1995 BMW E36 M3 Lightweight - The Ultimate E36 - POV Driving Impressions
The E36 M3 Lightweight was a limited-production model built in 1995 for track enthusiasts. Only 126 were made, all finished in Alpine White with signature BMW Motorsport tri-color graphics and a fixed rear wing. The focus was weight reduction and sharper handling, not added horsepower.
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine: 3.0-liter inline-6 (S50B30US), DOHC, 24-valve
Power: 240 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 225 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Differential: 3.23 final drive (shorter gearing than standard U.S. M3)
Performance
Curb Weight: ~2,950 lb (about 200 lb lighter than standard M3)
0–60 mph: ~5.3–5.7 seconds
Quarter Mile: ~14.2 seconds @ ~99 mph
Top Speed: ~140–147 mph (depending on limiter)
Lightweight Features
To save weight and sharpen performance, BMW removed or replaced several items:
No air conditioning, no radio, no sunroof
Cloth manual sport seats (no leather, power, or heating)
Less sound deadening, reduced carpeting
Aluminum door skins
Forged lightweight 17-inch wheels (7.5" front, 8.5" rear) with 235/40ZR17 tires all around
Suspension upgraded with firmer Euro-spec springs and dampers
Thinner trunk liner and insulation
Exterior & Interior Details
Alpine White only, with Motorsport tri-color decals on the left front and right rear
Large fixed rear wing
Carbon-fiber interior trim pieces
“BMW Motorsport International” door sills and badging
Key Facts
Production year: 1995 only
Quantity: ~125 units
Market: U.S. only
Purpose: Homologation-style car aimed at club racers and track drivers
#bmw #e36 #m3 #bmwm3
Vehicle was provided by the manufacturer for testing and review.
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The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones, headphones are recommended!
TheTopher on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetopher2/
Equipment: (affiliate links):
-DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro https://amzn.to/4jTN0J3
-Lens filters: https://amzn.to/4k0UsC9
-Binaural Audio - Roland CS-10EM Microphones http://amzn.to/2qKRbwA
-Connected to & powered by the Zoom H2n recorder http://amzn.to/2pQqVkq
-Don't forget the Hat Clip mount for that perfect POV angle: https://amzn.to/2GW7nmd
-The best place to get tires: https://bit.ly/2JyRg3j
Got a traffic ticket? Use Off The Record. Sign up with the code "TheTopher" for 10% off your first ticket whether you need it now or later: https://fight.offtherecord.com/TheTopher
Sound system test track playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3D9bowGCF83T0BdpSfBc4t?si=qsUp8Hg1Q7yjypcDE4Yih
The E36 M3 Lightweight was a limited-production model built in 1995 for track enthusiasts. Only 126 were made, all finished in Alpine White with signature BMW Motorsport tri-color graphics and a fixed rear wing. The focus was weight reduction and sharper handling, not added horsepower.
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine: 3.0-liter inline-6 (S50B30US), DOHC, 24-valve
Power: 240 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 225 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Differential: 3.23 final drive (shorter gearing than standard U.S. M3)
Performance
Curb Weight: ~2,950 lb (about 200 lb lighter than standard M3)
0–60 mph: ~5.3–5.7 seconds
Quarter Mile: ~14.2 seconds @ ~99 mph
Top Speed: ~140–147 mph (depending on limiter)
Lightweight Features
To save weight and sharpen performance, BMW removed or replaced several items:
No air conditioning, no radio, no sunroof
Cloth manual sport seats (no leather, power, or heating)
Less sound deadening, reduced carpeting
Aluminum door skins
Forged lightweight 17-inch wheels (7.5" front, 8.5" rear) with 235/40ZR17 tires all around
Suspension upgraded with firmer Euro-spec springs and dampers
Thinner trunk liner and insulation
Exterior & Interior Details
Alpine White only, with Motorsport tri-color decals on the left front and right rear
Large fixed rear wing
Carbon-fiber interior trim pieces
“BMW Motorsport International” door sills and badging
Key Facts
Production year: 1995 only
Quantity: ~125 units
Market: U.S. only
Purpose: Homologation-style car aimed at club racers and track drivers
#bmw #e36 #m3 #bmwm3
Vehicle was provided by the manufacturer for testing and review.
Enjoy these videos and want to support the channel? Consider becoming a channel member - You'll get early access to new videos before they go live and priority reply to comments, among other features. It's only $3/month, and you can cancel anytime: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD4NnnbISbr4dvmmzQxC2bA/join
The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones, headphones are recommended!
TheTopher on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetopher2/
Equipment: (affiliate links):
-DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro https://amzn.to/4jTN0J3
-Lens filters: https://amzn.to/4k0UsC9
-Binaural Audio - Roland CS-10EM Microphones http://amzn.to/2qKRbwA
-Connected to & powered by the Zoom H2n recorder http://amzn.to/2pQqVkq
-Don't forget the Hat Clip mount for that perfect POV angle: https://amzn.to/2GW7nmd
-The best place to get tires: https://bit.ly/2JyRg3j
Got a traffic ticket? Use Off The Record. Sign up with the code "TheTopher" for 10% off your first ticket whether you need it now or later: https://fight.offtherecord.com/TheTopher
Sound system test track playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3D9bowGCF83T0BdpSfBc4t?si=qsUp8Hg1Q7yjypcDE4YihA