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This limited-edition BMW M3 celebrates the nameplate’s 30th birthday

Ronan Glon
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BMW M3 30 Years Edition
BMW is celebrating its iconic M3’s 30th birthday with a limited edition model aptly called 30 Years Edition.

The 30 Years Edition is based on the regular-production M3 fitted with the optional Competition Package. This means that it features a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine tuned to pump out 450 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic unit controlled by shift paddles is offered at an extra cost. The M3 hits 62 mph from a stop in four seconds flat in its fastest configuration.

The commemorative model further stands out thanks to a special paint job. Most examples are painted in Macao blue, a color offered on the original M3, but cars delivered new in England are exclusively available in frozen silver metallic. Regardless, BMW has added a number of carbon fiber elements including the front splitter, the mirror caps, the rear diffuser, and the spoiler. Finally, discreet “M3 30 Jahre” emblems embedded in the side gills to inform on-lookers that they’re not walking past a standard M3.

The cabin has been spruced up with an Alcantara-upholstered steering wheel, M emblems woven into the seat belts, and special stitching on the headrests. The seats are upholstered in two-tone leather, and every 30 Years Edition model has its serial number neatly engraved on a piece of carbon fiber trim affixed to the dashboard.

Read more: BMW is building a super M4, and odds are you can’t have one

The BMW M3 30 Years Edition will go on sale this summer. In England, it will carry a base price of £82,675, a sum that converts to nearly $121,000 at the current conversion rate. That sounds like a hefty amount, but enthusiasts will undoubtedly argue that it’s a small price to pay because BMW is planning on building just 500 examples of the special edition model.

While the M3 30 Years Edition will be distributed in select European markets, BMW hasn’t announced plans to offer it on our shores as of this writing. Want one? If you’re in the United States, we hope you have a valid passport.

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