BMW (E36) M3 GT

BMW developed a near-endless supply of low production homologation specials so that the M3 could be entered into any and all endurance series across around the world.

Mainland Europe’s homologation E36 M3 at the time was the GT, which allowed BMW to take the E36 racing in the FIA GT championship and America’s IMSA series. Changes over the regular M3 were subtle, with the GT using the same S50B30 3.0-litre straight-six as the rest of the European line-up. Tweaks included six individual throttle bodies, a motorsport-grade dual pick-up oil pan, new oil pumps and the newly developed VANOS camshaft control system, upping power to 295hp – nearly 10 horses more than the base car. It was also 30-odd kilos lighter with extra bracing and a firmer front suspension set-up.

BMW built 306 left-hand drive GT’s sold on the continent, with just 50 right hand drive cars sent across the channel for the Brits to enjoy. These 50 UK cars weren’t a perfect match to the Euro GTs, doing away with the engine upgrades and so ‘officially’ put out the same 286hp as a standard M3, but it’s generally believed the UK M3 GTs were a bit more potent than BMW claimed. However, the 50 UK GTs still received the same chassis and suspension upgrades as the Euro cars as well as the adjustable Class II homologation front splitter, BMW M strut brace, taller rear wing, 17” BMW Motorsport forged and polished alloy wheels and lighter aluminium doors. All 50 cars were finished in British Racing Green, with stunning Mexico green leather, part Alcantara seats, carbon / graphite birdseye maple dash, console & glove box trim and BMW Motorsport badging throughout. UK-spec or not, the M3 GT is without doubt the most interesting and rarest E36 we got in Britain.

Our GT, car number 47 is available for sale after a long period of storage and recent restoration. On removal from storage in 2024, the car was subject to a full chassis, mechanical and cosmetic overhaul at a classic BMW specialist over the past 18 months at a cost of over £30,000. Some of the work included a full gearbox rebuild using genuine BMW parts, engine freshen up, complete chassis strip down and refurbishment of all suspension parts, new bushes and hoses throughout as well as a full interior re-trim sympathetic to the original OE spec including the headlining and door cards. All work is fully documented and photographed.

This GT was also subject to a thorough rebuild by a previous owner a number of years ago including a full engine rebuild using new BMW parts throughout including a new cylinder head and pistons at a cost of £40,000 and has covered very few miles miles since this work. The GT was main featured in Total BMW magazine following this work.

This GT comes with its original handbooks and leather wallet and a personalised bound history folder packed with documents from 2006. Also with the car is the full tool kit, glove box torch, first aid kit, all original tyre changing equipment and supplying dealership key fob, window sticker and plates.

Sitting on a set of brand new Michelin tyres and with MOT until 2027 and having only covered road test mileage since work completed, this ultra-rare ’90’s icon’ E36 M3 GT is ready to be driven or would form a great addition to a collection with a Euro spec car having very recently been sold in auction for over £240,000!