BMW Celebrates 30 Years of the M3

This year BMW is celebrating 30 years of one of its most iconic cars in its range. The M3, originally released back in 1986, is now in its fifth major reincarnation. It has grown from a 2.3-litre inline-4 to, in its most potent form, a 4.0-litre V8. The current generation uses a 3.0-litre straight-six to produce 431 horsepower and 550 Nm, however Competition Package will grant you access to a further 19 horsepower, bringing to total to a round figure of 450.

It's the Competition Package model that BMW decided to base its special edition on. The M3 30 Jahre Limited Edition features adaptive M suspension, an adaptive M rear differential and seriously striking 20-inch M alloy wheels in an M star spoke design.

Frozen Silver is the colour BMW decided to give the Limited Edition's bodywork and it works a treat. Elegant yet somehow still very aggressive. Black and carbon fibre details can be spotted throughout as well as the words "M3 30 Jahre".

The UK will get just 30 of these cars, and the model's number printed inside on the instrument cluster will remind you of its exclusivity.

A 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system will come as standard as well as adaptive LED headlights, a BMW M carbon ceramic braking system, a head-up display, keyless entry, and a speed limit display which you will definitely need in a car that races to 62 mph in just 4.0 seconds.

As well as a 4.0 second sprint time, the BMW M3 30 Jahre Limited Edition will reach a top speed of 155 mph, electronically limited as usual. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is used as standard, and not that it matters, but you can expect in the region of BMW's claimed 34.0 mpg as well as a hefty tax bill of £270 thanks to CO2 emissions of 194 g/km.

If you're quick enough, the limited edition M3 can be yours for £82,675 this summer - a premium of £26,070 over the standard M3 and more than 3 times the price of a standard 3 Series Saloon!