An interesting take on the future of the M3 as a restomod...

[ViN]

https://youtu.be/jexflfXv_ns

The entire podcast is interesting, but around the 48 min mark, Dan Prosser who is one of the great automotive journalists from EVO UK gives his take on his fav future restomod.

[Obioban]

At what point does a modded M3 transition into being a restomod? 🤔

[Icecream]

Didnt listen to it but arent we there already? Not really a genius revelation lol.

[usdmej]

future restomod potential 100% yes

but currently most of the builds out there have mods that are nowhere close to restomod territory (ie. original paint colors, minimal body mods, <400whp)

[Lip]

Didnt listen to it but arent we there already? Not really a genius revelation lol.

We are. It’s also way more fun to see more people tastefully mod these cars. But right now, most mods are off the shelf instead of bespoke. Hope to see more bespoke builds in the next 5 years

[Icecream]

future restomod potential 100% yes

but currently most of the builds out there have mods that are nowhere close to restomod territory (ie. original paint colors, minimal body mods, <400whp)

Bosozoku?

[Sharocks]

IDK how to restomod a car that still looks relatively current.

Maybe we need to swap the G80 grills over.

Is that what he wants? I vote someone with a Tiag/Dove/SMG vert as tribute.

[lemoose]

IDK how to restomod a car that still looks relatively current.

Maybe we need to swap the G80 grills over.

Is that what he wants? I vote someone with a Tiag/Dove/SMG vert as tribute.

Agreed, I think to call something a restomod, the body panels have to be modernized in a sense and I don't think the e46 (at least in M3 trim) looks dated (perhaps never will). However, I am surprised there hasn't been a BMW specialist that has been sourcing M3s and specing them like that LSB that almost went for 90k on BAT.... I think there is certainly a market for that

[Icecream]

Agreed, I think to call something a restomod, the body panels have to be modernized in a sense and I don't think the e46 (at least in M3 trim) looks dated (perhaps never will). However, I am surprised there hasn't been a BMW specialist that has been sourcing M3s and specing them like that LSB that almost went for 90k on BAT.... I think there is certainly a market for that

Shaved door moldings?

[Obioban]

I looked up the definition of restomod and this seems to encapsulate it well:

A resto-mod is a classic car that has been restored, but modified with modern parts and technology. Aesthetically, the vehicle looks the same until you look under the hood or reach for the radio. When an owner decides to modify their vehicle it is usually to comply with emissions standards, incorporate safety features such as airbags, brakes, or in some cases, GPS systems. Further, many owners will upgrade the engines on a classic car so as to enhance performance and increase fuel efficiency. Regardless of what features are changed or added, the ultimate goal is to modify the classic car without significantly altering its outward appearance.

... which doesn't leave a lot of room for an e46 M3 restomod. No significant outward appearance change, so that's untouched. We already have airbags, modern brakes, GPS if you want it (and tons of aftermarket options if you want something more).

I guess an engine swap. Personally, I've lost most of my desire for that. Also, and engine swap alone doesn't seem like it would qualify as a restomod after.

Most driving tech that has come out since the e46 M3 isn't the kind of thing you retrofit, and much of it (EPS, Turbos, various automated gearboxes, EV drivetrains) make cars less engaging to drive-- generally the opposite of what is done on restomods.

So, I'm not sure I agree with the premise of the video.

I do think that over the next decade prices will continue to go up, and eventually shops will start selling mod package cars as complete/finished products. Unless it's an EV conversion (which I think are all terrible-- EVs need very different chassis setups than ICEVs), I wouldn't consider those products as retromods.

[usdmej]

Bosozoku?

Singer uses chilewich in their 911 interiors and nobody bats an eye. some people here can't even process running a non-oe leather color without thinking it's some ridiculous over the top mod


there's nothing wrong with liking this car the way it it is, but imo, that mindset doens't result in a restomod, which is what we're talking about here


there's plenty of folks in the 911 community that think 200hp and stock suspension geometry is plenty for a 964 chassis. i'm pretty sure they also don't fancy their cars as restomods, and we should do the same

[skristedja]

I agree with Ian. Restomod on an e46 makes no sense. It was cool for older cars (1950s-70s) to make them quicker, safer, and more fuel efficient and modern but there really isn't a need for that in the e46. Restomod on a 2002 or e9 would be cool but not an e46.

[Lip]

I agree with Ian. Restomod on an e46 makes no sense. It was cool for older cars (1950s-70s) to make them quicker, safer, and more fuel efficient and modern but there really isn't a need for that in the e46. Restomod on a 2002 or e9 would be cool but not an e46.

By definition, it’s possible. Make it an EV 🤣


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ViN]

I am guessing based on this and an interview Chris Harris gave a couple of years ago where he also echoed similar thoughts to Prosser, which is in 10+ years time, he could see this car becoming somewhat like the air cooled Porsches where there'll be a limited number of well kept examples left and a very large group of buyers clamoring for that analog driving experience with few cars fitting that bill. If I recall correctly, I believe he said he could see a lightened (around 2900 lbs) M3 with a 3.3-3.4L stoker engine and upgraded suspension. I think if you look around this forum and based on those specs, he is probably describing a lot of current owners.

[maw1124]

At what point does a modded M3 transition into being a restomod? 🤔

No time soon. Seriously. We’ll need a lot more “resto” and most here won’t even own their cars by then. Think 2035 when we’re all putting battery operated drivetrains in the cars to deliver Tesla like performance, at the absolute earliest. Then the car will be resto modded. This isn’t a “classic” car and it won’t be any time soon. At most, they’re future classics, emphasis on future. These are all just mods. I have another “future classic” thats 15 years older than these, more rare and more classic, and it’s still nowhere near restomod thought. $.02

maw

PS... for the uninitiated... https://sharpmagazine.com/2020/10/05...r-conversions/ Note the average vehicle age.