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 Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020