BMW marks a significant milestone, the 50th anniversary of its esteemed 3 Series, by unveiling a unique M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Edition. This celebratory model masterfully blends contemporary performance with nostalgic design elements, featuring a curated selection of retro colors and exclusive interior details that pay tribute to the sedan's rich legacy across its various generations.
This limited-edition M340i distinguishes itself through its bespoke exterior paint options, specialized interior finishes, and distinct wheel designs, several of which have not been available on a modern 3 Series until now. Customers have the opportunity to select from five iconic paint hues, each inspired by earlier iterations of the 3 Series, ranging from the inaugural E21 to the E90 models. Each chosen exterior color is complemented by one of three premium interior leather choices: Black, Ivory, or Tartufo. The cabin also features carbon fiber accents and bespoke "3 Series 50 Jahre Edition" badging, subtly integrated throughout. Notably, this edition marks the debut of Extended Merino Leather as a standard offering in the 3 Series.
The chosen exterior shade extends its influence to the brake calipers, which are finished in either a vibrant red or a deep blue, depending on the combination. Further enhancing its distinctive appearance, the vehicle comes equipped with a standard Shadowline Package, incorporating adaptive LED headlamps and darkened grille and lower-intake accents. The M340i 50 Jahre Edition is also outfitted with an M Performance carbon-fiber trunk-lid spoiler, 19-inch M dual-spoke wheels, M Performance exhaust tips, and additional “50 Jahre Edition” emblems adorning the boot.
Despite its classic aesthetic enhancements, the special edition retains the robust performance characteristics of the standard M340i. It is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, augmented by a mild-hybrid system, delivering an impressive 386 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain enables the 3 Series to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 4.1 seconds. Power is efficiently transmitted to all four wheels through a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission.
For those interested in this exclusive iteration, BMW has set the price for the Jahre Edition at $76,375, including destination charges. While the company has indicated that production will be limited, specific figures on the total number of units have not yet been disclosed. Enthusiasts can anticipate the M340i 50 Jahre Edition to become available for purchase in early next year, offering a unique blend of heritage and contemporary automotive excellence.