2013 BMW M3 Lime Rock Park Edition

The E90/E92/E93 (E90=sedan, E92=coupe, and E93=convertible) generation of the BMW M3 was produced from 2007 through 2013, and body styles included a sedan, convertible, and coupe. During its development, BMW's Motorsport department felt it necessary to increase the power output over the outgoing E46 model, while keeping weight at a minimum. A new aluminum V-8 engine was created with a displacement of four liters and horsepower exceeding 410 hp. This was the first and only standard production M3 generation to be powered by a V8 engine as its successor used a straight 6 engine.

The V8 engine was known internally as the S65B40 and its high output would bring the M3 into near-supercar levels of performance, further enhancing the legend of the M3.

During the final year of the E9x generation, BMW offered a limited-production model called the Lime Rock Park Edition, named after the historic Lime Rock Park raceway in Connecticut. A total of 200 examples were sold and all were painted in the 'Fire Orange' color. The interior had a plague reading 'One of 200', and performance enhancements included a faster steering ratio, tuned electronic stability control for higher thresholds, a lightweight exhaust system, a carbon fiber front splitter, rear spoiler, and a lowered ride height by .6 inches.

The engine remained the 3,999cc dual overhead cam V-8 engine fitted with the Siemens Electronic fuel injection system helping to produce 419 bhp at 8,300 RPM. They had ventilated disc brakes, a six-speed manual gearbox, and an independent suspension with front MacPherson struts and a rear Multi-Link setup. Although the factory claimed the same engine pout as the regular production M3, the lightweight Inconel-titanium BMW Motorsports Exhaust was claimed to increase horsepower by 5 hp.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: WBSKG9C53DJ593085

This 2013 BMW M3 Lime Rock Park Edition is one of the 200 examples built and is finished in a bright orange hue over a black cloth and leather interior. It came from the factory with the Competition Package and the Premium Package, as well as heated front seats and carbon leather interior trim. Currently, it has 2,722 miles on the odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: WBSKG9C54DJ593287

During the final year of production, BMW introduced a limited edition model called the Lime Rock Park Edition, named after the historic racetrack in Connecticut. This particular example is part of The Rudy 'Mr. 993' Mancinas Collection and currently has under 4,500 miles on the odometer. Like the other 200 examples built, it is finished in vibrant Fire Orange over a black cloth and leather interior. It is fitted with the M-DCT dual-clutch gearbox and premium package, as well as heated front seats and carbon leather interior trim. The addition of a special Inconel exhaust system adds an additional five horsepower over the standard model. The 3,999cc dual overhead camshaft V8 engine is fitted with a Siemens Electronic Fuel Injection and develops 414 horsepower at 8,300 RPM. There are ventilated disc brakes, an independent MacPherson strut suspension, and an Independent multi-link rear setup.

by Dan Vaughan