The E92-generation BMW M3, introduced in 2007, had the odds stacked against it from the onset. Facing the challenges of a worldwide economic meltdown and initial low sales, BMW sought to turn the situation around by creating a unique and America-inspired M3; The Lime Rock Park Edition. This article delves into the creation of the Lime Rock Park Edition, its unique characteristics, initial reception and current demand in the market.
Birth of the Lime Rock Park Edition
Due to decreased peculiar for the E92-generation M3, BMW saw the need to create a special edition to bolster dwindling sales. Tom Plucinsky, head of communications for BMW North America, narrated how Lime Rock Park, a track sponsored by BMW, was selected for this special edition’s name. A conversation with Skip Barber led to the Lime Rock Park Edition’s creation.
The Lime Rock Park Edition Paint Job
The Lime Rock Park Edition is well-known for its Fire Orange color, similar to that of the M3 GTS. However, the original color was meant to be Valencia Orange, akin to the 1 Series M Coupe. This underwent a change when the legal team objected due to the color’s marketing as exclusive for the 1 Series M. The North American Product team developed a proof-of-concept vehicle in Valencia Orange but changed it to Fire Orange when the legal implications emerged.
Features of the Lime Rock Park Edition
More than just a paint job, the Lime Rock Park Edition came with numerous features that accounted for the $10,000 premium cost. Some notable upgrades included carbon fiber fangs at the front, a carbon lip spoiler for the trunk, and an Inconel-titanium exhaust. The interior boasted a flat-bottom Alcantara steering wheel and a numbered plaque. The Competition package that was part of the standard equipment further added to the attractiveness of this edition.
The Lime Rock Park Edition Market Reception
Like many naturally aspirated performance cars at the time, the Lime Rock Park Edition did not fare well upon launch despite its colorful aesthetics and limited production numbers. A $70,995 MSRP for a six-year-old model about to be replaced seemed steep. However, all 200 examples eventually sold, marking the Lime Rock Park Edition as some of the most coveted M3s today.
Rarity and Current Market Value
Few Lime Rock Park Editions come up for sale today due to their limited production numbers. A recent auction in Pebble Beach saw this model going for over $263,200, well above the estimates. This limited edition has resonated well with the market and is now valued much higher than regular M3s.
The Lime Rock Park Edition holds a special place as the “American M3.” Created by BMW’s American arm, bearing the name of an American racing heaven, and offered exclusively to American customers, it truly embodies the American spirit. This coupled with the classic naturally aspirated V-8 engine, a hallmark of patriotic performance cars, makes the Lime Rock Park Edition a unique German-American fusion.