M3 Touring starts at the 24h Nürburgring
What began as an April Fools’ joke in 2025 will actually become a reality in 2026: The BMW M3 Touring is getting a race version and will compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. At the race on May 16 and 17, the BMW M3 Touring 24H is set to be a spectacular highlight for fans on the Nordschleife. This unusual race car will face its first test as early as this coming weekend at the second round of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS).
From social media gag to real racing car
The idea of building a racing version of the BMW M3 Touring had already been discussed internally shortly after the production model’s launch in 2022. However, the decisive impetus came from a social media post on April 1, 2025: BMW M Motorsport published images of a purported M3 Touring GT race car.
The response exceeded all expectations. The post reached more than one million users, and 1.6 million views were recorded. Engagement levels were also significantly higher than usual for BMW M Motorsport’s channels. The overwhelming support from the community ultimately tipped the scales in favor of actually implementing the project.
Development in just eight months
In the summer of 2025, the decision was made to move forward with the project—and within eight months, the BMW M3 Touring 24H was born. Technically, the vehicle is based on the BMW M4 GT3 EVO, but it uses the body structure of the M3 Touring.
Compared to the M4 GT3 model, the touring car is approximately 200 millimeters longer and, with its rear wing, about 32 millimeters taller. However, the underlying technology is the same as that of its GT3 sibling.
A fan project for the Nordschleife
The BMW M3 Touring 24H is primarily intended as a special highlight for spectators at the Nürburgring. The design for the preparatory races picks up on numerous comments from fans that were posted on social media under the original April Fool’s joke. Another special livery is also planned for the actual 24-hour race.
Four BMW works drivers in action
The car will be entered by Schubert Motorsport. Four BMW M works drivers take turns at the wheel:
- Jens Klingmann
- Ugo de Wilde
- Connor De Phillippi
- Neil Verhagen
The BMW M3 Touring 24H will compete in the SPX class, meaning it will not be directly up against the three BMW M4 GT3 EVOs battling for the overall victory in the top category, SP9. Ahead of the 24-hour race, the car will compete in both the second NLS round and the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers.
Yokohama as tire partner
Like the No. 77 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, the touring car will be equipped with tires from Yokohama. For the Japanese manufacturer, this collaboration represents a special project as part of its involvement at the Nürburgring.
Great expectations for the extraordinary project
BMW Motorsport Director Andreas Roos describes the project as unique in the history of BMW M Motorsport and thanks everyone involved who made the car a reality. At the same time, he sees great potential for a spectacular show for the fans on the Nordschleife.
Factory driver Jens Klingmann also highlights just how unusual the project’s origins are: turning an April Fools’ joke into a real race car demonstrates the close connection between BMW M Motorsport and its community. Despite its humorous origins, the M3 Touring 24H is a serious race car with which the team is aiming for a strong result.