BMW Celebrates 30 Years of Compact Awesomeness with a Special M3

BMW M3 30 Years (Credit: © BMW)

It’s hard to believe, but the BMW M3 actually turns 30 years old this year. This compact performance rig took the luxury segment by storm way back in 1986 and has remained a force ever since. In celebration of three decades of awesomeness, BMW has released a limited-run M3 “30 Years of M3” Edition.

There is not a ton that makes up this special rig, but there are a few distinguishing characteristics that set it apart. One stand-out feature is its Macao Blue metallic paint, which debuted on the M3 back in 1986. There are also specially designed M gills on the front wings that bear “30 Years of M3” badges. Being based on the M3 with the Competition Package, this limited-run fast sedan gains 20-in M light-alloy wheels, high-gloss Shadow Line trim, and black-chrome exhaust exits.

Inside, this model continues with all the goodies that the Competition Package adds in, like the M sports seats, M strips woven into the seatbelts, and more. Separating this model from the typical M3 are its “30 Years of M3” on the doorsills and headrests, and a “30 Years of M3 1/500” on the dash’s carbon-fiber trim.

BMW M3 30 Years (Credit: © BMW)

With the Competition Package comes extra performance goodies for this limited model. Under the hood, BMW has pushed the output to 450 horsepower—a 15-horsepower gain over the base M3—which drops its 0-to-60 time by 0.1 seconds, putting it as low as four seconds (with the dual-clutch transmission). Helping handle this power is a specially tuned Adaptive M suspension with new dampers, springs, and stabilizers. Three suspension modes—Comfort, Sport, and Sport+–assure this Bimmer is ready for all sorts of action.

If you’ve got your eye on this limited-edition M3, you’d better hop to as BMW will limit it to just 50 units worldwide. BMW does mention that this model will have a €10,000 ($11,155) premium in Germany over the M3 with the Competition Package. It hasn’t announced pricing or availability for the U.S. yet.