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Yes, it's true. BMW was this close to production. They of course thought it was a smarter idea to put the M3 engine in a shorter wheelbase car, the M Roadster, than to put it into the Compact... and then the S54 went into the Roadster too. Here's a quick look:
THE CRADLE OF COMPACT SPORTS CARS FROM BMW M.
Even less known than the BMW M3 GT is the BMW M3 Compact. With its unusual combination of characteristically short rear overhang, lower weight and typical M3 ingredients, it would undoubtedly have been the compact sports car of its time. In fact, the model did not go beyond being a prototype. In addition to the significantly shorter body, the interior is particularly striking. The M GmbH engineers decided to do without everything that was not absolutely necessary and instead equipped the M3 Compact with Racaro sports seats and a roll bar. Another interesting detail of the concept car is its four-pipe exhaust system, which offered a foretaste of the BMW M3 E46.
Not mentioned, is that the "M: guys also reworked the hatch with a spoiler that (when further swollen) would end up on the E46 CSL...
A little video I found, which shows the under-hood goodness as well:
I didn't learn of this car, until after I had completed my swap. I couldn't have done the Euro engine any sooner than 2023 anyway, but imagine if they built this thing... with a full interior, it runs about 400# less than the M3. It retains the E30 rear suspension (same as the M Roadster), so very predictable handling. And, despite the appearance, the wheelbase is exactly the same as the rest of the E36 line, unlike the Roadster. Obviously, I'm a fan. But imagine a racing series revolving around the Compact...
Unknown ti racing in Europe. Note GT wing with risers and (apparent) lack of factory support.
Independent ti racer video. I like the widebody kit!
(note photos and video are linked, and may disappear at any time. Maybe they can be permanently attached at some point)
Comments welcome!
THE CRADLE OF COMPACT SPORTS CARS FROM BMW M.
Even less known than the BMW M3 GT is the BMW M3 Compact. With its unusual combination of characteristically short rear overhang, lower weight and typical M3 ingredients, it would undoubtedly have been the compact sports car of its time. In fact, the model did not go beyond being a prototype. In addition to the significantly shorter body, the interior is particularly striking. The M GmbH engineers decided to do without everything that was not absolutely necessary and instead equipped the M3 Compact with Racaro sports seats and a roll bar. Another interesting detail of the concept car is its four-pipe exhaust system, which offered a foretaste of the BMW M3 E46.
Not mentioned, is that the "M: guys also reworked the hatch with a spoiler that (when further swollen) would end up on the E46 CSL...
A little video I found, which shows the under-hood goodness as well:
I didn't learn of this car, until after I had completed my swap. I couldn't have done the Euro engine any sooner than 2023 anyway, but imagine if they built this thing... with a full interior, it runs about 400# less than the M3. It retains the E30 rear suspension (same as the M Roadster), so very predictable handling. And, despite the appearance, the wheelbase is exactly the same as the rest of the E36 line, unlike the Roadster. Obviously, I'm a fan. But imagine a racing series revolving around the Compact...
Unknown ti racing in Europe. Note GT wing with risers and (apparent) lack of factory support.
Independent ti racer video. I like the widebody kit!
(note photos and video are linked, and may disappear at any time. Maybe they can be permanently attached at some point)
Comments welcome!
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