SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 29, 2025 – BMW fans, motorsport lovers, and car-curious families have a new reason to hit the road to Los Angeles this summer. The Petersen Automotive Museum has teamed up with BMW of North America to unveil a high-octane tribute to one of the brand’s most beloved icons: the BMW 3 Series. The exhibit, The Ultimate Racing Machine. 50 Years of the 3 Series in Motorsports, is now open in the newly reimagined Vault and will run for an entire year.
A golden anniversary worth celebrating
For half a century, the BMW 3 Series has been more than just a car—it’s been a global symbol of spirited driving, accessible luxury, and everyday performance. Whether spotted at a local racetrack or cruising down Pacific Coast Highway, the 3 Series carries a reputation built on generations of innovation, competition, and driver-first engineering.
Terry L. Karges, Executive Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum, captured the spirit of the occasion perfectly: “For 50 years, the 3 Series has embodied the spirit of competition and innovation that drives the automotive world forward. This exhibit offers visitors a rare look at how BMW’s motorsport DNA has evolved—both on the track and on the street."
Seven generations, seven racing legends
At the heart of the exhibit is an extraordinary collection of race cars—one from each of the seven 3 Series generations. These machines, lovingly preserved and displayed alongside a trio of rare street models, tell the full-circle story of a car born to race.
Among the featured highlights:
- 1978 BMW 320i Group 5 (E21): A featherweight firecracker with a Formula 2 heart.
- 1990 BMW M3 Group A DTM (E30): A fan-favorite from Germany’s golden era of touring car racing.
- 1996 BMW M3 GT-2 (E36): Nicknamed “Greta,” this GT-2 beast dominated Sebring and Daytona.
- 2001 BMW M3 GTR Straßenversion (E46): One of only three ever made—this is the street-legal unicorn.
- 2011 BMW M3 GT (E92): Winner of every ALMS championship category in 2011.
- 2020 BMW M4 DTM Class 1 (F82): A carbon-fiber rocket that pushed engineering to its limits.
- 2023 BMW M4 GT4 (G82): Still in service today, used by BMW’s Performance Center for driver training.
What makes this different from your typical car museum visit?
This isn’t a dry timeline on wheels. Every car here tells a story—from technological breakthroughs to unforgettable wins. Visitors will feel the pulse of endurance racing, the thrill of turbocharged horsepower, and the legacy of drivers who helped shape BMW’s motorsport image.
As Thomas Plucinsky, Head of BMW Group Classic USA, puts it, “The original BMW 3 Series and now the BMW 3 Series with its ‘fraternal twins’, the 4 Series, are the core of the BMW brand. ‘The Ultimate Racing Machine’ exhibit brings together seven of the most successful and important race cars—one from each generation.”
Why this exhibit matters—even if you're not a die-hard car fan
The 3 Series isn’t just for gearheads. It’s the car that likely introduced your neighbor to European driving dynamics. It’s the reason many of us daydreamed about a first “real” car. And it’s still a symbol of balancing sportiness and everyday practicality.
This exhibit helps you see how that legacy was built—not just with luxury finishes or big advertising budgets, but with real victories on the track and mechanical ingenuity.
Planning your visit
- Location: Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
- Dates: Open now through June 2026
- Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Tickets: General admission is $21; access to The Vault (where the exhibit is located) is an additional $28
→ Reserve tickets at petersen.org/tickets
Quick comparison: BMW’s racing roots vs. showroom favorites
While the exhibit showcases race-bred machines, BMW hasn’t forgotten everyday drivers. Here’s a taste of how some of these motorsport icons compare to their street-ready counterparts:
- 1983 320i (E21) vs. 320i Group 5
Street: Quiet, stylish, fuel-injected commuter
Race: Fiberglass-bodied, titanium-sprung track monster - 1995 M3 LTW (E36) vs. M3 GT-2 “Greta”
Street: Stripped-down lightweight for enthusiast drivers
Race: Championship-winning juggernaut with 425 hp - 2001 M3 GTR Straßenversion
So rare, it feels like a supercar—but built from a race car backward.
In short: whether you’re an enthusiast or just love a great comeback story, this exhibit is a full-throttle tribute to one of BMW’s most enduring legacies.
Learn more and plan your visit at petersen.org/tickets