BMW Engineers Race M3 Wagon at Nürburgring 24-Hour Challenge

BMW is set to make a notable entry in the upcoming 24 Hours of Nürburgring with its M3 Touring, a project initially conceived as an April Fools’ joke in 2025. The decision to build the BMW M3 Touring 24H showcases the company’s commitment to fan engagement and innovation in motorsport.

BMW M3 Touring 24H at Nürburgring 24-Hour Challenge

The BMW M3 Touring 24H will race on May 20 as part of the renowned endurance event. This vehicle, developed by BMW M, is a unique variant designed specifically for the race.

Team and Drivers

• Fielded by: Schubert Motorsport
• Drivers:
  • Jens Klingmann (Germany)
  • Ugo de Wilde (Belgium)
  • Connor De Phillippi (USA)
  • Neil Verhagen (USA)

These skilled drivers are set to compete in the experimental SPX class since the M3 Touring has not been homologated as an FIA GT3 racing car. However, it is still eligible for an overall victory.

Technical Specifications

Mechanically, the BMW M3 Touring 24H is very similar to the M4 GT3 Evo. Key specifications include:

• Engine: Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6
• Horsepower: Approximately 590
• Gearbox: 6-speed Xtrac sequential manual
• Dimensions: 7.9 inches longer than the M4 coupe
• Wing height: 1.25 inches taller than the M4 GT3

These enhancements may offer increased downforce but could lead to higher drag, particularly on the long Döttinger Höhe straight.

Debut and Livery

The car will debut at the Nürburgring during the second round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, following the cancellation of the first round due to adverse weather conditions. BMW has teased the M3 Touring 24H with a special livery that acknowledges fan requests for its production, declaring, “You dreamed it. We built it!” Upcoming races could feature additional livery designs.

Statements from BMW

Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “A project like the BMW M3 Touring 24H has never existed at BMW M Motorsport before. I am thrilled and expect our fans will be just as excited.”

The M3 Touring 24H has been built to match the exacting standards of BMW’s other race entries. Along with this model, Schubert Motorsport will also field a BMW M4 GT3 Evo featuring a strong team of talented drivers.

Other Competitors

Additional entries in the race include two BMW M4 GT3 Evos from Rowe Racing. Key details of their lineup are as follows:

• #1 car:
  • Drivers: Augusto Farfus, Kelvin van der Linde, Raffaele Marciello, Jordan Pepper
• #99 car:
  • Drivers: Sheldon van der Linde, Dries Vanthoor, Max Hesse, Dan Harper

Participants will aim to make a strong showing at this year’s challenging 24-hour endurance race.