BMW M3 GT Versus BMW M3 GTR Coupe High Performance
First production BMW M3 GT and BMW M3 GTR vehicle in its segment to feature a CFRP roofPower-to-weight ratio: 3.8 kg/hpThe Newly developed V8-high-performance power unit New control systems MDrive Redesigned suspension with M-characteristic axle kinetics Compound high performance system Electronic Damping Control (EDC) brake system. 20 % of parts identical with BMW 3 Series Coupe:(rear lights, rear lid, supporting vehicle structure, doors, windows, front lights).
 |
| BMW M3 GT |
The BMW M3 GT is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's tuning branch BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and sold with coupé, sedan and convertible body styles. Upgrades over the "standard" 3-Series automobiles include more powerful and responsive (yet at times smaller) engines, improved handling/suspension/braking systems, aerodynamic body enhancements, and interior/exterior accents with the tri-color "M" (Motorsport) emblem.
 |
| BMW M3 GT |
The BMW M3 GTR Evolution Imola Individual was a limited-edition (200 units for Europe with part VIN WBACB5103-AN307--, 50 for the United Kingdom) car sometimes referred to as the M3 GT2. The engine and performance characteristics of the car were unchanged from the 1996+ euro M3, and a special exterior and interior colour combination was once again chosen by BMW; Imola red (405) paint with Nappa leather & Amaretto seats in Imola red and anthracite seats. It also included side airbags, the BMW M3 GT Class II rear spoiler, front class II corner spoiler extensions, electric seats, and double-spoke polished alloy wheels.
 |
| BMW M3 GTR Coupe |
Prior to the release of the Imola Individual there was a pre-production model made which was used as the basis of the special edition, it featured the Class II front and rear spoilers, special order Imola red Paint, special order Nappa + Anthracite Amaretta interior, SMG gearbox, GSM Phone Kit, headlamp washers and double-spoke polished alloy wheels.
The BMW M3 GT Coupe was a limited-edition mainland Europe only edition of which 356 were made, 50 further M3 GT Individuals were made in right-hand drive for the UK market. All built in 1995. Famous for being British Racing Green with a Mexico Green interior – a peculiar choice when the traditional German national racing colors were white with red numbers. The BMW M3 GT was a homologation series special built to allow the E36 M3 to compete in the FIA-GT class II, IMSA GT and international longdistance races.
The ALMS rules were altered for 2002 to state that 100 cars and 1,000 engines must be built for the car to qualify without penalties. Although BMW could have raced the V8 with the new weight and power penalties under these new regulations, they chose to pull out of the ALMS, effectively ending the short-lived BMW M3 GTR's career.
After decimating the competition in the BMW GTR Coupe class, Porsche complained the BMW car was streching the rules too far. The ACO coincided with Porsche and changed the rules such that the BMW GT would need an additional 100 lbs of weight and 20% larger air restrictors or make 1000 road going examples. Sadly, by attempting to make the GT class comptetative, the ACO have driven BMW away from GT motorsport in 2002.
Two Schnitzer Motorsport BMW M3 GTR cars saw a comeback in 2003 at the 24 Hours Nürburgring, winning 1-2 in 2004 and 2005, as well as entries in the 24 Hours Spa. Onboard coverage recorded in 2004 Hans-Joachim Stuck, Pedro Lamy, Jörg Müller and Dirk Müller on the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps. Private teams (Scheid, Getrag, etc.) also have fit 3,997 cc BMW V8 engines into the E46 body to race on the Nürburgring, winning some VLN races in the last years.
