1995 BMW M3 (E36) GT #47/50

Over the years, BMW produced a number of low-volume homologation specials to allow the M3 to compete in endurance racing worldwide. These included the M3-R for GT racing in Australia, the GTR for Germany’s ADAC GT Cup, and the M3 Lightweight for the U.S. market.

For mainland Europe, there was the M3 GT — built to homologate the E36 for FIA GT and IMSA competition. Visually subtle but mechanically purposeful, the GT used the same S50B30 3.0-litre straight-six as other European M3s, but benefitted from upgrades including six individual throttle bodies, a motorsport-spec dual-pickup oil pan, revised oil pumps, and BMW’s newly developed VANOS camshaft timing system. Power was increased to 295bhp, and the car was around 30kg lighter than the standard model, with extra chassis bracing and a firmer front suspension setup.

BMW produced just 306 of these left-hand drive GTs for the European market, alongside a run of 50 right-hand drive cars for the UK. These UK cars didn’t receive the full engine upgrades and were officially rated at 286hp — the same as the standard M3. However, it's widely accepted that BMW may have understated that figure, with most examples feeling more potent than quoted.

The UK GTs received the same chassis and suspension upgrades as the Euro cars, along with the adjustable Class II homologation front splitter, BMW M strut-brace, taller rear wing, 17-inch BMW Motorsport forged and polished alloy wheels, and in some cases, lightweight aluminium doors. All 50 were finished in British Racing Green with striking Mexico Green leather and part-Alcantara seats, carbon/graphite bird’s eye maple trim across the dash, console, and glovebox, and BMW Motorsport badging throughout. The M3 GT remains the rarest and arguably the most desirable E36 variant ever supplied to Britain.

On offer here, car number #47 is particularly special. After a period in long-term storage, it has recently undergone a comprehensive mechanical, cosmetic, and chassis overhaul by a respected BMW specialist — a process carried out over the past 12 months at a cost of around £30,000. This included a full gearbox rebuild, engine refresh, chassis strip-down and suspension rebuild, and a full interior retrim to original specification including the headlining and door cards. The work is fully documented and extensively photographed.

Prior to that, the car also benefitted from a full engine rebuild by the previous owner using all-new BMW parts, including a new cylinder head and pistons with the work totalling around £40,000. Fortunately, that bill was taken care of by the last custodian. The car was subsequently featured in Total BMW magazine.

It is offered complete with its dealership key fob, window sticker and number plates, full toolkit, glovebox torch, first aid kit, all original tyre-changing equipment, original handbooks and leather wallet, and a personalised, bound history folder with records dating back to 2006.

Now sitting on brand-new Michelin tyres, with a clean MOT through to June 2026, and having covered only road-test mileage since the recent work was completed, this ultra-rare E36 M3 GT is ready to be added to any serious BMW collection or better still, driven and enjoyed.