It was written From: "Christopher Marsh" <cmarsh_at_mailer.scu.edu>=20 on Date: Sat, 04 Oct 1997 16:56:00 -0700=20 regarding Subject: M3 Lightweight whats up?

Can anybody provide me with some info
about the difference between the M3
Lightweight and other M3s? =20

I write:

Found on the autocross digest regarding classing the M3 LTW versus = regular production E36 M3s:

Quoth (copieth and pasteth):

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Here is what BMW advertised the car as:

The M3 Lightweight: A BMW Exclusive Edition.

Standard Equipment and Specifications:=20 M3 Lightweight

The following is a summary of equipment and specifications that = differ

from the standard M3:

            0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds (estimated)=20
            Rear axle ratio 3.23 (vs. 3.15 on standard M3)=20
            Special sport suspension settings=20
            Aluminum doors=20
            European aerodynamics: GT front spoiler with adjustable =
splitter
            and aero underbody panel=20
            M rear wing with integrated brakelight=20
            BMW sports seats (instead of standard M3 seats), cloth only=20
            Special interior materials and colors (seat centers =
Anthracite/red
            M cloth; lateral supports and headrest
            unicolored; door inserts are leatherette; interior is all =
black)=20
            Carbon fiber interior trim (center console, glove =
compartment
            panel, door sills, ash trays)=20
            Alpine White with diagonal Motorsport checkered flag design =
only
            available exterior color=20
            "BMW Motorsport International" logo integrated into door =
steps in
            carbon fiber optics; side protection strip;
            glove box plaque=20
            Forged alloy wheels, double spoke M3 design (7.5x17" front, =
8.5x17"
            rear)=20
            Purchasers of the MS Lightweight are also eligible to =
purchase
            a special racing only accessory package=20
               M3 GT race oil pan with dual pickup=20
               M3 GT rear wing=20
               Underbody braces=20
               Shock strut tower brace=20

      Deletion of:=20

            Underbody insulation=20
            Some noise reduction mats and trunk panels=20
            Air Conditioning=20
            Tool Kit=20
            Sunroof=20
            Radio=20
            Speed Limiter=20

Endeth of quoth>>>>>>>>

Installation of the race oil pan I believe invalidates the warranty on = the engine.

I have not verified the above information.Something else not mentioned = above that has been told to me is that BMW dynoed and hand picked the = engines that went into the M3 LTWs so that those engines having the = highest specific output are the ones that made it into the M3 LTW. The = rest of us got just the usual M3 engine. I can't comment on current = prices of new, slightly used, or extensively used M3 LTWs.

Please update or correct me if my information is not correct those that = knoweth the differences well.

HTH

///Marc E.
marce_at_su1.in.net
Indianapolis, IN
BMW CCA # 119596

1995 E36 M3 Red/black, 5 sp man, Mobil 1, K&N, Euro snorkel My opinions are my opinions and that's all they are. Standard disclaimers apply. My employer is not involved, actually, I'm = not involved with an employer at this time. I have no financial interest in any company mentioned, except BMW, some = of whose stock I own <G>.