BMW E46 is by far the best-selling model of BMW series 3, running on the philosophy of ‘sheer driving pleasure. The best thing about this four-wheeler was that it offered an amazing blend of luxury, features, and a timeless look, which made it the perfect contender for a restoration project named ‘Massakali‘. Let’s dive into the fine details of redesigning this luxurious coupe into a funky rider.
Legacy of BMW E46
The E46 was produced between 1999 and 2006 in five different body styles: sedan, two-door coupe, convertible, three-door compact, and wagon. It is a classic model that every BMW enthusiast wants.
PakWheels Inspection Report
Laiba Khan Lodhi purchased this convertible coupe a few years back for her love for collectibles, called for a PakWheels inspection, and found a rating of 7/10 on the score. There were multiple issues, including engine oil leakage, transmission oil leakage, battery draining, paint chip-offs, air conditioner problems, and taillight and headlamps. Low visibility was pointed out in the inspection.
Moreover, tires from 2006 were deployed, making it ill-fit for roads due to poor traction and deteriorated tube health. It had already been driven 50,000 km, but the interior was almost clean but shabby.
Restoration Timeline
· Taking the theme of ‘Massakali‘,‘ this E46 was wrapped in bubble pink, which gave it a fresh look.
· New multi-spoke rims and genuine Pirelli tires were installed. The previous set of tires was 16-inch, and the new ones were 18-inch and staggered, which enhanced its sportiness while causing a major setback to the pockets. The rims cost around 3 lacs, while the tires cost another 1.5 lacs.
· Interior was also refined by using Alcantara seats and redoing the AC and infotainment system.
· New taillights were installed while headlamps were cleaned for better visibility and looks.
During the restoration, other mechanical and electrical issues were also resolved, taking a span of around ten days.
The final look of this project has yet to be revealed as it is still undergoing multiple tweaks in the concept phase. However, the drive experience has become a little heavier due to new tires, while the overall performance looks exceptional.
