Engine swaps are not uncommon in the BMW community. We have seen many I6, V8, and V10 installations, and we know how much enthusiasts appreciate a Bimmer with a Chevy LS small block under the hood. The one featured in this video is all BMW and it is especially interesting considering the size of the engine compared to the car it ended up in.

The E46 M3 is not a slow car by any means. It is equipped with a 3.2-liter inline-six engine, the final evolution of the S50 motor, producing 338 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Back in the day, it was available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or the infamous six-speed automated manual transmission by Getrag. However, with more powerful engines available, why not add some more horsepower (and cylinders) for some track day fun?

That is exactly what the owner featured in this video did with his black M3. The straight-six has been replaced by a 5.0-liter V10 from an E60 M5. This is BMW’s first and only production V10 to date, delivering 500 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque in factory form. The unit is linked to an E92-sourced dual-clutch transmission, arguably the best part of the equation.

A few small modifications, including a new engine map, result in an output of around 520 hp for this particular M3. After a brief introduction, the black coupe takes a lap around the Nurburgring. It is a completely exhilarating ride, very fast, easily overtaking some notable performance cars, and it sounds incredible.

This is not the first BMW V10 project seen. There was also a M5 wagon with the V10 engine and a manual gearbox. In addition, there was a beautiful M3 (E30) with an upgraded 625-hp version of the M5’s V10.