To mark the 30th anniversary of this automotive icon this summer, BMW M is launching the exclusive special edition of the BMW M3 “30 Years M3”, which is limited to 500 cars worldwide.

With the launch of the first generation of the BMW M3 in 1986, the BMW M GmbH, at that time operating under the name BMW Motorsport GmbH, revolutionized the sporty mid-range segment. No other manufacturer had previously ever deployed genuine motorsports technology so consistently in order to transform a high-volume production model like the BMW 3 Series into a thoroughbred high-performance sports car that is also fully suitable for everyday use. The first BMW M3 set the standard by which other manufacturers were measured.

A 3 Series with flared arches and impressive power… the first M3.

Around six months after BMW had stunned experts with the world premiere of the new BMW M3 at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in the autumn of 1985, the time had finally come: In the spring of 1986, the first automotive journalists were given the opportunity on the racetrack in Mugello to test the “3 Series supercar”, which looked extremely spectacular not just because of its distinctively flared wheel arches. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine featuring four-valve technology delivered 200 hp. This power unit was an ideal match for the two-door car, which weighed in at only 1,200 kilograms thanks to lightweight construction – the front and rear bumpers, the side sills and the boot lid including spoiler as well as other features were made of plastic. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 146 mph.

When it developed a high-performance sports car based on the BMW 3 Series, BMW was really just trying to find a way into the DTM. The successes of this fascinating cross-breeding of sedan and motor sport genes were, however, overwhelming on numerous levels.

The edition “30 Years M3” builds on the Competition
Package, which is optionally available for the BMW M3 series production model. It comprises an increase in engine output by 14 kW/19 hp to 331 kW/450 hp. Also included in the Competition Package is the Adaptive M suspension, which has been comprehensively aligned to the increased performance. Optimized features also include new springs, dampers and stabilizers, modified characteristic curves of the three modes Comfort, Sport and Sport+ as well as a correspondingly modified standard Active M differential on the rear axle and Dynamic Stability Control feature (DSC). Moreover, the Competition Package of the edition model includes forged 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with 666 M star spoke design and mixed tires (front: 265/30/20, rear: 285/30/20).

All of these measures lead to a noticeable increase in dynamic performance, which is not least also reflected in enhanced acceleration. The BMW M3 “30 Years M3” with optional 7-speed M double clutch transmission sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than the series production model. Even with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the car completes this sprint 0.1 seconds faster than the production model.

The Competition Package upgrades the interior of the edition “30 Years M3” with specific M sports seats in a skeletal design that combine perfect support with distinct travel comfort over long-distances. Seat belts with woven-in BMW M strips also enhance the sporty interior ambiance.

The logo “30 Years M3” on the front door sills reminds both driver and front passenger of the BMW M company icon’s unique history. The wording “30 Years M3 1/500” on the carbon fiber interior trim strip of the instrument panel gives indication of the exclusiveness of the BMW M3 “30 Years M3”, which is limited to 500 cars worldwide. “30 Years M3” is embroidered into the front headrests.

The BMW M3 “30 Years M3” features an exclusive full leather Merino trim in bi-color Black/Fjord Blue or optionally in Black/Silverstone with color-matching contrast seams that effectively underscore the anniversary model’s sporty and sophisticated character.

https://m-power.com/_open/s/editorial.jsp?id=3583&lang=en