Thoughts on recently purchased 28k mile LSB E46 M3

[cornerbalanced]

Wasn’t really intending on buying this thing. Threw a couple bids out, expecting the car to fetch more money. Not sure how long I will keep it for—low mileage cars are pretty scary things to me. Plus, recently gave up hope on finding an E46 and made an offer on a Cayenne GTS that was accepted as I won this auction…doh!

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2004-bmw-m3-coupe-198/

Wanted to hear what you guys think…worth it? Worth reverting the car back to stock? Clean the car up a bit (fresh euro bumper, manual swap) and keep it as a “Club Sport” / dual-duty car?

Has a 3.4L stroker. Billet crank. 12:1 compression ratio. 288/280 cams. CSL airbox. Was originally built in 2017, and was recently gone through in 2020. Car was built by Turner in 2012–CF roof installed + painted, suspension fully gone through. Real roll bar welded in. Stoptech ST40s front/rear. Forgelines.

Will likely be attempting to trade the Forgelines if anyone is interested. Mostly looking for CSL/ZCP wheels

[oceansize]

I’d drive it as is for a couple of months and then make a decision.

[cornerbalanced]

I’d drive it as is for a couple of months and then make a decision.

That’s what I’m thinking. Going to see how I like it SMG too before manual swapping.

[Slideways]

Congrats! Considering everything that is on it and the mileage, this seems like a great deal. I would revert most of the parts that are not permanent back to stock and keep it a street/clubsport type of build.

Reinstall drivers headlight
Remove trailer hitch
Buy used hood and diffuser - paint
Paint driver's mirror
Euro bumper
Swap to manual
Replace passenger LED tail light with used unit
Remove fire suppression system (if safe to do and no longer tracking)
Remove catch can, reinstall some of the missing pieces and tidy up the engine bay
Wheels are not terrible, but would probably swap
Maybe another set of black door cards if you want the armrest

Should be a really nice example in the end.

[s54brendan]

Wasn’t really intending on buying this thing. Threw a couple bids out, expecting the car to fetch more money. Not sure how long I will keep it for—low mileage cars are pretty scary things to me. Plus, recently gave up hope on finding an E46 and made an offer on a Cayenne GTS that was accepted as I won this auction…doh!

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2004-bmw-m3-coupe-198/

Wanted to hear what you guys think…worth it? Worth reverting the car back to stock? Clean the car up a bit (fresh euro bumper, manual swap) and keep it as a “Club Sport” / dual-duty car?

Has a 3.4L stroker. Billet crank. 12:1 compression ratio. 288/280 cams. CSL airbox. Was originally built in 2017, and was recently gone through in 2020. Car was built by Turner in 2012–CF roof installed + painted, suspension fully gone through. Real roll bar welded in. Stoptech ST40s front/rear. Forgelines.

Will likely be attempting to trade the Forgelines if anyone is interested. Mostly looking for CSL/ZCP wheels

Totaled. I'll take it off your hands though

[cornerbalanced]

Congrats! Considering everything that is on it and the mileage, this seems like a great deal. I would revert most of the parts that are not permanent back to stock and keep it a street/clubsport type of build.

Reinstall drivers headlight
Remove trailer hitch
Buy used hood and diffuser - paint
Paint driver's mirror
Euro bumper
Swap to manual
Replace passenger LED tail light with used unit
Remove fire suppression system (if safe to do and no longer tracking)
Remove catch can, reinstall some of the missing pieces and tidy up the engine bay
Wheels are not terrible, but would probably swap
Maybe another set of black door cards if you want the armrest

Should be a really nice example in the end.

Really great list, appreciate the input. I’ll likely end up doing all of the above. Luckily the driver’s mirror just has PPF chipping off—so won’t need a repaint.

Aim will be “If BMW made an E46 M3 GTS” (as E92 M3 GTS also had a roll bar, stroker engine, and CF roof).

[liam821]

Congrats! Considering everything that is on it and the mileage, this seems like a great deal.

I agree that this was a great deal. LSB fetches a premium, and the super low miles are just icing on the cake.

[Sharocks]

That's something I would keep forever.

I'm not kidding, I'd swap it to a manual and run it.

[Cubieman]

I liked that one, congrats, I'd likely just put a stock headlight in, remove the hitch and run it. A 6 speed would be my choice going forward.

Badass car, got some balls I'm sure, any HP numbers by any chance?

[cornerbalanced]

I liked that one, congrats, I'd likely just put a stock headlight in, remove the hitch and run it. A 6 speed would be my choice going forward.

Badass car, got some balls I'm sure, any HP numbers by any chance?

None unfortunately but I intend to get it on the dyno—not really sure what figures to hope for.

[DJAM3]

Nice pickup. You got it for less than the engine rebuilds 😎. I bought my modded M3 last year, rebuilt cammed motor, CSL mods etc., and I decided not change anything mechanically until I did at least 1 or 2 track days with it.

[bmw m3 s50]

I was honestly SOOOO close to bid on this car. I too worried about the engine rebuild and how that car was run to have any potential future issues especially since that engine was rebuild 3 times in 20k miles.

It seems like a steal for an 2004 LSB with 28k and all those mods.

I sent you a PM.

[Nate047]

Wow, incredible deal TBH. I'm over what you paid into my car and it's way shittier LOL.

Why are people concerned about the engine build?

[Slideways]

Wow, incredible deal TBH. I'm over what you paid into my car and it's way shittier LOL.

Why are people concerned about the engine build?

Almost every full S54 engine build that I have seen on the forums and in build videos have had some type of build quality issue and/or used subpar aftermarket internal parts. This LSB engine has had the whole nine and then some, and the previous owner did not seem to put a ton of miles on it.

I would highly prefer the stock 28k miles engine and would never open one with such low mileage other than redrilling the VANOS oil pump disc to save the exhaust hub. I am shocked after reading those invoices lol

[CrisSilberGrau]

None unfortunately but I intend to get it on the dyno—not really sure what figures to hope for.

I think that's a top priority just to see if the engine is running right, afrs power band etc. Or at least do your own work and health check. A dream car for me as I'd also keep it forever. Stroked, properly built S54 is end game stuff. IMO a healthy engine with those mods, low end 375 high end +390 whp, (on a dynojet with HTE).

Amazing pickup, definitely drive it and make up your mind. Congratulations.