1997 BMW E36 M3 GT3

After withdrawing from the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) after the introduction of the E36 M3, BMW turned its attention on the Super Tourenwagen Cup with their 318i and 320i. Naturally, the E36 M3 was also raced and in 1993, with the M3 GT, competed in the European FIA GT Championship. The E36 M3 GTR also won the German ADAC GT Cup, driven by Johnny Cecotto.

Across the pond, the E36 contested the U.S. IMSA GT Championship by Prototype Technology Group (PTG) Racing in Virginia. The M3 won 8 races during the 1997 IMSA GT Championship in the GTS-3 class, with BMW winning the manufacturers championship and Bill Auberlen winning the drivers' championship. During the 1998 IMSA GT Championship, five races were won by the M3 which would secure the manufacturer's championship for BMW in the GT3 class. The M3 also won 4 races in the GT2 class during that 1998 season.

During the 2000 American Le Mans Series, the M3 was able to score a single victory in the GT class.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2020