The street legal-M3 GTR has always been a unicorn. People talk about it, but the ultimate E46 is rarely seen outdoors. Only 10 were ever built, and not even BMW knows where everyone is today. This makes listening to the difficult to grasp V8-driven device that breaks its P60B40 engine because the BMW Group Classic Workshop leaves a rare pleasure. The street version went into history as the only street car that used this naturally sucked 4.0-liter unit.
Since the homologation special shared a large part of its engine with the racing car, it is no surprise that it sounds wonderful. We cannot remember having heard the V8 in recent years, which makes this social media contribution to something too more. The striking heart of the M3 GTR exceeded the dry swamp lubrication from the only track version, although the power supply was “slightly restricted”. The reason? Mainly to meet emissions and noise regulations for road traffic. Nevertheless, the performance was still a healthy 346 hp and 365 Nm (269 LB-FT).
For the road version, BMW replaced the sequential gearbox with a six-speed manual. The GTR was the fastest of all E46s and able to reach 295 km/h, although it doubtful how many owners have ever pushed them so far. In view of the exclusivity of the model, only a few would have risked to exploit their full potential.
With € 250,000, the M3 GTR E46 street version found the title of the most expensive new BMW car for many years. This record stood until 2022, when M celebrated its 50th anniversary with the reborn 3.0 -csl, which supposedly cost three times more. The Batmobil reversal in M4 CSL supposedly had a price of € 750,000.
The ultimate collector’s item for BMW lovers came in a fixed specification. All 10 cars were finished in Titan Silver with a black interior with comfort. In order to save weight, the Straßen-GTR-GTR lost its air conditioning, radio and rear seats and brought the weight of curb contact to only 1,350 kilograms (£ 2,976). The reach of this number meant a comprehensive use of carbon fiber for the roof, the bumpers and the massive rear wing.
There are other indications that it is far more special than a standard E46 M3. BMW made a unique bonnet with carbon heat extractors. In addition, the street version also wore the bumper of the racing car, but painted to match the body. All the more reason to name what it really is: a racing car for the street.
Source: BMW Classic / Instagram
