Four prototypes you will never see of the BMW M3 arrive at the model's birthday celebration

A model’s life holds many possible variants. Some of them reach the production phase, but others stay at the prototype stage or even on the drawing board. These designs fail to convince the engineers or do not pass the preliminary tests that assess the usefulness or market impact of the version. The BMW M3 also went through this, and we know that some of these prototypes were relegated to test models and never reached the production phase.

The BMW M3 has turned 30 years old, and among all the versions that have seen the light of day, the celebration will also feature four of those prototypes that never made it. These are rather curious variants that came off the drawing board and took physical form, but never fully convinced. For once, they can be seen and demonstrate that almost anything is possible in the automotive world, but sometimes it is better not to give shape to every idea.

BMW M3 PICK UP (1986)

As strange as it may seem, the BMW M3 also had a pick-up version, which turned this sports car into a utility vehicle for internal use within the plant. Surprisingly, the capabilities of the BMW M3 made it one of the most attractive options for transporting materials within the factory. This version used the convertible body, which suited the characteristics needed for this role.

It used the 2.0-litre engine with 192 CV, although later it was fitted with the base engine, a four-cylinder 2.3-litre unit. For 26 years it was used as an internal cargo vehicle, offering great functionality and fulfilling every task assigned to it. Admittedly, it never reached the commercialisation stage, although it could have been a curious version. In fact, it received an update, which I will tell you about later.

BMW M3 Compact (1996)

This version was aimed at younger customers. It was slightly smaller, weighed less, and the idea was to reduce power to offset this loss of weight and size. However, the prototype that came out of this concept kept the engine, so it was just as powerful as its bigger sibling and offered an impressive driving experience. It never reached production, but the BMW M2 was developed on that basis, so in a way it was seen later on.

BMW M3 Touring (2000)

The BMW M3 Touring was also a vehicle for internal use, created to demonstrate that the Touring bodywork could be adapted to the M3 spirit. It moved into a limited production phase, as proof that this configuration was feasible and that the BMW engineering teams were willing to take on this challenge.

BMW M3 Pick-up (2011)

I have already mentioned that the pick-up variant was used for internal purposes, but after 26 years of use, the model was updated, once again with a convertible chassis. Someone, however, had the idea of using this model to play a small joke on April Fools’ Day, the date which in the English-speaking world equals our Día de los Inocentes.

So it was decided to present it as a production model, as a fourth body version. Photos of the model were published at the Nürburgring circuit, and a press release was issued that day confirming its characteristics. At the end of the statement, it was revealed to be a vehicle for internal use that would not be sold. But beware, because unlike the earlier pick-up version, it was homologated for road use…

The BMW M3 turns 30 this 2016, so several celebrations will take place between now and the end of the year, and at the birthday party these four cars will appear to blow out the candles alongside their production siblings. The BMW M3 “30 Jahre M3” is the version the brand has launched, with a production run of 500 units; it was released this summer to mark the 30th anniversary.

This version enjoys, among other things, engine modifications that raise the model’s power by about 19 CV, up to 450 CV.

Source | BMW