It was meant to be nothing more than a bit of fun on the BMW M social media channels. But nobody could have foreseen the reaction online to the 3D renderings – created using graphics software – of a GT race car based on the BMW M3 Touring. The BMW M3 Touring 24H – a competitive GT3 race car with a body style highly unusual in motorsport – not only remained firmly lodged in the minds of many M fans, but also inspired a plan to bring it to life among those who knew how such a project could actually work: the development engineers at BMW M Motorsport.
The feedback was overwhelming.
WHAT IF ...
WHAT IF ...
The BMW M3 Touring as a race car: an “estate car” built for international GT racing and what is perhaps the most competitive GT grid of all time. Could it work? The images unveiled to the public on 1 April 2025 certainly gave that impression. But, as we all know, one can dream of many things. In any case, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the images was very real.
To be honest, I think the fans were the ones who made it possible for us to actually implement the car. Because if they hadn’t reacted so positively, the car would never have existed.
We had a very, very tight schedule. But it worked simply because everyone was there.
TECHNOLOGY FROM TWO VEHICLES.
TECHNOLOGY FROM TWO VEHICLES.
By September 2026, all the necessary arrangements had been made, the contracts signed, and the technicians, engineers and prototype developers were ready to go.
But the initial challenge for the team was to adapt the technology from the BMW M4 GT3 EVO to the body shape of the BMW M3 Touring. Whilst many elements of the GT3 front end could be carried over, from the A-pillar onwards many parts had to be redeveloped to meet the demands of motorsport. In addition, a narrower driver’s door and a completely new aerodynamic design for the rear were critical aspects of the development process.
To build a car that looks like a race car, but falls apart after three kilometres, wasn’t an option.
BUILT IN 8 WEEKS.
BUILT IN 8 WEEKS.
And it had to be done quickly: the actual construction of the model was carried out in an area strictly separated from the rest of the BMW M development workshop. In just eight weeks, the vehicle was standing on its own wheels. And just a few days later, it was already on the tarmac.
FEASIBILITY TESTS IN MIRAMAS.
FEASIBILITY TESTS IN MIRAMAS.
In February 2026, the first tests under real-world conditions took place: at the BMW Group test track in Miramas, France, the newly built BMW M3 Touring 24H first rolled slowly, then increasingly faster, around the circuit. The focus there was on further developing the aerodynamic balance and cornering behaviour.
Among those responsible were BMW M works drivers Jens Klingmann and Max Hesse. Both immediately noticed the extremely stiff chassis that the Touring body brings with it compared to the familiar BMW M4 GT3. Naturally, this resulted in several advantages and disadvantages. The developers had to address the disadvantages in the wind tunnel. After all, the aim remained to make this extraordinary race car so competitive that it could challenge for victory in any race.
Accompanied by enthusiastic comments from fans: the BMW M3 Touring 24H sported this livery at its first rollout, and this is how it appeared at the subsequent NLS2 on the Nordschleife.
WHAT’S POSSIBLE ON THE TRACK …
WHAT’S POSSIBLE ON THE TRACK …
Just one month later, the first test under competitive conditions was due: at the NLS2 on the Nordschleife, the drivers were not only able to experience first-hand how the BMW M3 Touring 24H performs, but important further fine-tuning of the tyres could also be carried out.
… AND WHAT HAPPENED OFF THE TRACK.
… AND WHAT HAPPENED OFF THE TRACK.
The reactions of the spectators at the track were also particularly impressive for the whole team: whether on the starting grid, in the pit lane or at full racing speed, it quickly became clear to everyone that this Touring model turns heads, thrills the crowds on every lap – and remains in the memory long after the race has ended.
TAKING ON THE GT COMPETITION WITH THE ‘ESTATE CAR’.
TAKING ON THE GT COMPETITION WITH THE ‘ESTATE CAR’.
One team, one car, multiple goals: the 2026 Nürburgring 24-Hour Race demanded the full concentration of the entire team right from the first practice session. It wasn’t just the difficult and extremely changeable weather conditions – ranging from dry conditions to downpours, hail and temperatures around freezing – that formed part of the challenge. The gnawing realisation that only a few spare parts existed for this unique race car also contributed to the pressure, which weighed heavily on the drivers Jens Klingmann, Connor De Phillippi, Neil Verhagen and Ugo de Wilde. The team’s objectives were varied: they wanted to be fast – aiming for at least a top-10 finish – but the car had to cross the finish line at all costs. Just how fast would the ‘Green Hell’ and the tough competition really allow them to go?
Of course we wanted to be in the top ten, but I also think that each of us had the dream of standing on the podium.
THE FASTEST BMW IN THE FIELD.
THE FASTEST BMW IN THE FIELD.
On race day, things turned out somewhat differently than expected: the BMW M3 Touring 24H was not only significantly faster than anticipated, it also coped better with the cold and wet conditions than other cars in the field. At times, Neil Verhagen and Connor De Phillippi were faster than the teams driving the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. The spectacular overtaking manoeuvres, the full-throttle run through the Eifel night and an impressive save by Jens Klingmann at the Aremberg bend due to an oil spill sparked wild enthusiasm amongst the motorsport fans in the stands and in front of their screens.
I think it’s a project that will go down in the history of BMW M, an estate car that has never existed as a race car on this level.
A ONE-OF-A-KIND EXAMPLE IN A COLLECTOR’S HANDS.
A ONE-OF-A-KIND EXAMPLE IN A COLLECTOR’S HANDS.
He recognised the potential of this unique race car early on and has been part of its journey from the very beginning: M enthusiast and car collector Rainer Bonnetsmüller is set to add the BMW M3 Touring 24H to his exclusive collection.
It’s a shame that the car doesn’t race anymore, isn’t it?
