Since the performance model's introduction in the late 1980s, the BMW M3 has featured a number of engines. It debuted with a modest four-cylinder engine before progressing to an inline-six and, finally, a powerful V8. With downsizing well underway, the M3 will never return to an eight-cylinder engine, since today's inline-six will very certainly be hybridized before succumbing to the imminent EV attack.
This E46 coupe from the 2000s has undergone an amazing engine transplant courtesy of Autoservice Procar in the Netherlands.
A naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 derived from the M5 E60 replaces the E46's basic inline-six engine. It has a robust 507 horsepower and torque of 520 Nm.
In addition to installing a bigger engine, Autoservice Procar also removed the original transmission. The M3 E46 pictured here features a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, perhaps taken from the car's replacement, the M3 E92, instead of the OEM six-speed manual or the feared SMG computerized manual transmission.
The extensively modified sports coupe was put to the test on an unrestricted portion of the Autobahn during some incredible acceleration tests that reached speeds of 300 km/h. You can see the video from the AutoTopNL youtube channel.