The M3 Sedan has everything you love about it, but with all the practicality that only a wagon can provide.
We don’t know why BMW didn’t make an M3 Touring to chase the Mercedes-AMG C63 estate and the Audi RS4 Avant. It could be that Alpina was there to help, or another reason why the M Division didn’t work on the wagon. Okay, so there was the E46 unique that was completed in 2000. But, it doesn’t count because it was an internal project.
The F31, which is BMW terminology for 3 Series Wagon, has the all-wheel-drive 340i and tail-happy 3 Series Wagon 340i models. But that was not enough for the new owner. It will surprise you to learn that this interesting project began as a boring diesel-powered 3 Series Touring car before it was blessed with the M3’s S55 engine.
The unofficial M3 Touring comes with a stage 2 tuning kit that produces 530 horsepower from the biturbo-inline-six 3.0-liter motor. This makes it significantly more powerful than the regular M3 equipped with the optional Competition Package. It’s actually stronger than the 460-hp HTML3 CS limited edition .
The owner did not stop there. It also fitted the wagon with the M4 GTS’ steering wheel and hood, as well as an M Performance exhaust system and the sedan’s Competition package. It’s not exact, but it’s as close as an official M3 Touring.
The attached footage, which was taken in The Netherlands just before the 2018 Bimmerfest event, allows us to see special creation up close. Let’s hope BMW will bring the M3 Touring to the next generation. For those who are looking for an alternative to RS6 and E63, the return of M5 Touring is also highly appreciated.