depending on the model.

In the Limited Series M3 CSL, the inline-six engine produces 360hp and 370Nm, enabling a 0-100km time of 4.9 seconds.




1,383 copies of the M3 CSL Lightweight Coupe left the production line

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Great company

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The stunning Chrome Shadow metallic color of the prototype station wagon was created by applying first high-gloss black and then light silver to the bodywork.

Fitted with 19-inch M Styling 67 light-alloy wheels, the interior of this BMW special features seats partially covered in Alcantara with a unique design.

The manual gearbox has six gears

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The M3 E46 Touring is priceless, and the Bavarian manufacturer probably will never sell it.

The station wagon version of the current M3, the all-wheel drive M3 Competition M xDrive Touring, starting at 34.4 million ft, which has a 510-horsepower 3-liter 6-cylinder turbocharged engine and 0-100 acceleration in 3.6 seconds can be installed in our garage.













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