Started From the Bottom: An e46 M story

Roughly a week ago I parted with what was my automotive pride and joy.... After months of back and forth I decided to actually sell my MKV GTI. The good, it sold in less than two weeks and to a good home. The bad, my driveway was very empty.

Other Wheels

I had put years into building that car and I that love is what really sparked my interest into the car scene.

I knew I wanted to stay German in replacing the GTI, but what platform? I kept going back and forth between Audi and BMW. I have a huge appreciation for both but I've always been drawn to the roundel. Up until a few months ago my daily was an e36 328i. Although the car had its cosmetic flaws, mechanically it was a beast; especially considering the 190k on the odometer. I've honestly missed that thing since the day it drove away.

Once I decided on BMW the chassis was easy, e46. My wife picked up a 330i/5spd/sportpack a few months back. I thought about simply taking her car as its in very good shape, nicely modded (KW's, Borla, Stoptech Brakes), and a blast to drive. I even kicked around the idea of selling hers and using the funds to get her an 5 series wagon.

Through everything I kept going back to the M3. While a clean e46 M3 was at the top of my budget, why settle? If I am going to start from scratch then lets at least start on one of my obtainable dream cars. Of course I wanted Phoenix Yellow or Leguna Seca Blue but they typically pull a premium. Thus I started looking at Steel Grey (stahlgrau) more and more. A subtle but perfect color that goes with just about any wheel/accent color.

Inspiration

So this morning I took the trek about 90 miles south to check out an '03 Steel Grey M3. After going back and forth over the phone with the seller over the cars history, recent maintenance, and other details I realized rather quickly this guy was either about as savvy as my left shoe or was trying to pull a fast one on me.

Thankfully this wasn't my first rodeo so I decided to make the trip anyway. Worst case I was out $35 in gas and a few hours on my off day. Prior to leaving I did my due diligence and contacted the local BMW dealer as well as any Euro Automotive shop in the local area. After about 6 or 7 phone calls I had the cars full list of goodies as well as issues.

The good - All recalls done, new battery, alternator, no significant issues on prior history, and SuperSprint Header/Exhaust

The bad - The car had a hard shift into 4th....

(SMG, don't worry I was planning on eventually having the car swapped to a manual). Funny that the seller didn't mention the trans issues.

Knowing all this I wasn't very optimistic but I had set a price in mind assuming the car was cosmetically as it was said to be. I mean who buys the first car they look at?!?

Long story short, it's currently sitting in my driveway..... and although I've taken on a handful (thankfully I have very good friends), I cannot wait to get started