The BMW 3 Series 50th anniversary is being celebrated in style at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Titled “The Ultimate Racing Machine,” this new exhibit honors five decades of one of BMW’s most iconic model lines. It’s a tribute to performance, innovation, and the motorsport DNA that defines the 3 Series.
A Vault Full of Legends
Housed in the museum’s reimagined James H. Frank Family Vault, the exhibit brings together standout examples from each generation of the 3 Series. From the 1978 320i Group 5 to the 2024 M4 GT4 EVO, the lineup tells a story of evolution and engineering excellence. Each car represents a chapter in BMW’s racing journey.
Motorsport Icons and Rare Street Cars
The display includes legendary race cars like the 1990 M3 Group A DTM and the 2001 M3 GTR. Alongside them sits the ultra-rare M3 GTR Straßenversion, one of only three built. These machines highlight how the 3 Series has shaped BMW’s motorsport identity while influencing its road cars.
Design, Performance, and Innovation
Each generation brought new ideas to the table. From the boxy charm of the E21 to the aggressive lines of the modern M4, the exhibit showcases how design and performance evolved together. The cars reflect changing eras, yet all share the same core spirit of driving precision.
A Celebration of BMW’s Core
BMW calls the 3 Series and its 4 Series siblings the brand’s backbone. This exhibit makes that clear. It’s not just about horsepower or lap times, it’s about the connection between driver and machine. The 3 Series has always delivered that, whether on the street or the track.
A Must-See for Enthusiasts
Visitors can explore the exhibit daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vault access requires a separate ticket, but the experience is worth it. Seeing these cars up close, especially the race-worn legends, is a rare opportunity for any BMW fan.
Summary
The Petersen Museum’s “The Ultimate Racing Machine” exhibit captures the essence of the BMW 3 Series. With 50 years of motorsport milestones and design evolution on display, it’s a fitting tribute to a model that helped define performance driving.
Disclaimer: This article highlights a public exhibition celebrating the BMW 3 Series and is intended for informational purposes only.
