Present of palms – who loves a BMW M inline-six engine?
Each my arms are firmly within the air, and I hope most of you could have a minimum of one hand raised. If not, we are able to’t be buddies. Sorry.
BMW M’s engineers have delivered hit after hit through the years, from the hotted-up M30 within the E12 530 MLE to the twin-turbocharged S58 sledgehammer within the present M3/M4 fashions.
Since 1978’s M88 – a real engineering magnificence – BMW M straight-six engines have supplied a singular character that different producers simply can’t match.
I do admit, I’m a through-and-through BMW nerd. As such, I is perhaps blind to the… quirks related to BMW M’s masterpieces. Others would possibly name these ‘inherent design flaws.’
“However, Mario!” you exclaim, “What about rod bearings?” By no means heard of him. “VANOS?” I don’t converse Spanish, sorry. “Timing chain slip?” Oh, is that the time? I actually should be going…
Fantastic, I’m not completely unaware of the failings that Bavaria’s best engineers by no means ironed out of their engines. And that’s earlier than we even point out tough tuning or the supply of aftermarket elements. M-tax is actual, and it may be prohibitively costly to extract huge energy from a naturally aspirated M automotive.
So what sonorous straight-six engine does Wael have in his 328i, with straightforward tuning and the flexibility to run critical energy? A Toyota 2JZ-GTE, after all.
Let’s drop the humour for a second and converse objectively – this engine swap makes whole sense.
Architecturally, the match is analogous… ish. Each the automotive’s unique BMW inline-six and its Toyota alternative could be rounded up or right down to 30 inches in size, with comparable widths. Whereas this will range based mostly on turbo setup and ancillaries, the 2JZ block appears to be like proper at dwelling within the E46 engine bay.
A part of that is because of customized mounts for the engine and gearbox; the high-mount Precision 6466 turbocharger and the modified consumption manifold nestle completely between the strut towers. Not solely has work been put into the engine’s positioning within the bay, however the turbo hints on the engine’s high-power construct.
From the highest down, the 2JZ-GTE’s DOHC 24-valve cylinder head has been ported for max circulation and options Brian Crower 264-degree camshafts, valve springs, and retainers. Bosch 1,500cc injectors provide gasoline, whereas Audi R8 ignition coils ship a robust spark. The engine exhales by means of a customized chrome steel exhaust system, ending with OEM M3 quad ideas.
An Auto Verdi dry sump ensures constant lubrication throughout heavy cornering, whereas twin Bosch Motorsport 044 gasoline pumps within the boot complement the DeutschWerks 350 in-tank pump. A tried-and-tested mixture of 9:1 compression ratio DP solid pistons, Tomei solid connecting rods, and a model new OEM crankshaft means Wael’s 2JZ can reliably push 720whp.
The drivetrain is suitably beefy; the Toyota/Getrag V160 6-speed gearbox has been upgraded with an OS Giken clutch, and runs a Samsonas tower shifter within the cabin. A customized prop shaft connects the transmission to an E39 BMW M5 limited-slip plated differential and driveshafts.
In case you couldn’t inform by now, this isn’t a half-hearted construct, and the suspension and brakes have been upgraded accordingly.
The E46 rides on KW V3 coilovers with Powerflex polyurethane bushes throughout. Millway uni-ball camber prime mounts enable Wael to fine-tune the alignment, whereas Brembo 6-piston entrance and 4-piston rear callipers present critical stopping energy. Apex wheels in 18×10-inch sit in any respect 4 corners.
The 328i can take such aggressive fitment as a result of the physique has been transformed to M3 spec. Wider M3 rear arches have been grafted on, complemented by M3 bumpers, mirrors, facet skirts, and entrance wings. The boot lid is a real M3 CSL merchandise, and the entire automotive is adorned with carbon fibre accents just like the diffuser, entrance lip, nook intakes, and inside trim.
Inside, Sparco Evo II seats safe the driving force and passenger with SCHROTH Racing 6-point harnesses, whereas the Sparco steering wheel ties in properly. For all its hardcore nature, small touches guarantee Wael’s E46 stays snug. A carbon fibre rear bulkhead minimises noise within the cabin and enhances the carbon fibre door playing cards.
Even the Sparco seats have electrically adjustable bases, and the automotive retains a sunroof.
I don’t assume an M3-spec E46 can ever be known as a sleeper, however licence plate apart, no clues reveal what Wael’s automotive hides below the hood. To me, that’s a implausible factor, because the E46 M3 is considered one of my all-time favorite automotive designs.
At a look, this 328i appears to be like like an M3 you would possibly spot on the streets. A better have a look at the roll cage, Apex wheels, and substantial brakes could mark it out as a typical ‘Clubsport’ construct as of late.
But, this automotive is basically a implausible chassis, elevated to M3 spec and past. Alternative upgrades tackle what might be an E46 M3’s Achilles’ heel: its S54 engine.
Is it my excellent E46? Hmm, I don’t assume so. I’m an excessive amount of of a purist. Objectively, nevertheless, is it the excellent E46? It’s definitely a robust contender for the crown.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
mariochristou.world
Pictures by Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa
