BMW by no means gave American patrons an M3 Touring. That reality alone has pissed off followers of quick wagons for many years—particularly contemplating the G81 M3 Touring is lastly right here, however nonetheless forbidden fruit within the U.S. However now, due to a meticulous and wildly bold construct, one fanatic has created their very own model of BMW’s dream machine: a 2015 BMW 328i xDrive Sports activities Wagon reworked, inside and outside, right into a fire-breathing F80 M3 Competitors. And sure—it’s a six-speed guide.
This one-off M3 wagon is now up for public sale on Carry a Trailer, and if it seems prefer it rolled straight out of BMW M GmbH’s secret skunkworks in Garching, that’s as a result of the builder went to obsessive lengths to make it so.
From Wise Household Hauler to Avenue-Authorized M3 Touring
Let’s begin with what this automotive was. The bottom car is a 2015 BMW 328i xDrive Touring (F31), initially completed in Mineral Grey Metallic and geared up with the M Sport package deal. Again in 2016, it sustained entrance and rear harm—an unlucky twist that finally gave it a second life. In 2024, the present vendor picked it up and started one of the crucial thorough conversions we’ve seen in years.
The donor? A 2017 F80 BMW M3 Competitors Bundle, salvaged resulting from front-end harm however mechanically intact. The complete driveline, chassis, and inside had been transplanted into the Touring shell, with documentation and images to show each step. Meaning this wagon now homes the M3’s S55 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six, pushing out 444 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
But it surely’s not simply bolted in—it’s absolutely built-in.
Actual Rear-Wheel Drive, Handbook Transmission, and M3 DNA
Initially all-wheel drive, this 328i underwent main surgical procedure to accommodate rear-wheel drive. The transmission tunnel was modified to suit the Getrag six-speed guide from the M3, and the rear subframe, limited-slip differential, and strengthened chassis bracing had been all swapped over as nicely.
M3 entrance and rear subframes, brakes, steering rack, and Competitors-spec suspension parts make the automotive really feel and drive like a real M automotive. To dial within the stance and dealing with even additional, KW height-adjustable springs had been fitted—the one aftermarket modification in the whole construct.
The automotive now rides on the enduring 20-inch BMW Model 666M wheels, freshly refinished and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires—265/30 up entrance and 295/30 within the rear.
M3 Widebody Meets Touring Practicality
To match the M3’s wider observe, the builder grafted metal entrance fenders from the M3 onto the F31 physique, and fitted OEM M3 bumper covers, aspect skirts, grilles, and Shadowline exterior trim. The wagon was then resprayed in Carmine Purple, a daring BMW Particular person shade sometimes reserved for M automobiles. Even the ICON adaptive LED headlights from the M3 had been put in for added authenticity.
A Correct M Inside—Not Only a Components Mashup
Inside, the transformation continues with the M3’s full leather-based dashboard, carbon fiber trim, and M-specific digital cluster and steering wheel. The entrance M sport seats are heated, bolstered, and superbly upholstered—identical to within the M3—and the heated rear bench nonetheless folds flat, preserving the wagon’s signature practicality. There’s additionally a panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon encompass sound, Consolation Entry, cruise management, and iDrive with navigation. Every thing was relocated from the donor automotive, not simply swapped in randomly.
Totally Authorized in California—and That’s Saying One thing
Maybe essentially the most spectacular half? This construct isn’t only a observe toy or storage queen. It’s been refereed and authorized by the California Bureau of Automotive Restore, which means it meets California’s stringent emissions and security requirements. It even has CARB approval, so it’s 100% street-legal in one of many hardest regulatory states within the nation.
Oxygen sensors had been changed in Could 2025, and the automotive has coated simply 1,000 miles for the reason that conversion. The digital odometer now reads 63,000 miles, which incorporates the donor M3’s mileage earlier than the swap. All main programs—electronics, wiring, drivetrain, and inside—had been transplanted in the course of the construct and documented all through the method.
The M3 Touring BMW Ought to Have Constructed
With the public sale ending on July 30, whoever finally ends up with this distinctive M3 Touring won’t solely personal a one-of-one machine—they’ll even be the envy of each BMW nerd at their subsequent Automobiles & Espresso. [Image Credit & More photos at Bring-a-Trailer]
