Show of hands – who likes a BMW M inline six?
Both of my arms are firmly in the air, and I hope most of you have at least one hand up. Otherwise we can’t be friends. Sorry.
BMW M engineers have delivered hit after hit over the years, from the souped-up M30 in the E12 530 MLE to the twin-turbocharged S58 sledgehammer in the current M3/M4 models.
Since the M88 from 1978 – a true technical beauty – BMW M six-cylinder engines have offered a unique character that other manufacturers simply cannot match.
I admit: I am a BMW nerd through and through. That’s why maybe I’m blind to the… oddities associated with the masterpieces of BMW M. Others might call these ‘inherent design flaws’.
“But Mario!” you cry out, “What about the connecting rod bearings?” Never heard of him. “VANOS?” I don’t speak Spanish, sorry. “Timing chain slipping?” Oh, is that the moment? I really have to go…
Fine, I won’t do that absolutely ignorant of the flaws that Bavaria’s best engineers never ironed out of their engines. Not to mention the difficulty of tuning or the availability of aftermarket parts. M-tax is a real thing, and getting a lot of power out of a naturally aspirated M car can be prohibitively expensive.
So which sonorous inline six-cylinder engine does Wael have in its 328i, with easy tuning and the ability to deliver serious power? A Toyota 2JZ-GTE of course.
Let’s drop the humor for a moment and speak objectively: this engine swap makes perfect sense.
Architecturally the fit is similar…ish. Both the car’s original BMW inline-6 and the Toyota replacement can be rounded up or down to 30 inches in length, with similar widths. While this may vary based on turbo setup and accessories, the 2JZ block looks great in the E46 engine bay.
Part of that is thanks to custom mounts for the engine and gearbox; the high-mounted Precision 6466 turbocharger and custom intake manifold nestle perfectly between the strut towers. Not only has work been done on the positioning of the engine in space, but the turbo also refers to the powerful construction of the engine.
From top to bottom, the 2JZ-GTE’s DOHC 24-valve cylinder head is ported for maximum flow and features Brian Crower 264-degree camshafts, valve springs and retainers. Bosch 1,500cc injectors deliver fuel, while Audi R8 ignition coils provide a strong spark. The engine exhales through a custom stainless steel exhaust system and is topped off with OEM M3 quad tips.
An Auto Verdi dry sump provides consistent lubrication during heavy cornering, while dual Bosch Motorsport 044 fuel pumps in the trunk supplement the DeutschWerks 350 fuel pump. A proven combination of DP forged pistons with a 9:1 compression ratio, forged Tomei connecting rods and a brand new OEM crankshaft ensure Wael’s 2JZ can reliably produce 720 hp.
The drivetrain is sufficiently sturdy; The Toyota/Getrag V160 six-speed transmission has been upgraded with an OS Giken clutch and has a Samsonas tower shifter in the cab. A custom driveshaft connects the transmission to an E39 BMW M5 limited-slip differential and driveshafts.
If you can’t tell by now, this isn’t a half-hearted build and the suspension and brakes have been upgraded accordingly.
The E46 rides on KW V3 coilovers with Powerflex polyurethane bushings all around. Millway uni-ball camber top mounts allow Wael to fine-tune the alignment, while Brembo 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers provide serious stopping power. 18 x 10-inch Apex wheels sit on all four corners.
The 328i can handle such an aggressive fitment because the body has been converted to M3 specification. Wider M3 rear arches have been grafted on, complemented by M3 bumpers, mirrors, side skirts and front fenders. The trunk lid is a genuine M3 CSL item and the entire car is adorned with carbon fiber accents such as the diffuser, front lip, corner intakes and interior trim.
Inside, the Sparco Evo II seats secure the driver and passenger with SCHROTH Racing 6-point belts, while the Sparco steering wheel fits nicely. For all its hardcore character, small details ensure that Wael’s E46 remains comfortable. A carbon fiber rear bulkhead minimizes cabin noise and complements the carbon fiber door cards.
Even the Sparco seats have electrically adjustable bases and the car has a sliding roof.
I don’t think an M3-spec E46 could ever be called a sleeper car, but other than the license plate, no clues reveal what Wael’s car hides under the hood. To me, that’s fantastic, as the E46 M3 is one of my favorite car designs of all time.
At a glance, this 328i looks like an M3 you might see on the street. A closer look at the roll cage, Apex wheels and beefy brakes could call it a typical ‘Clubsport’ build these days.
Still, this car is essentially a fantastic chassis, elevated to M3 spec and beyond. Optional upgrades address what is perhaps an E46 M3’s Achilles heel: the S54 engine.
Is it Mine perfect E46? Hmm, I don’t think so. I’m too purist. Objectively speaking, however, it is the perfect E46? It’s certainly a strong contender for the crown.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
mariochristou.world
Photography by Alen Haseta
Instagram: Hazeta