Saturday, January 3, 2015

RARE 1995 BMW E36M3 Lightweight at GMG Racing

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The 1995 M3 Lightweight (BMW NA model code 9520) was produced between 8/95 through 10/95. A small quantity of these M3 LTWs were produced, aimed at the performance purist and/or active competitor. This street-legal model (as delivered to the dealership) eliminated several comfort and convenience items for weight reduction purposes, which were normally found on standard M3 models. The M3 lightweight came with several performance upgrades based on the European M3 GT homologation series for worldwide GT racing. The U.S. models were homologated for the IMSA series and because of strict D.O.T. laws; they had to be sold with all the “go-fast” parts in the trunk. Also, it has been rumored that the motors for these cars were handpicked off of the assembly line and the highest output and lightest motors were set aside for the CSL/LTW program.

Unfortunately, many of these cars went to pro race teams or club racers and very few unmolested examples remain. Estimates of this number is around 2-dozen examples.

Differences to a stock M3:


Rear axle ratio of 3:23
Aluminum doors
GT front spoiler with adjustable wind splitter and aero underbody panel
Solid upper strut bar brace
Underside X-brace
Special sports suspension settings
Trunk lid spoiler with integrated third brake light
BMW sports seats, cloth only
Special interior materials and colors
Forged alloy wheels
Reduced sound and noise insulation
Alpine white with diagonal Motorsports flag
Carbon fiber trim
BMW Motorsport International logo integrated into doorsills, door rub, and glove box
No radio
No center console valet
Trunk lid tool kit deleted
No air-conditioning
No sunroof
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Orange County, California, United States
I am a freelance automotive photographer / journalist with a deep passion for cars and photography. Blessed with living in Southern California - the mecca and melting pot of different automotive cultures - I get to cover everything from rare European exotics to the Japanese imports to Off-Road trucks. Shooting Motorsports is my niche and I have covered a wide range of series such as: Formula Drift, XDC Drift, D1GP, Redline Time Attack, SCCA World Challenge, American Le mans Series, IZOD Indy, MORE Off-Road. My works have been featured in print publications such as AutoSalon, Rides Magazine, Import Tuner and Heavy Hitters magazines and various online magazines as well such as JTuned.com, Everythingdrift.com Tunerzine.com, Speedlounge.com, and Speedhunters.com. Thanks again for looking at at my page and please check back regularly for updates! For any inquiries, compliments, critiques or criticisms, please contact me via email