1995 BMWM3 Lightweight
3.0L S50 Inline-Six · 1 of ~126
Gallery
Currently in the private collection
Florida, United States · Lubeck Garage
The 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight is the E36 M3 with its club-racing intent left visible. Built only for North America, it deleted comfort equipment, used aluminium door skins, wore Motorsport flag graphics, and shipped with track-oriented trunk-kit hardware. It made the U.S.-market E36 M3 more than a softened road car: a homologation-flavoured bridge to Prototype Technology Group racing.
1995
The Alpine White M3 Lightweight with its Motorsport flag graphics, deleted equipment, and aluminium door skins. Wikimedia Commons · Mr.choppers · CC BY-SA 3.0
Full Specifications
Engine
3.0L S50B30US inline-six
Power
240 hp
Torque
305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
Transmission
5-speed manual
Weight Saving
~200 lb lighter than the standard US M3
Final Drive
3.23:1, shorter than standard
Production
Approximately 120–126
Preparation
PTG final prep, Motorsport graphics, track trunk kit
Chronicle
Key Dates & Events
1992
The E36 M3 launches in Europe.
1995
The North American E36 M3 arrives with the S50B30US inline-six rated at 240 hp.
1995
BMW creates the M3 Lightweight under U.S. homologation and club-racing pressure.
1995
Lightweight cars are finished in Alpine White with Motorsport flag graphics and special badging.
1995
Cars are sent to Prototype Technology Group in Virginia for final prep and trunk-kit components.
1996
The U.S. M3 moves to S52 3.2L power; the Lightweight remains a one-year special.
1996–1998
The PTG E36 M3 race programme wins IMSA class races, strengthening the model's reputation.