Lightweight mania continues, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re without options. You could try one of two things; on the one hand, you could buy a track-ratted, rusted, and incomplete factory example for about $18,000 in need of a total restoration.
Sound like a solid plan?
If not, you could consider this car. Now, first off, this car is NOT a real Lightweight. But it’s got the same body, the same color, Lightweight-style modifications, and while not hand-picked, the same drivetrain. It’s got some tasteful upgrades on the interior, too. And at the end of the day, it’s still an M3. To top it off, this tribute will set you back a bit over $1,000 less than the real-deal basket case that was on BaT last month. What’s the catch?
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight Tribute on eBay
Year: 1995
Model: M3
VIN: WBSBF9321SEH01561
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 106,254 mi
Location: Denver, Colorado
Price: $16,900 Buy It Now
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW’s in-house motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. M3 models have been produced for every generation of 3 Series since the E30 M3 was introduced in 1986.
Source: Wikipedia.com
SPECIFICS / BUILD INFORMATION
EXTERIOR
Clean factory white exterior
Factory BMW M wheels
Tinted windows
M3 lightweight Factory Graphics
M3 lightweight Spoiler
Red Brake Calipers
INTERIOR
Two Tone interior with M Stitching
Suede Inserts on seats and door panels
Factory Correct gauges and markings
Clean Carpet with M3 Floor Matts
MECHANICAL
3.0L I6 EF S50
5 Speed ZF Transmission
Limited slip dif
M over-sized brakes
Four wheel disc brakes
Cold air conditioning
DISCLOSURE
Salvage Title
-Cosmetic: There are a few chips / imperfections in the paint (See detailed pictures).
-Mechanical: Please refer to the 28 point inspection report located in the photos above.
It’s got a salvage title. So it would be interesting to hear what the background of that is, because otherwise this car looks great and the modifications really work. You probably won’t be able to afford a Lightweight this clean anytime soon, and if you can, you probably will fear driving it because you’ll be hurting the value. As a result, as long as there is no hidden serious damage, this car looks like the type of car that will get you a lot of attention, isn’t over-the-top, and should provide a great driving experience without breaking the budget. With E36 prices heading upwards, this might be a great way to jump into a solid driver-quality car that can be enjoyed.
-Carter
I’m a sucker and a believer in values, but how much the price for imitating the “Lightweight” look? It’s the dreaded questions you’ll always have to ask and those just become cumbersome.
If you don’t plan on ever selling it, then no bother. But if you plan on displaying it at shows, hoping for an increase in value or whatever, you’re always going to have to answer “the questions” (is it real? Why does it have a salvage title? Etc).
But if you ARE going to make a unique car, why not just make it TRULY unique and go really crazy (or sleeper subtle) with it? Imitation just begs comparison and scrutiny that you won’t win.
My pre-coffee $0.02.
Lightweight is a good name for these as they are pretty weak. All hat no cattle. People paying stupid money for a 240hp US M3 (which incidentally should have been called 330is and not M3) with a few pounds taken out plus a wing and sticker package, and a plaque. Collectors love them. If you want a real M3 wait for the euro cars (286 hp and later 321 hp real ITB M engines) to start tricking into the US now that they are 25 years old. They can be had for a fraction of the “M3 Lightweight”. As for this clone I guess it’s cool, if you’re into that sort of thing.
+1 on what Greg said. It’s a true shame what BMW did to us with the E36 M3.
Good marketing idea to sell a salvage title M3. Over priced. Worth $10k at best IMHO. Does it have aluminium doors?
They sure had no problem attaching themselves to Paul Walker, didn’t they!
The salvage title could be due to hail. If this were a few years ago, and just a standard 100K+ mile M3, I could see them writing it off due to damage. Just speculating.
And +1 to what Greg said again. Especially at altitude.