The BMW M3 Lightweight has a history. It all began in 1995 when the brand decided to launch 126 cars of this model, which obviously sold out in a split second. Now, 30 years later, one of those models is up for auction. What makes this car special is not only its history, but also the fact that it has just under 40,000 kilometers on the clock. Its owner has kept it for 13 years without hardly using it. The estimated starting price is between $150,000 and $200,000.
BMW M3 was not initially going to be sold in the US
It all began in 1992 when BMW launched the M3 GT, a limited edition for the German market only and available in British Racing Green. In the United States, the second-generation BMW M3 was not initially going to be sold because of that country’s pollution regulations that prevented its importation.
Due to its exclusivity and the car’s features, car enthusiasts in the United States were clamoring for a car with these characteristics. So BMW Motorsport had to create the M3 Lightweight, a car prepared to compete in the Showroom Stock racing series, sponsored by the IMSA.
Reducing weight can be even more decisive than increasing power
The Lightweight eliminated any elements that could be associated with luxury and add weight. Gone were the air conditioning, stereo, soundproofing, and sunroof. The result was 90 kilograms less than the 250 hp of the three-liter inline-six engine with a five-speed manual transmission.
It’s worth noting that reducing weight can be even more decisive than increasing power when we’re not talking about top speed, but rather cornering and driving experience. The 126 M3 Lightweights were manufactured in Alpine White III with the BMW Motorsport flag graphic. A very iconic hallmark.
Each of the 126 BMW M3 Lightweights sold came with a competition kit in the trunk
Inside, the center console and dashboard trim were made of genuine carbon fiber. Interestingly, two customer-installed components were added: the large rear spoiler and the lower lip of the front spoiler. These two pieces were not intended for open-air driving and were designed solely for Showroom Stock racing. The seats, meanwhile, were not the sporty ones installed in the European version and had manual adjustments.
Each of the 126 BMW M3 Lightweights sold came with a competition kit in the trunk. It was made clear that the components were accompanied by a document clarifying that their installation would void the manufacturer’s warranty.
The estimated starting price is between $150,000 and $200,000, between €130,000 and €172,500
In short, one of those special pieces, especially for collectors, is now up for auction. The BMW M3 Lightweight is being auctioned at RM Sotheby’s in Monterey in August. The car has been owned by several collectors, but its odometer only shows 38,968 km, as one of them kept it for 13 years without using it much. The vehicle’s condition is exceptional and comes with the original sticker, making it even more special. The estimated starting price is between $150,000 and $200,000, between €130,000 and €172,500, according to experts, almost €90,000 more than a 1995 M3.
The motoring fever and speed that captivated car enthusiasts in 1995 resurfaces with the auction of the now iconic BMW M3 Lightweight.
