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Originally Posted by adc
Actually the real reason is: rules and regulations. AWD is not allowed in those classes, as simple as that. And xDrive only adds around 185 lbs of weight, not as bad as you think.
AWD always helps when you have lots more power than grip - look at WRC, Rallycross. That is not the case with an M3 just yet, but if it had 600BHP perhaps it too would need AWD to make it work well.
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You are comparing the wrong sport.
Regulations are usually there to keep the cost under control, as most indy teams would have no chance to compete against factory teams in that sense.
Furthermore, rallies are based on deep tread tyres with less than optimal road surface conditions and slippery off roads where AWD benefits generally outweigh lighter drivetrain of RWD or FWD.
For endurance races where all of them are held on circuits with smooth surface, however, 50kg weight addition to the drivetrain will cost on back straights and hugely hurt cornering capabilities. Remember these vehicles gave an arm and a leg to get the weight down to 1200kg (e.g. Bentley continental GT.); for them it is better thus to focus on aerodynamics and mechanical grip using widest tyres and track width of suspension within the regulations. Not to mention significantly more fuel used in the long run. Professionals manage traction by their driving skills, not by car's traction control and gimmicks.
Now if you want to put priority on practicality AWD was and is always the answer since audi quattro proved that in German winters. I believe M3's target back in the 90s and early 00s was making Ferrari and porsche equivalents, but the brand has since diluted to follow Mercedes examples.