BMW 3 Series 50th Anniversary Celebration

BMW of North America and the Petersen Automotive Museum have teamed up to celebrate a landmark milestone in automotive excellence with the unveiling of “The Ultimate Racing Machine: 50 Years of the BMW 3 Series in Motorsport” exhibit. Hosted in the Phil Hill Legends Room of the newly reimagined James H. Frank Family Vault, this exhibition is a deep dive into the half-century legacy of the BMW 3 Series as a motorsport icon.

BMW 3 Series Motorsport Legacy Comes to Life

The BMW 3 Series has long represented a perfect blend of performance engineering and motorsport pedigree, and the Petersen Museum’s new exhibit puts that reputation front and center. This curated display features race and street versions of the 3 Series across all seven generations, creating a vivid timeline of innovation and racing dominance. From the featherweight, fiberglass-bodied 1978 320i Group 5 to the high-tech 2023 M4 GT4, each car tells its chapter of BMW’s relentless pursuit of performance.

At the exhibit’s core are seven race cars—one from each generation—accompanied by three pristine road-going examples. These include the legendary 2001 BMW M3 GTR Straßenversion, one of just three homologation specials ever produced. The exhibit’s storytelling format bridges the gap between track technology and road relevance, making it a must-see for enthusiasts who live and breathe performance engineering.

BMW 3 Series Exhibit Highlights Historic Race Machines

Among the standout pieces in this tribute to the BMW 3 Series are:

• The 1990 BMW M3 Group A DTM driven by Steve Soper, delivering 374 bhp at 8500 RPM and showcasing BMW’s dominance in touring car championships.
• The 1996 M3 GT-2, nicknamed “Greta,” a race-winning machine that took home trophies at Sebring and Daytona in the IMSA GT-2 class.
• The 2011 M3 GT from BMW Team RLL, a carbon fiber-clad contender that swept the ALMS championships and turned heads with its blend of engineering prowess and aesthetic aggression.
• The rare and revered 2001 M3 GTR Straßenversion, which still fuels M Division lore with its V8 engine, dry sump system, and CFRP construction.

Each car is presented with historical context and technical details that enrich the visitor experience and celebrate the BMW 3 Series as more than just a sports sedan—it’s a cornerstone of competitive automotive culture.

BMW 3 Series Celebration Runs Through 2026

Visitors to the Petersen Automotive Museum can view “The Ultimate Racing Machine: 50 Years of the BMW 3 Series in Motorsport” through June 2026. Located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission is $21, with access to the Vault available for an additional $28. Tickets can be reserved at petersen.org/tickets.

Whether you’re a lifelong BMW enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the racing soul of the BMW 3 Series up close and in detail.

About The Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

See author's posts