- Chassis # WBSBF9326SEH07422
- Highly Collectible Modern Classic
- Showing Just 36,584 Miles From New
- 1 of ~126 Examples Produced
- Over $16,000 In Recent Servicing And Reconditioning
- One Of The Rarest BMW Models Ever Produced
The BMW E36 M3 was the second generation of BMW's high-performance version of the 3 series. The E36 M3 was launched in November of 1992 and was produced until the tail end of 1999. The car was available as either a 2+2 coupe, a convertible, or a 4-door sedan with all versions being powered by a 240 HP 3.0L S50 I6 or a 3.2L S52 I6 depending on the model year. The E36 M3 was a speedy car, there's no doubting that, but some US racing teams and weekend warrior-type enthusiasts wanted more out of their German coupe. That's when the M3 Lightweight (LTW) came in.
The M3 Lightweight was created to satisfy the request of US racing teams who wanted a version of the ROW-only E36 M3 GT homologation special. It was homologated for the IMSA Firehawk series of the mid-90s with approximately 126 cars ever built. As this was very much a race car, luxuries were basically non-existent. The cars came without a radio, A/C, leather seats, tool kit, or sunroof. The doors just had aluminum skins covering them, interior trim pieces were converted to carbon fiber, there was limited sound insulation, and the trunk was blessed with nothing more than a carpet. All of the stripping down made the LTW about 200 lb (91 kg) lighter than a regular E36 M3.
Go-fast performance changes consisted of the removal of the top speed limiter and a shorter differential ratio of 3.23 compared to the stock 3.15. The suspension was also upgraded with shorter springs from the European specification M3. The LTWs were equipped with a hand-picked US-spec S50 engine tuned to with racing and performance in mind. Every single M3 Lightweight was delivered to Performance Technology Group (PTG), BMW's Factory Backed US race team at the time. PTG included the so-called “trunk kit” which contained a front strut brace, lower X-brace, GT rear wing, and a deeper “racing” oil pan with a dual-pickup oil pump.
Exterior modifications included the fixed rear wing, M3 GT front spoiler with splitter, and BMW Motorsports International badges. These were all performed by PTG prior to delivery and served to make the M3 LTW even more racecar-like. All 126 examples were finished in Alpine White with vinyl multicolored motorsports flags on the left front and right rear corners of the car. All of these included, but not installed modification pieces prompted PTG to issue a letter with every car stating that installing these parts resulted in the factory warranty being voided!
This particular example, a 1995 model year with the VIN WBSBF9326SEH07422, shows 36,584 miles on the clock and was purchased by LBI Limited in November of 2015 from Virginia after spending parts of its life in Texas, South Carolina, and New Jersey. This M3 LTW was thankfully used as intended, with racing pedigree at many track days around the country.
When we came into possession of the car in 2015, it had several interior and exterior modifications for use at the aforementioned track days including a roll cage, 5 point belts, coilover suspension, and an aftermarket brake set up (all of which has since been removed and returned to stock configuration). The engine also received further love in the form of aftermarket cams, a TRM DME chip, Conforti cold air intake, and a Bimmerworld silicone intake boot. An aftermarket header and Super Sprint exhaust send spent gases out through twin “DTM” style tips and an Alpina finned differential cover keeps differential temps in check. The instrument cluster has been adorned with a white gauge overlay kit that matches the body color and the stock shift knob has been replaced with a “ZHP” shift knob.
$16,000+ in service/corrective work was put into the car returning it to close to stock condition, while refreshing parts in the interior, suspension, brakes, motorsport graphics, and more. Given that this example has seen liberal use over its lifetime, the exterior has acquired some chips and scratches and the exhaust has a slight rattle. The interior carbon-fiber trim also shows some cracking and there is a hole in front of the driver's side window switch. Given the slight imperfections of this car, it represents the perfect opportunity to own an example that can be used and enjoyed without risk of damage while still owning one of the rarest BMWs ever put into production. Given their rarity and pure unadulterated driving experience, these rare cars are sure to increase in value over the years.
Upon purchase, the buyer will receive records for the aforementioned services, a copy of the vehicle's clean Carfax report, photos of the build sheet, copy of delivery letter from PTG, as well as photos of the original build sheet. This is a unique opportunity to own a very rare version of the classic E36 M3. Despite its racing pedigree, the E36 M3 Lightweight is a very drivable and enjoyable car that would fit right at home at any BMW CCA event. It's powerful, it's raw, and offers a unique driving experience that can seldom be duplicated by other cars in its class.
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