BMW’s famous “3” appeared in 1975, making this iconic model now celebrating its 50th anniversary. This momentous occasion provided the perfect opportunity for the launch of the BMW M340i xDrive 50 Year Edition, a special edition of the anniversary model created specifically for the North American market.
A total of five exterior design variants are available, with varying body, interior and trim colours. Each version is dedicated to a previous generation of the BMW 3 Series. All versions feature a black kidney grille and air intakes in the bumper, BMW M Shadowline LED headlights, a carbon spoiler and a commemorative badge on the boot lid. An M Performance exhaust system with Shadowline tailpipes and 19-inch M wheels in high-gloss black are also included.
The key interior detail of the anniversary edition is the extended Merino leather upholstery, first offered on the 3 Series in the US. In addition to the seats, there are also leather accents on the door panels and armrests, but not on the dashboard. Other features include carbon fiber accents, a Harman/Kardon sound system, door sill trims and a metal commemorative plaque on the center console lid.
In honor of the very first BMW E30, codenamed E21, the current G20 sedan has a Ruby Red metallic exterior paint, complemented by scarlet brakes. The interior has ivory-colored moldings. The version dedicated to the BMW E30 (this generation debuted in 1982) has a Boston Green exterior paint, complemented by blue brake calipers, and the interior molding is painted in Tartufo brown.
The BMW 3 Series E36, which debuted in 1990, was honored with a special edition, which was also offered with blue brakes and Tartufo interior trim. However, the exterior of this version is painted in Avus Blue. It is this car that is depicted in the company’s photos. The version that pays homage to the E46 3 Series, which debuted in 1997, has black carbon fiber paint, red brakes and black upholstery. Finally, the E90 generation (debuted in 2004) is dedicated to a version that combines a silver Sparkling Graphite paint, red brakes and Tartufo leather interior. The BMW 3 Series F30 (2011) did not receive its own anniversary special edition.
The powertrain is standard, with the exception of the aforementioned M Performance exhaust system. The 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system produces 391 hp and 450 Nm according to US specifications. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic with all-wheel drive. Acceleration to 97 km/h takes 4.1 seconds.
Orders are now open, with deliveries scheduled for early next year. The entry-level BMW M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Edition, regardless of trim level, costs $75,200.
