BMW is celebrating 50 years of its iconic 3 Series mid-sizer with the launch of a 50 Jahre Edition special based on the M340i, and it has been confirmed for Australia.
Just 50 examples of the 50 Jahre Edition will be offered locally, based on the performance M340i xDrive. This is the variant powered by BMW’s awesome 285kW 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, paired with an eight-speed auto with all-wheel drive.
To set it apart visually, the 50 Jahre Edition wears BMW Individual Anthracite Metallic paint – a nod to classic hues from the model’s storied past – and rides on jet black 19-inch M light alloy wheels. The M Sport Package Pro is also included as standard, bringing red M Sport brakes, M seat belts, Shadow Line lighting elements, and a high-gloss black rear spoiler.
Inside, the cabin is dressed with carbon-fibre trim and features a bespoke build plate fixed to the centre console. Aside from that, the edition includes all of the usual luxury and sportiness of the regular M340i.
The special edition arrives as BMW celebrates more than 20 million global 3 Series sales, with over 191,000 examples registered in Australia since official figures began. Despite the global shift towards SUVs, the 3 Series remains BMW Australia’s top-selling nameplate.
Beyond sales success, the 3 Series has also left its mark on Australian motorsport, notching up multiple victories in local touring car competition over the years.
BMW has confirmed the eighth-generation 3 Series is currently in development, with more details to be announced in the near future. The M340i 50 Jahre Edition is priced from $127,600 (excluding on-road costs), with deliveries expected from the fourth quarter of this year.
