Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW M3 30 Jahre Limited Edition celebrates 30 years since the E30 M3

Special limited edition model celebrates 30 years since the very first E30 BMW M3 was sold

BMW is celebrating thirty years of the BMW M3 with a new limited edition version of the very latest car, dubbed the M3 30 Jahre Limited Edition.

Following in the footsteps of the M5 30 Jahre (super-saloon group test winner in evo 208), the M3 gets a selection of distinctive visual additions, as well as BMW’s Competition Package.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The latter lifts the M3’s standard 425bhp output to 444bhp, with a healthy torque output of 406lb ft. While top speed remains limited to 155mph, it’s enough to launch the M DCT model to 62mph in four seconds flat, or a tenth quicker than the regular production car.

In addition, 30 Jahre models include Adaptive M suspension (suited to the Competition Package power output) and new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. The stability control system has also been revised.

All this goes on under the skin, but it’s the 30 Jahre’s styling tweaks that will define it to the outside world. Each car gets forged, 20-inch alloy wheels of a unique design. Tyres are 265/30 R20 up front and a beefier 285/30 R20 astern.

Where the M5 30 Jahre got a matte grey paint finish, the M3 30 Jahre gets a coat of BMW Individual Frozen Silver metallic, with contrasting high-gloss black elements. The exhaust tailpipes also have a darkened finish and the splitter, mirror caps, rear diffuser and spoiler are all fashioned from carbonfibre.

Inside too there are changes, though none quite match the extreme nature of the M4 GTS range-topper. Instead, driver and front passenger get a set of M sports front seats with a striking two-tone finish and embroidered 30 Jahre logos. BMW Motorsport’s tri-colour stripes can be found on the seatbelts and in the stitching of the three-spoke steering wheel.

Carbonfibre and leather feature throughout the cabin, while a Harman/Kardon sound system joins adaptive LED headlights, BMW M Carbon Ceramic brakes and a head-up display on the standard equipment list.

The cost of this, and myriad 30 Jahre logos, comes to £82,675 on the road – a standard M3 Competition Package will set you back £59,605, by way of comparison. Deliveries begin this summer.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR v Subaru Impreza RB5 WR Sport – homologation heroes go head-to-head
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR v Subaru Impreza RB5 WR Sport
Group tests

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR v Subaru Impreza RB5 WR Sport – homologation heroes go head-to-head

Enemies both on the stages and off, Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evo VI and Subaru’s Impreza RB5 were high points in the history of rally-bred homologation spe…
27 Apr 2024
Abarth 124 Spider (2016-2019) review – a Mazda MX-5 with Italian flair
Abarth 124 Spider
In-depth reviews

Abarth 124 Spider (2016-2019) review – a Mazda MX-5 with Italian flair

Flawed but boisterous; fun and with plenty of character, its problem is a lack of finesse and its dreary engine
23 Apr 2024
Porsche 718 Spyder RS on the Col de Turini – car pictures of the week
Porsche 718 Spyder RS – front
Features

Porsche 718 Spyder RS on the Col de Turini – car pictures of the week

We take Porsche’s 718 Spyder RS on an epic Alpine road trip in the latest issue of evo – here are some of our favourite shots
14 Apr 2024
Secret BMWs – a look behind the scenes at Munich's unseen models
Secret BMWs
Features

Secret BMWs – a look behind the scenes at Munich's unseen models

For every BMW model that reaches the showroom, there are numerous prototypes and concepts that have existed only behind the scenes – until now
13 Apr 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

UK speeding fines 2024 – what are the latest penalties for drivers?
Speeding fines header
Advice

UK speeding fines 2024 – what are the latest penalties for drivers?

Here's everything you need to know about speeding fines in the UK and other possible motoring-related offences
18 Apr 2024
Mini Countryman JCW 2024 review – the most expensive Countryman is our least favourite
Mini Countryman JCW – front
Reviews

Mini Countryman JCW 2024 review – the most expensive Countryman is our least favourite

Mini has tried to make the 1.7-ton Countryman JCW drive like a hot hatch – the result is a compromised, frustrating driving experience
26 Apr 2024
The TWR Supercat is a 600bhp, widebody Jaguar XJS that costs £225,000
TWR Supercat – front
News

The TWR Supercat is a 600bhp, widebody Jaguar XJS that costs £225,000

Tom Walkinshaw Racing has built the ultimate Jaguar XJS, limited to just 88 units and costing £225,000 apiece
30 Apr 2024