This year, in BMW land, has been all about the 3 Series. Now that we’re 50 years on from its debut, it’s clear the impact that its had on car culture, the auto industry, and beyond. The 3 was the original, and other models popped up to compete with it, but none seem able to beat it… unless you ask British magazines, which always seem to believe a new small Jaguar is about to take down BMW’s class leader.
As this generation of 3 Series nears the end of its run, to be replaced in 2027 with the neue klasse-based G50-generation cars, a new special edition M340i will begin the runout of the G20 chassis. The M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Edition, named to celebrate the 50th anniversary, has a number of changes that hearken back to 3s gone by.
Like every M340i, this special edition received the B58 3.0-liter turbo straight-six with 386 hp and 398 lb-ft. That’s mated to an eight-speed gearbox sending power to all four wheels. It gets to 60 in 4.1 seconds, crazy quick for what is essentially an M Sport model. This is more of an appearance package that celebrates the history of the 3.
Its available in five colors, each from the first five generations of 3, and each is paired with a specific interior color and brake caliper. The E21-inspired model is ruby red metallic over ivory leather with red calipers. Boston green over tartufo leather and blue calipers is for the E30. If you want the E36 model, you get Avus blue over tartufo with blue calipers. An E46 gets carbon black over black with red calipers. And the E90 gets sparkling graphite over tartufo with red calipers.
These cars all get extended Merino leather, a first on the 3 Series in the U.S., and an M Performance exhaust and carbon fiber spoiler. They are also fully loaded beyond that, with carbon interior trim, bicolor 792M 19-inch wheels, the shadowline package, parking assistance package, and premium package.
If you want one of these special editions, they won’t be cheap. Each example costs $76,375. BMW hasn’t specified how many they’ll build, so if you want one, you better act quickly.
