1994 BMW (E36) M3 GTR TRIBUTE RACE CAR

This BMW M3 is an incredible custom motorsport build, which has very recently been completed to FIA specifications. Under the bonnet is an S50B30 BMW straight-six from an early E36-era car, increased to a 3.2-litre capacity, and now coupled to a six-speed Samsonas sequential manual transmission.

An original European-specification E36 M3, this car has been owned by the vendor for the last four years, and its comprehensive motorsport specification rebuild and track preparation took place between 2018 and 2020. Two test and set-up days have been completed in Estonia, and the car remains as-new following a fresh engine rebuild. During its tests on the Audru Ring, the car achieved a 1:16 lap time in the hands of racing driver Sten Pentus, against a benchmark time of 1:15 for a 911 GT3 Cup car.

This M3 is a custom-built and fully FIA certified racer, which benefits from fastidious attention to detail throughout its creation. All of the bodywork has been re-fabricated in composite material, with a second set of panels and all moulds coming with the car. The glass has also been replaced with polycarbonate throughout, and there is a carbon-fibre adjustable rear wing and carbon-fibre side mirrors. It rides on lightweight 17-inch Team Dynamics alloys, which are currently fitted with brand-new Michelin wet weather racing slicks. With all fluids and with 70 litres of fuel on board, the car tips the scales at just 1192kg.

Inside, the cabin has been completely stripped out, and has been equipped with a Sparco Circuit GRP Light racing seat, lightweight six-point Schroth racing harnesses and aluminium buckles, a flocked composite dashboard, and a carbon-fibre OMP steering wheel trimmed in Alcantara. There is also an electric cooling fan for the driver, and a sophisticated Plex SDM-500 colour dashboard display and data logger. The car is equipped with a full carbon steel roll cage, which is fully certified and comes with the relevant documentation.

At the heart of the build is the uprated S50 motor, taken to 3.2 litres with the same 87x91mm bore and stroke of the S54 straight-six. It was fully rebuilt with racing internals by Artman Racing, featuring modified 87mm Wössner high compression pistons (12.9:1), a 3.2-litre forged stroker crankshaft, ATI vibration damper, and AVL Schrick 296/284 camshafts. An ARP cylinder head stud kit was fitted, as well as an Athena 1.8mm copper ring head gasket. The car also has a custom carbon-fibre air intake, an Accusump oil accumulator, a racing specification aluminium radiator, and a custom-made exhaust system. It is controlled by a MoTeC M1 series ECU with custom wiring. A dynamometer print-out in the history file shows that the engine now produces up to 394PS (388bhp) at 7,500rpm, and up to 408Nm (301lb-ft) or torque.

Its transmission is a Samsonas motorsport six-speed sequential manual, with drop gear and milled shifter and with gear change lights, which weighs just 38kg and is rated for up to 1400Nm of torque. It is also equipped with an Xtreme racing ceramic clutch. Drive is via a 188mm limited-slip differential with a dedicated electronic oil cooler.

As you would expect, the suspension, brakes, steering and fuelling system have all been upgraded as well. It sits on Öhlins three-way racing dampers rebuilt by Samsonas, and also has motorsport-grade lightweight Wisefab adjustable components for both the front and rear, which were calibrated specifically for this car to enhance the handling and grip with minimal bump steer.

There are Compbrake racing brakes at the front and rear, with extra cooling ducts, and fitted out with Ferodo racing pads, plus a CompBrake lightweight pedal box with adjustable brake bias. An electronic power steering system with a fast racing rack is also installed, along with a 120-litre FIA-certificate fuel tank with two fuel pumps.

The car presents in superb condition today, with the composite bodywork having only been exposed to two test sessions at the Audru Ring, and therefore remaining in as-new condition. Its body panels were inspired by the E36-era M3 GTR, but are even more aggressive, with a redesigned front end incorporating cooling ducts, a deep front splitter with stabiliser rods, and the substantial carbon-fibre rear wing.

Accompanying the car are documents covering the full rebuild, dynamometer print-out proving the engine output, and the roll cage certificate.

With just two test sessions completed, this E36-generation BMW M3 GTR Tribute Race Car has benefited from a substantial investment of around €150,000 in its custom build and track preparation. The vendor states that it is the fastest and most extreme E36-era M3 race car in the region, and it must be one of the most exhaustive builds of its kind anywhere. A great opportunity to acquire a race-prepared modern classic, this M3 is sure to delight its next owner on their favourite circuits, and will turn plenty of heads while it does so.

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