E46 M3 Pushes Past Its Top Speed on the Autobahn

Out of all of the BMWs from the current century, the E46 M3 has maintained the most consistent admiration from fans. Compact but usable in size, naturally-aspirated, and available with a six-speed manual gearbox, it’s no surprise these cars have started to spike in value in recent years. Luckily that hasn’t stopped Autobahn regular TopAutoNL from pushing the fan-favorite M3 to its absolute limit on the German freeway.

The BMW E46 M3 arrived for the 2000 model year as a significant step on from the outgoing E36 chassis. The most notable change came under the hood, where the new 3.2-liter S54 inline-six engine would make its debut. This final variant of the venerable S50 engine would be utilized in every market, unlike the previous generation which ladened the United States with a significantly less potent powertrain. That said, the Euro market engine’s 338 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque remained slightly higher than the U.S. models, which made 333 hp and 262 lb-ft, respectively. Regardless, the S54 has become a legendary powertrain thanks in no small part to the symphony it provides E46 owners. As it turns out, electronically-controlled individual throttle bodies and an 8,000-rpm redline are a great combination.

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The sonorous experience of the S54 is on full display in the recent video from the Autobahn, reminding all of us what we’ve lost in the era of downsizing and turbocharging. Everything from the immediate throttle response to the induction bark is pure motorsports theater. The first pull starts from 100 kph while the engine is turning 5000 rpm, before the throttle is pushed into the floor for a run up to 210 kph. Traffic cuts the next couple of runs short, but we do get to see the E46 M3 go for its top speed around the 3:40 mark of the video. While BMW electronically limited the E46 M3 to 250 kph or 155 mph, the car in the clip doesn’t seem to have that limiter in place. In several of the subsequent runs, we see the car pushed beyond 260 kph, with its fastest speed nearing 280 kph in the clip. That’s 174 mph, for what it’s worth. It’s also worth noting how good the analog gauges look during the climb, a far cry from the overly complicated clusters coming out of Germany today.

Analog sports cars might be going the way of the dodo, but that doesn’t mean nice examples must be left to collector garages. Let this clip be a bit of inspiration to let your naturally-aspirated machines out to sing.

Lucas Bell

Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.