www.QV500.com - BMW E36 M3 Part 2: M3 GT
 

M3 GT		 Between February and June 1995, BMW produced a batch of 350 GT hot rods. They were built to homologate a series of body and engine modifications for a competition version of the M3 Coupe. The GT featured shorter and stiffer springs and shocks (lowering ride-height in the process), M Double Spoke alloy wheels (with the wider 8.5-inch back rims as standard) and a strut brace for extra rigidity.
   
Output was increased to 295bhp at an unchanged 7000rpm by way of 264° cams, re-mapped engine management and a VANOS software upgrade. As a result, peak torque was now developed 300rpm higher. There was also a baffled oil pan with dual pick-ups to ensure constant flow in hard cornering. Outside, an adjustable front splitter and new twin-level rear wing gave the car a really aggressive look, aluminium doors saving 20kg. This cut overall weight down to 1440kg which, combined with the somewhat conservative estmate of nine additional horses, made these the quickest M3's yet. Whilst the headline figures were little changed, 0-60 dropping from 5.5 to 5.4 seconds and top speed still being electronically limited to 155mph, the M3 GT was harder, sharper and faster than before. What a shame then that BMW didn't choose to offer it as a fully fledged production variant.
 

M3 GT 		All 350 were painted British Racing Green and came with a garish two-tone interior. This comprised Anthracite bolsters with Mexico Green Nappa leather seat centres and door inserts. As usual, all seat backs came with a diagonal Motorsport tricolour. Carbonfibre was used for the centre console, glove compartment and door sill panels and there was a four-spoke airbag steering wheel. 'BMW Motorsport International' emblems could be found on the exterior door mouldings and interior kick plates but there was no exterior GT badging for the uninitiated.

Undertaking this limited run of GT's enabled BMW to proceed with a GTR derivative that could be raced primarily in IMSA (GTS-2) but also FIA sanctioned events in Europe. BMW supported PTG Racing in the American IMSA programme from 1995 to 1998, culminating in securing all the available championships from 1996 to '98.

Some sources quote production figures of 356 for the GT, this taking into account the six prototypes built up from November 1994. Additionally, 50 right-hand drive cars based on the standard 286bhp M3 Coupe were made for the UK market in July 1995. Referred to as GT Individual, they immediately proceeded the run of 'proper' GT's that came to an end in June. All 50 came with the full GT cosmetic package to include British Racing Green paint, adjustable front splitter, twin-level rear wing and M Double Spoke wheels. Aluminium doors were fitted once again along with the GT's Motorsport strut brace and two-tone interior. New features included graphite Birds Eye Maple wood inserts (instead of carbonfibre), a matching gear knob, chromed interior door handles and an electric sunroof.
   

E36 M3 GTR, 1995 IMSA GTS-2 Championship