“If OEM brand doesn’t offer what you desire, build it yourself!” I have nothing but RESPECT for the folks who live by this slogan when it comes to modding and building cars. Americans often get the short end of the stick when it comes to getting cool OEM performance cars. Luckily, we have folks like Lex who has a STRONG passion to build something that OEM didn’t create.

San Diego is home to a handful E46 M3 Touring and I am truly honored to be able to feature this ultra clean example owned by Lex. When doing a photoshoot of Lex’s latest creation, he shared the story on how his late friend “D” was the one who inspired the journey to build his first E46 M3 Touring.  You see…  Lex’s first Alpine White E46 M3 Touring was completed using “D’s” old E46 base wagon and was built to how “D” would’ve envisioned it.  Regretfully, that Alpine White wagon had to be put for sale in order to fund Lex’s business venture. Though “D” never saw the finished product, I bet he is smiling from up above; especially when knowing that the wagon’s current owner: “S54_DNA” continues making improvements on it.

After building that original Alpine White example, Lex continued his wagon passion by building a couple more E46 M3 Tourings. This Titanium Silver on Red example is the latest M3 Touring build that he completed. Powered by a S54 engine mated to 6-speed manual transmission, this wagon was built to how BMW would’ve built the wagon. All “widebody” panels on this silver wagon were fabricated from all metal all original M3 panels. Powerplant was left stock; however, Lex decided to improve the wagon’s appearance by lowering it on a set of coilovers and building a set of BBS wheels. The result is MAGNIFICENT!

If you are currently in the market for a done up E46 M3 Touring, you are in luck! This specific wagon is currently for sale! For those who are interested, just slide that DM to Lex on our instagram!

INTRODUCE YOURSELF

Hello my name is Elex Noble, I live in San Diego, CA. I design and build cool stuff for a living as well as race off-road professionally

WHY A WAGON?

Well I started building wagons many years ago. My first “wagon” was an Audi A3. It was very simple lowered on coil overs and had a set of 3 piece rotiform BLQs. Fast forward a couple years I purchased an alpine white e46 wagon, that car is and will always be very special to me. It was a close friend of mine who passed away from cancer and I purchased it from his dad. I built that car how he “D” would have had. He was an awesome friend and actually the one who introduced me to Albert, the owner of AP upholstery. Albert has done every single build I have done since then.

I built that car mostly out of my garage and with some friends along the way. Unfortunately I had to sell it in order to fund a business venture, “D” would have told me to sell it and get that business going. Many people have seen it all over the internet. My friend Mike aka S54_DNA has continued to modify it and take it to the next level.

Also, shout out to Clark from Jade Coast auto spa for making this thing flawless!

What was your original objective with your car and has that objective changed?

After completing a couple other M wagon builds, this car was offered to me by another enthusiast who wanted to replicate what I did but needed to sell the car due to getting a divorce. He reached out to me about the car and being a bmw wagon guy couldnt resist the opportunity.

I feel like a broken record but I always say ‘Im building this car to keep” but something always comes up and plans change. I enjoy building these wagons. I have 2 more currently that I am building which will be for sale.

What style would you say best describes your car?

I would have to say that this car is OEM plus. I have to give a special thanks to my friend Chris from EuroAutospot, Migs from EuroTek and Albert from AP upholstery who helped me build this car.

What is your favorite part/feature/function of the car?

What makes every car I build unique is that the cars body work is fabricated from all metal original M3 body panels. This is a very time consuming part of the build process. And its also one of my favorite features of the car in addition to the rear bumper. We were able to integrate the OEM touring bumper pad from the non M car.

What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced while building this car?

The biggest obstacle for me and one thing I wish I could change is having a sunroof. I dont use it, and it’s a very hard option to find a wagon without the sunroof. I’ve had the hardest time finding a “slick top” headliner…

What one word best describes your car?

1 word: Clean

What is your final goal with this car?

Goal is to sell the car, make more space for other toys

If money is no object, which make & model wagon would you get into?

Bagged 1955 Chevy Nomad