The chosen few!
When it comes to BMW, special makes and models are a given! But take a look at the top five, which stand out for a variety of reasons, whether it’s engine power, stylish appearance or pure driver satisfaction. See what specifications suit your personal needs and style, and make that top choice. Check out the chosen few and what they are all about!
Here’s more…
The 2022 BMW M5 CS — A beautiful lightweight!
In this top-spec M5 super sedan, there is plenty to be excited about. Standing out primarily for the fact that it was presented as 230 pounds lighter than the 4,243-pound M5 Competition, this model represents a big move in the right direction!
The reason the pounds dropped were due in large part from removing the sound-deadening material and swapping the luxury-grade thrones for the lightweight racing-style front seats from the M3. To make the handling of this lighter M5 superb, BMW wrung 10 extra horsepower out of the Competition’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8. Speed demon it is with this M5, with 627 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque churning through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive resulting in a jump to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds.
This vehicle also boasts more steering feedback, aggressive tires and revised dampers.
BMW M3 Lime Rock Pro Edition — True collector’s item!
Car collectors listen up! This edition is a must-have and for many more reasons than one! Striking in appearance beginning with its Fire Orange paint scheme and elite in that it is one of just 200 examples produced, the M3 Lime Rock Pro Edition is a true stand out. Sitting atop 19-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires, the vehicle features a clear paint protection film that has been applied across the front bumper, hood, fenders, mirror caps, headlights and wheel arches.
Drivers and passengers alike enjoy the comfort of heated and power-adjustable front seats which are clad in Antracite Speed Cloth and supple black novella leather. The remainder of the cabin is also trimmed in black leather with other notable features the dual-zone climate control, cruise control and memory settings for the driver’s seat.
Perfectly equipped with the Competition Package, this M3 has a lower ride height and its Electronic Damping Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems have been retuned.
Powerful on the open road, the Lime Rock Pro Edition is presented with a 4.0-liter naturally-aspired V8 that brings forth 414 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission and is also equipped with a lightweight Inconel and titanium exhaust.
E46 M3 GTR — Exclusivity at its finest!
Born in early 2001, the E46 M3 GTR holds the title of the first M3 in the automaker’s history to come equipped with a V8 engine. In fact, its only reason for being made was to abide by the Le Mans rules which stated the any vehicle raced must be produced in certain numbers for a certain length of time before the racing car starts its season.
To fulfill this rule, BMW presented for sale 10 road-going M3 GTR models, each for a steep $250,000 price tag. This road car put forth 380 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, with power transmitted through a racing style twin-disc clutch to a 6-speed manual gearbox and variable locking M differential.
With an extensively stiffened chassis and a suspension set up that was all-out sporty, the M3 GTR boasts an extended and re-designed front and rear fascia with a rear wing that optimized the aerodynamics by reducing lift.
This vehicle was also a prime example of extensive weight reduction measures, made clear in the carbon fiber reinforced plastic construction of the roof, rear spoiler, hood vents, front and rear facias. Inside was also an example of lightweight construction, with Recaro leather-covered ring seats, the removal of the rear seat and special M3 GTR sill plates.
This vehicle is a true racing machine!
2016 M4 GTS — Waterworks means power!
BMW used water in this GTS’s S55 twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine to bring all-out power to those lucky enough to get behind the wheel! But it’s not just this water injection that makes this vehicle stand out! This hopped-up M car has the exclusivity of never being sold in the U.S. before now.
Power is brought forth and impressive in a 4.4-liter V-8, and while water injection was not a new concept, it was surely an effective means of cooling the intake charge of a boosted engine. Experts say that injecting liquid into the hot chamber cools the intake charge by about 77 degrees in most circumstances, with the most extreme cases cutting heat to a temperate 120 or 140 degrees.
By lowering the intake temperatures, the automaker was able to prevent engine knock and the unwanted detonation of fuel while serving to boost power for the turbos, 21.6 psi versus 17.2 in the regular M4 to be exact. The result is a whopping 493 hp.
It is important to note that water injection is active only above 5,000 rpm and under full load, resulting in street drivers needing to rehydrate less often.
This vehicle holds a six-figure price tag, twice the price of the base M4 and due to its pursuit of all-out track performance.
This GTS also features carbon-ceramic brake rotors, a carbon-fiber hood, roof, strut brace, driveshaft, rear wing, front splitter and rear bulkhead. It is sharp with an orange-painted four pant roll cage in place of the back seat. It sits atop Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires making it race-track ready while helping to enliven the M4 steering.
1995 M3 light weight — Pure and simple!
With no luxurious animal hides or the rich smells realized when entering a new BMW, the M3 from 1995 is simple in its luxury! Boasting lightweight aluminum doors and adjustable front splitter plus small wing mirrors, the M3 has a decidedly straightforward appearance and is lighter than the standard road going E36 by 200 pounds for a total of 3,150 pounds.
A simple engine compartment stripped of lining as well as air conditioning compressor and all its plumbing, the M3 also has a console trimmed in carbon fiber.
Its limited production — around 100 — holds great appeal, and it was surely lightweight in its day. The M3 made 240 hp from the M50 3.0-liter I-6. The vehicle’s shifter has a stellar feel, with the shortened 3.23 final drive ratio making the most of the 225 pound-feet of torque.
Known for their Aline White exterior, every M3 Lightweight was adorned with a vinyl BMW Motorsport-colored checkered flag running across the left corner of the nose and right corner of the tail. Noticeable and a key feature at back is the wing, with adjustable front splitters.
The M3 sits atop modern Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tired and polished aluminum wheels, with their timeless deign.
Sweet on the road and simple in design, drivers of this model don’t even miss the air conditioning. Bare bones and chock full of character, this model is one that you will not forget anytime soon!
Take a moment to see what each of these top five models have in store. From extra boosts of power to design cues and key features, there’s a reason these are the chosen few!
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