The debut of the BMW M8 GTE in September 2017 marked a notable return to top-tier endurance racing for the Bavarian marque. Developed for the LM GTE category of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, it was BMW’s most advanced GT racing platform to date. Though based visually on the production 8 Series coupe, the M8 GTE was a purpose-built racing machine engineered from the ground up to succeed the M6 GTLM and echo the spirit of the 3.0 CSL, the model that cemented BMW Motorsport’s identity during the 1970s.

The M8 GTE debuted at the 2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona and later took to the grid at Le Mans, competing against some of the most successful manufacturers in endurance racing: Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, and Corvette. Like the 3.0 CSL decades earlier, the M8 GTE was conceived with a dual purpose: to compete at the highest level of motor racing and showcase BMW’s technological prowess.

The heart of the M8 GTE was the P63/1 engine, a race-specific version of the twin-turbocharged V-8 from the production M5 and M8. To meet GTE regulations, displacement was reduced from 4.4 to 4.0 liters, while the internals were heavily reengineered. BMW called it “the most comprehensive project since the development of the power unit for the DTM comeback in 2012,” involving over 1,000 technical drawings and more than 700 unique parts. Key changes included a flat-plane crankshaft, revised combustion chambers, a redesigned turbocharging system, and race-specific intake and exhaust architecture. Depending on Balance of Performance (BoP) constraints, the engine delivered between 500 and 600 hp and was driven through a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Development of the M8 GTE relied on the latest in digital simulation technology. Aerodynamics, cooling, and suspension geometry were all modeled in virtual environments before physical prototypes existed. The result was an extremely advanced car with a carbon fiber reinforced chassis, fully independent doublewishbone suspension, and aerodynamically sculpted bodywork optimized for endurance racing. A new modular electronics architecture offered telemetry, driver aids, and diagnostics previously unseen in BMW GT cars.

Stylistically, the M8 GTE followed BMW Motorsport tradition. Its livery was created by Walter Maurer – the German artist associated with the original BMW Art Cars, including the 1975 Calder-designed 3.0 CSL – bridging past and present through design.

Though it never claimed victory at Le Mans, the M8 GTE enjoyed a competitive career in both WEC and IMSA, including multiple podium finishes and class wins. Its four-year run concluded in 2021, setting a new benchmark for BMW’s subsequent factory racing efforts.

A total of eight chassis were constructed and campaigned by BMW M Team RLL (Rahal Letterman Lanigan) in IMSA events between 2018 and 2021. Among these, chassis 1809 stands out as the most successful – an authentic factory car with top-level results and enduring significance in BMW’s North American motor sports history.

Constructed ahead of the 2020 IMSA season, chassis 1809 made a historic debut at one of the most prestigious events on the calendar: the Rolex 24 at Daytona. With factory drivers John Edwards, Augusto Farfus, Jesse Krohn, and Chaz Mostert behind the wheel, the car secured 1st place in the GTLM class, delivering BMW its first Daytona 24-hour class victory since the V12 LMR’s overall win in 1999. This achievement alone places 1809 in rare company within BMW’s racing history.

Following its landmark win at Daytona, 1809 continued to deliver consistent results throughout the 2020 IMSA season. The car went on to earn five additional podium finishes, playing a central role in BMW and Team RLL’s victory in the Michelin Endurance Cup – a championship based on performance across the season’s four longest races: the Rolex 24 at Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, 6 Hours of Road Atlanta, and 10-hour Petit Le Mans. At season’s end, the BMW entry finished 2nd overall in the GTLM class Driver, Team, and Manufacturer standings, trailing only the dominant Corvette Racing program.

Chassis 1809 returned for one final factory appearance at the 2021 Rolex 24, where it again delivered a strong result: 3rd in class, adding another podium to its resume at the venue of its debut win.

Following its retirement from competition, 1809 remained under BMW Motorsport ownership until early 2022. In preparation for its sale, it was tested at Palm Beach International Raceway by Bill Auberlen, IMSA’s winningest driver and the man with more BMW starts than any other driver in history. This test was both a technical shakedown and a symbolic farewell, underscoring this car’s importance to BMW’s modern racing story.

Reflecting on the car’s sale, Thomas Plucinsky, Manager of BMW USA Classic, remarked: “I only need the fingers on one hand to count the few factory race cars that have left the ownership of BMW in recent years. The BMW M8 GTE represented a money-is-no-object factory GT race car. It is truly an engineering masterpiece. The new owner of BMW M8 GTE No. 1809 will be the steward of a very important piece of BMW history in America…”

In August 2022, chassis 1809 was exhibited at the BMW USA Classic garage during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, underscoring its historic significance. It was soon after acquired by its current owner, a private collector known for assembling one of the world’s foremost collections of GT and endurance racing machinery.

Today, 1809 is offered in excellent condition, accompanied by a comprehensive documentation package, including BMW engineering and setup notes, promotional materials, and the original 2020 Rolex 24 winner’s trophy. It also comes with factory-supplied special tools, a set of spare wheels, and a package of consumables, making it well suited for display and potential use in historic racing or demonstration events.

As the most successful example of BMW’s groundbreaking M8 GTE, chassis 1809 offers a rare combination of factory provenance, championship pedigree, and a well-documented history. For collectors, this represents a singular opportunity to acquire one of BMW’s most important works GT cars – a machine that not only competed at the highest level but triumphed.

*Please note that this vehicle is sold on a Bill of Sale.