In January 1995, the BMW M3 Lightweight was launched exclusively on the North American market as a limited special series. It was virtually a replacement for the BMW M3 GT, which was not sold in America. In contrast to the BMW M3 GT, which also differed from the M3 Coupé in its engine technology, the M3 Lightweight had the standard series engine (S50B30US). A package with additional equipment for racing operations was also included upon delivery - but the factory warranty lapsed upon assembly. Only 126 pieces of this extremely rare vehicle were produced.