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

2027 BMW M3 – everything we know about M’s Audi RS5 rival
BMW M3 EV
News

2027 BMW M3 – everything we know about M’s Audi RS5 rival

The electric version of the next-generation BMW M3 is now officially coming in 2027, leading the way for a new era of M cars. Now we know how it will …
3 Sep 2026
BMW M Concept Neue Klasse: Why 1000bhp 'makes no sense' in the next BMW M3
 BMW M Concept Klasse front
News

BMW M Concept Neue Klasse: Why 1000bhp 'makes no sense' in the next BMW M3

It's a preview for the electric M3, that will be sold alongside a petrol version
30 Jun 2026
BMW M’s six-cylinder petrol engine saved. Here’s how the S58 will beat emissions regulations
BMW M4 – engine
News

BMW M’s six-cylinder petrol engine saved. Here’s how the S58 will beat emissions regulations

The BMW M six-cylinder will live on, with unchanged power outputs but emissions reduced enough to make it Euro 7 compliant. Here’s how.
28 May 2026
BMW M3 CS Handschalter has a manual gearbox but we can’t buy it
BMW M3 manual
News

BMW M3 CS Handschalter has a manual gearbox but we can’t buy it

BMW’s waving off the M3 with a manual version of the hardcore CS. Sadly, it’s not coming to the UK
18 May 2026
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Polestar 3 review – electric SUV updated to face the BMW iX3
Polestar 3
In-depth reviews

Polestar 3 review – electric SUV updated to face the BMW iX3

Polestar’s stylish electric SUV has big competition now from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, so an update was in order
18 Sep 2026
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 NC offers V6 power for less than a new 1.5
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 NC
News

Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 NC offers V6 power for less than a new 1.5

Rocketeer’s turned its genius to the maligned NC MX-5 and created what’s sure to be a sweetheart of a V6 sports car
17 Sep 2026
Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week
Mazda MX-5 v Alpine A290
Features

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week

Alpine’s A290 is under consideration by evo contributor Peter Tomalin as a replacement for his MX-5. A comparison is in order…
19 Sep 2026