2012
BMW M3 DTM
Bruno Spengler
DTM, 2. race Lausitzring.
BMW returns to the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) after nearly 20 years and enters the competition with three teams and six drivers. Among them is the BMW Team Schnitzer, and it quickly becomes apparent that history may be repeating itself. Just as in 1989, when Charly Lamm and his team made their DTM debut, the crew from Freilassing proves to be the benchmark. In the comeback year, the BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM, and BMW Team RMG collectively secure twelve podium finishes. Bruno Spengler alone wins four races.
In an exciting season finale at Hockenheim, Spengler manages to turn a deficit against Mercedes driver Gary Paffett into a lead of four points. With 149 points, the Canadian becomes the fourth BMW champion in the history of DTM, following in the footsteps of Volker Strycek, Eric van de Poele, and Roberto Ravaglia. Additionally, the BMW Team Schnitzer secures the team championship, and BMW takes the top spot in the manufacturer's standings, completing a perfect season.