BMW 3 Series M340i 50 Jahre Edition Marks Half Century Glory

BMW will toast half a century of 3 Series heritage next year with the arrival of the M340i 50 Jahre Edition, a bespoke run of just 50 cars crafted solely for Australia and New Zealand. The commemorative saloon lands in the final quarter of 2025, wearing a unique specification that nods to landmarks of the model’s past while showcasing the sharpest elements of its present.

Each car leaves the factory in BMW Individual Anthracite metallic, a colour steeped in 3 Series history, set off by gloss-black 19-inch M light-alloy wheels. The M Sport Package Pro adds red brake callipers, black exterior detailing and a discreet rear lip spoiler, while the cabin gains carbon-fibre trim, M seatbelts and a numbered build plate on the centre console to underline its exclusivity.

Beneath the surface, the formula that makes the regular M340i such an engaging all-rounder remains. The 3.0-litre straight-six continues to deliver 285 kW and 500 Nm through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and rear-biased xDrive, backed by adaptive M suspension and an electronic differential that together balance sure-footed traction with crisp cornering response.

Today’s headline figures make an engaging comparison with the original E21 320i that arrived locally in 1976. That first-generation car offered little more than 92 kW, rear-wheel drive and a four-speed manual, yet it laid the foundations for five decades of evolution from compact executive runabout to the swift, tech-laden sporting saloon we know now.

Orders are open, and the allocation is expected to fill quickly. For long-standing BMW enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the M340i 50 Jahre Edition captures a golden blend of heritage flourishes and modern performance, ensuring the 3 Series celebrates its milestone birthday in unmistakable style.