As BMW was beginning to wind down E9X M3 production in 2013, they elected to produce a few special models to mark the end of the line. One of these special editions is known as the Lime Rock Park Edition, which was developed to pay tribute to a truly legendary race course. Lime Rock Park is located in Lakeville, CT and is the third oldest continuously operating race track in the United States. Nestled at the foot of the Berkshire Mountains, it is well known for its lush green surroundings and compact layout giving spectators an outstanding view of all the action. BMW announced they were only going to build 200 of the special models, and all of them were painted the same, outrageous Fire Orange paint- a color not available on other M3s, and were fitted with a host of unique options.

This 2013 E92 M3 Lime Rock Park Edition (LRPE) was delivered new to Kelly BMW in Columbus, OH and remained in the greater Columbus area with its first owner until 2020 with a brief bit of time spent in Houston, TX. The car was then sold to a BMW collector in Northern California, who held onto it until sending it to EAG in late 2023. At the time of cataloging, the car shows just 6,175 miles and is finished in the LRPE color scheme of Fire Orange with black wheels and a black interior.

The Black Extended Novillo Leather is found on the seats, doors, center console and lower dash and is accented by the E9X signature carbon leather strip across the center dash area. This car was ordered pretty fully loaded, in addition to the LRPE package, and it also fits the car with the cold weather package, premium package, and enhanced premium sound system. As one would expect from a car with less than 6,500 miles, the interior is in outstanding condition and shows barely any signs of wear on the leather or the flat-bottom Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.

Under the hood sits BMW’s legendary S65 DOHC V8, producing 414 horsepower and revving all the way to 8,400 rpm. As the final naturally aspirated M engine from BMW, they certainly did make a statement with eight individual throttle bodies and VANOS variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust cams. One of the best upgrades on the LRPE cars is the addition of the M Performance exhaust, which really lets the engine sing. This jewel of a motor is paired to a 7-speed DCT gearbox in this example, offering lightning-fast shifts on track and is easy to use in town.

We love the Lime Rock Park Edition M3s at EAG and have owned quite a few over the years. As the end of the line for the E9X series, these cars are also some of the final naturally aspirated M cars ever produced. If that isn’t a recipe for a future collector's item, add that crazy Fire Orange paint, and it seems like a given.