BMW is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the high-performance M3.
The original BMW M3 was developed as a homologation special to enter the World, European and German Touring Championship (DTM), but it resulted in a new division for BMW that specialized in high-performance models. At the time, it operated under the name BMW Motorsport GmbH, but has since become the BMW M GmbH we all know and love.
To mark the 30th birthday of this automotive icon, BMW is offering 500 units of the limited edition 2017 BMW 30 Jahre M3, with 150 units destined for U.S. shores. It will have a starting price tag of $84,245 including destination, while the dual-clutch transmission will cost $2,900 additional.
Paying tribute to the original M3 is no easy task, but this special edition model will come in the exclusive BMW Individual color, Macao Blue metallic. The same shade once celebrated its premiere in Europe as an option for the last and most powerful version of the first generation of the Sport Evo BMW M3. The limited edition model also boasts BMW Individual Full Merino leather in bi-color Black/Fjord Blue with color-matching contrast seams. The exterior is also highlighted by BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line trim found on the kidney frame, rear M3 designation and the sports exhaust system with black chrome tips.
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Highlighting the unique and limited production, there are special “30 Jahre M3” logos embroidered inside the cabin, while exclusively designed M gills bear the logo as well as the doorsill finishers, interior trim finishers in carbon fiber with Black Chrome accents and the embroidered front headrests.
Power output has been enhanced by 19 horsepower to 444 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque and also included in the Competition Package is the Adaptive M suspension. On all four corners are 20-inch forged light alloy wheels. When equipped with a manual transmission, the result is a four-second flat zero-to-60 time, while the optional M double-clutch transmission does the sprint in 3.8 seconds.
The 2017 BMW 30 Jahre M3 will be available at selected dealers starting this month.