Classic cars with history: the special editions of the BMW M3 Coupé and BMW M4 Coupé

The arrival of the BMW M4 GTS brings back a tradition that goes a long way back. Special editions based on the BMW M3 and M4, which have been on the market since the launch of these two models more than 30 years ago, are nothing new. The M3 Coupé has usually been the one to receive these enhanced versions, but this time that honour has fallen to the M4 Coupé. This latter model has been created with track performance in mind, and only 700 units will be built, to be sold in the brand’s main markets.

BMW M3 Sport Evolution

Although the BMW M3 Coupé was launched in 1985, we had to wait five years, until 1990, for the special edition dedicated to the model to arrive. This was the BMW M3 Sport Evolution. This version followed all of the FIA’s rules to the letter, so that it could take part in every competition where that was possible. As with the previous car, only a very limited number of units were built: just 600 for the entire market.

This model differed from the basic version through a completely new front bumper. In addition, since it shared elements with the competition version, many of the add-ons could be swapped to change the car’s aerodynamic downforce, which had to be adjusted according to the circuit on which it would run.

Other changes compared with the basic model were the absence of the fog lights, which were replaced by air intakes to cool the front brakes. The fuel tank was replaced with a smaller one, and even the windows were lighter. It was offered in only two colours, Jet Black and Misano Red.

BMW M3 GT

In 1995 the second special edition of the BMW M3 arrived. This is the BMW M3 GT, of which only 350 units were built. It featured a six-cylinder in-line engine with a 3.0-litre displacement instead of the 3.2-litre unit used by the basic models at the time. The changes were somewhat more radical, as the doors were replaced with lighter ones to offer less resistance and make the car faster.

BMW M3 CSL

In this third version of the M3 the initials CSL were used, standing for Coupé, Sports, Lightweight. To achieve the lightness the name refers to, carbon fibre began to be used for some elements. This reduced the weight by 280 kg, and the 360 hp from its 3.2-litre engine made it a remarkable car, even by today’s standards.

BMW M3 GTS

Only 138 units of this model were built, and it had a series of features that made it one of the most impressive versions of the model. Instead of rear seats it had a safety cage, which allows the use of six-point safety harnesses. The bucket seats, together with the redefined front bumper and rear diffuser, give the car a different look.

BMW M4 GTS

The new model uses OLED rear lights and a water injection system for the engine, which increases the engine’s power to 500 hp and a maximum torque of 600 Nm. The engine is linked to an M DKG automatic gearbox that helps transmit that power and reach a top speed of 305 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Aesthetically, the special edition of the BMW M4 Coupé features a front apron, a rear spoiler (both adjustable) and a carbon fibre bonnet, a material also used for the roof, the boot lid and the rear diffuser. These changes have reduced the weight to 1,510 kg. The optional carbon fibre wheels will help remove a further seven kg, so they will improve not only the look but also the efficiency.