01 · Overview
Carbon Racing Technology
The CRT arrived a year after the GTS and takes a different approach. Instead of removing equipment, BMW replaces components with carbon fibre: bonnet, bucket seats, rear spoiler and the air deflector element in the front apron. This saves around 70 kilograms, while the car retains navigation, premium audio, DSC with M Dynamic Mode and an Alcantara steering wheel. BMW describes it as the second limited-series high-performance derivative of the M3, bred for the racetrack and approved for the road.
Two things make the CRT unique. It is the only M3 with the 4.4-litre V8 and four doors — the GTS was a coupé. And the bonnet marks a manufacturing first: it consists of two CFRP shells with an aramid honeycomb core and is half the weight of an aluminium one.
In addition, there is a process that BMW used here for the first time: production offcuts from carbon manufacturing are spun into yarn, woven into CFRP mats of any size, and impregnated with synthetic resin. The bucket seats consist of CFRP layers around a honeycomb core made of recycled paper.
02 · History
One summer
- 2011 Unveiled on 24 June at the M Night ahead of the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. 67 vehicles are built.
03 · Model overview
The CRT in comparison
Technische Daten anzeigen — komplette Modellmatrix
| Modell | Motor | Hubraum | Leistung | Bauzeit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 Sedan (production) | S65B40 | 3.999 cm³ | 420 PS (309 kW) | 2008–2011 |
| M3 CRT | S65B44 | 4.360 cm³ | 450 PS (331 kW) | 2011 |
| M3 GTS (Coupé) | S65B44 | 4.361 cm³ | 450 PS (331 kW) | 2010 |
04 · In detail
In detail
Four-door sedan based on the E90 M3
Carbon fibre bonnet with aramid honeycomb core, CFRP rear spoiler, CFRP air deflector element in the front apron, CFRP bucket seats. Paint finish exclusively Frozen Polar Silver metallic with Melbourne Red metallic.
05 · Engines
The engine
S65B44 · 4.360 cm³ · 450 PS verified
The same bored-out V8 as in the GTS. BMW states the displacement in the CRT press release as 4,360 cubic centimetres, while the German Wikipedia gives 4,361 — a rounding difference. 450 PS at a maximum of 8,300 rpm, 440 Nm at 3,750. Exclusively with the seven-speed M-DCT. Unlike the GTS, the CRT is electronically limited to 290 km/h instead of 305.
Technische Daten anzeigen
| Hubraum | 4.360 cm³ |
| Leistung | 450 PS (331 kW), max 8,300 rpm |
| Drehmoment | 440 Nm at 3,750 rpm |
| Getriebe | Siebengang-M-DKG |
| Leergewicht | 1,580 kg DIN |
| Leistungsgewicht | 3,5 kg/PS |
| 0–100 km/h | 4,4 s |
| Vmax | 290 km/h electronically limited |
BMW PressClub T0114560EN
06 · Engineering
Engineering
The carbon components
A manufacturing first
Unlike the GTS
Farbe
07 · Identifikation
Identifikation
The CRT is the more understated sister of the GTS — identification comes through material and number.
- Basis
- sedan only (E90)verified
- Leichtbau
- Bonnet and bucket seats made of carbon fibre reinforced plasticverified
- Motor
- S65B44 with 450 PS as in the GTSverified
- Plakette
- numbered — 67 vehicles totalverified
- Lackierung
- Frozen Polar Silver with accents in Melbourne Redplausibel
08 · Motorsport
Motorsport
The CRT is a road vehicle. However, it was unveiled fittingly for the occasion: at the M Night ahead of the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.
09 · Buying guide
What to look out for when buying
67 vehicles, a single colour combination, a single model year — identification is unambiguous, availability correspondingly low.
The original price of 130,000 euros stated by the German Wikipedia is only singly sourced; we have not found a BMW confirmation for this.
10 · The competition
The competition
Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Sedan
The obvious rival with four doors and a V8 — but without the limited-series character and without the carbon programme.
BMW M3 GTS
The brother from the same limited-series family: same engine, but a coupé, more radically configured and with a roll cage instead of navigation.
11 · Galerie
Galerie
12 · Sources