In 1995, BMW quietly constructed the rarest E36 M3 ever — the Australian-spec M3-R — a road-legal racing particular with simply 15 models produced.” BMW made a number of completely different variations of the E36 M3 throughout its roughly seven years of manufacturing. The US market completely noticed the M3 LTWa pared-down and aero’ed-up model that also relied on the tamer US-spec S50 engine. Elsewhere, cool variants just like the M3 Evolution obtained a brand new six-speed handbook and larger 3.2 liters of displacement — and, maybe extra remarkably, over 300 horsepower. A rustic that doesn’t spring to thoughts instantly if you hear “particular E36 M3” might be Australia. However in actual fact, it’s dwelling to the rarest manufacturing E36 M3 ever.
Meet the BMW E36 M3-R
The BMW E36 M3-R was restricted to simply 15 models, all produced in 1995 as road-going fashions. Just like the LTW that the US obtained, solely Alpine White paint was accessible. Inside, all E36 M3-R fashions obtained Anthracite M fabric/Amaretta suede upholstery. BMW Australia ordered the vehicles, which had been inbuilt Germany as common E36 M3s earlier than being shipped to Frank Gardner’s race store in Australia.
Acceptable, since these distinctive Aussie-spec E36 M3s had been designed to be raced, particularly within the Australian Tremendous Manufacturing racing sequence. Beneath the hood, the 3.0-liter S50 B30 made extra horsepower right here than in some other E36 utility: 324 horsepower. New camshafts, consumption and exhaust ports, and a dual-pickup oil sump had been largely liable for the horsepower bump.
A Race-Bred E36 with Severe Upgrades
There have been loads of different powertrain enhancements designed to make the vehicles aggressive for racing, too. Brakes and a bolstered clutch from AP Racing had been put in, together with a lightened flywheel and a driveshaft borrowed from the modern 8 Sequence. A shorter 3.23 gear ratio and eliminated prime velocity limiter ensured the automobile would get — and keep — forward of the pack. Different modifications included entrance and rear spoilers, each of which might be prolonged for added downforce as wanted. Distinctive multi-spoke wheels had been specified, too. Inside, the E36 M3-R had no radio or again seat, but it surely did acquire a cool numbered plaque a la the M3 LTW that got here to the US.
The M3-R Was the Final LTW
The E36 M3-R, after reviewing what its geared up with (and isn’t), kind of reads like the most effective model of the M3 LTW. However there’s a little bit of a gotcha: initially, this automobile was promoting for $189,450 when new, which was round $50,000 greater than the common M3. Most likely a tough promote. Solely 15 of this stuff ever made their solution to the street, making this simply the rarest E36 M3 ever. Who would’ve guessed it’d be within the land down beneath?
(Images had been supplied to make use of for editorial use by WhichCar.com.au by Wheels and BMW Australia)
