“In its original form, my E46 could be seen as just another ordinary car, but with a few thoughtful changes, it has become a truly enjoyable all-rounder. It’s not about value or status, in fact, the resale value is relatively low. But that’s exactly why I don’t overthink it. I don’t feel the need to chase something “better”. I simply enjoy what I have.” Quite an opening statement from 30-year-old Samuel, as he leans against his metallic green BMW E46, a car that upon first glance, may seem like a pristine and well executed tribute to the Alpina variant, but is instead a car that has allowed him to soak in the sights and cultures of dozens of countries all over Europe.
To kick things off, we wanted to find out about Samuel’s love for cars, and what made him want to own this now ageing-like-a-fine-wine coupé, “I’m based in Brno, Czech Republic, and grew up, no doubt like so many of my age, playing games like Gran Turismo and Need for Speed. While my first love was for my home-grown brand of Skoda, about eight years ago, I bought my first car, this very E46 Coupé.” Samuel’s BMW has an interesting history, mostly down to the very unusual specification of it, finished in Farn Green with, perhaps most special of all, a mint green flock interior, an exceptionally rare option. Although not an original Alpina, Samuel’s desire to turn this well-used E46 into his dream car was evident right from the start. “That rare colour is really what lead me to the Alpina direction, as I’ve always admired the brand, and so the direction for the build slowly became clear. I didn’t want to create a replica, but rather something inspired by that philosophy — clean, subtle, and driver-focused.”
First, Samuel dealt with the rusty exterior, which meant also new paint. “I have now more vivid green shade, closer to the Alpina Green. Over time, I also added Alpina front lip, rear spoiler, instrument cluster, and, after years of searching, original 18-inch Alpina wheels.” He then went about ensuring the car’s beating heart and handling could resemble that of an Alpina somewhat, and went about overhauling the car’s suspension, chassis, engine and gearbox, allowing it to become truly dependable in all conditions. “In the end, everything was done with one goal in mind — to make the car feel special every time I drive it. And even after more than 100,000 kilometres together, it still makes me smile even though it’s far from perfect and still rusty!”
100,000 kilometres in one car is something worth celebrating, forming a bond unlike any other. Samuel has taken his trusty E46 across Italy, San Marino, Slovenia, and even Romania. “In 2024, my friends and i continued further through the Balkans — Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, and North Macedonia. Over time, we’ve explored a large part of the region, and I personally have now driven this car through more than 15 countries across Europe.” Bigger still, Samuel’s most recent trip in 2025 was his most ambitious, taking the coupé all the way to Greece, completing over 5,000 kilometres along with a fellow BMW, which incredibly saw zero mechanical issues between them! “I really wish more people would take their cars on trips like this. Yes, it’s challenging, a lot of driving, but what you gain are memories you simply can’t buy. And compared to renting a car, there’s something incredibly special about exploring these places in your own car.”
Looking towards the future, Samuel naturally is itching for another adventure in 2026, and is keeping things under wraps for now, but was keen to encourage others to do the same, regardless of their vehicle choice. “Driving the car, exploring new places, and creating memories is what I look forward to the most. Living in the Czech Republic is a huge advantage in this sense. Being right in the heart of Europe makes it incredibly easy to head in almost any direction and discover something new.”
You can follow Samuel’s adventures with his BMW E46 here.
