Although it’s impossible to imagine BMW as a brand without its iconic M3 in its lineup, that’s exactly what could have happened — at least in the US — with the E36 M3. Meager sales figures of the E30 M3 in the US led to BMW axing the vehicle for the US market, but after witnessing overwhelming demand from customers and avid enthusiasts for a US version, BMW finally released the US Spec M3 in 1994. These models had slight variations to the original European cars while still satisfying a more economical price point via the cars’ 3.0-liter S50 engines.
This particular 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight is one of the 8,500 BMW M3s and only 125 Lightweights produced for the 1995 model year. The Lightweight version was intended for both road and track use, with the incorporation of more weight saving materials, such as aluminum doors, cloth sport seats, magnesium alloy wheel, reduced sound insulation, and carbon fiber trim, while doing away with creature comforts like radio, air conditioning, sunroof, and tool kit.
Other performance elements were added in a shortened final drive of 3.23:1, more robust shocks and springs, and the M3 GT front spoiler extension. Each one was finished in the brand’s Alpine White III color with a Black Hurricane Cloth interior, while other style touches unique to the model include BMW Motorsport checkered flag decals on the front and rear of the car and Motorsport International emblems on both sides.
Available for sale right now at an eye-watering price of $110,000, this M3 Lightweight is sure to be a worthy addition for any avid M enthusiast’s collection.