BMW M3 Lightweight (E36), US model

Sale of the sports engines developed for the BMW M3 Coupé were not permitted in the North American market because they were unable to comply with the emissions regulations applicable there. Two special versions were therefore developed that delivered 243 hp (240 US hp). Many technical, visual and equipment details also differed in the US models compared with the ECE models. Nevertheless, North America had developed into one of the strongest sales markets for the BMW M3 Coupé. Production came to an end in 1999 when 21,887 units had been produced. There was also the special series BMW M3 Lightweight which was limited to a production run of 126 units.