50 Years of Driving Pleasure: BMW 3 Series Celebrates Half a Century with M340i xDrive Special Edition

From E21 to G20: BMW 3 Series Marks 50 Years with an Exclusive Model

The BMW 3 Series is not just a car; it is a legend that has defined the premium sports sedan segment for five decades. Beginning in 1975 with the E21 generation, the story of the 3 Series represents the essence of the Bavarian brand: dynamics, innovation and driver-centric driving pleasure.

In the context of celebrating 50 years since the launch of the model that made history, BMW decided to mark the moment with an extremely exclusive special edition: the BMW M340i xDrive "50 Jahre Edition".

 
Homage to History through the "50 Years" Edition

The special edition, based on the powerful M340i xDrive, is not only a top-performing model, but also a time capsule that pays homage to seven successful generations.

•     Engine: Under the hood beats the sporty heart - the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, capable of developing 374 HP and 500 Nm, propelling the model from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, thanks to the intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive.
•     Exterior Design: The special edition is distinguished by exceptional visual elements. The 19-inch M Performance forged wheels, painted in bold shades (such as Ferric Grey), and the extended Shadowline package with high-gloss black trim (grille, diffuser, tailpipes) underline the sporty and exclusive character.
•     Heritage Colors: To honor the rich history, these limited edition cars are often offered in colors inspired by BMW M's heritage, such as Avus Blue Metallic or Madeira Red Metallic.
•     Exclusive interior: The cabin receives the premium treatment with individualisation elements. Aluminum inserts, M sports seats in Vernasca leather with blue contrast stitching and, most importantly, metal plaques with the inscription "3 Series 50 Jahre Edition" and a serial number on the centre console or on the door sills confirm the collector's character.

 
The Context of a Legend: From E21 to G20

Launched in 1975 as the successor to the 02 Series, the 3 Series revolutionized the market with the concept of a compact sedan with unparalleled sporty dynamics.

•     E21 (1975-1983): The first generation set the standard, being the first car with a driver-oriented center console – a clear statement that driving pleasure was the priority.
•     E30 (1982-1994): A huge commercial success, which brought innovations such as all-wheel drive and the Touring body (station wagon), and gave birth to the first and most beloved generation of the BMW M3.
•     E36 (1990-2000): It marked the shift to a more aerodynamic design and increased in size, becoming a benchmark premium sedan.
•     E46 (1998-2006): Considered by many to be the pinnacle of classic design and dynamics, it continued to define the segment with its perfect balance between sportiness and everyday usability.
•     E90 (2004-2013): It brought 6-cylinder engines, more powerful and efficient, but also advanced technologies.
•     F30 (2011-2019): Introduced new names and placed increasing emphasis on Efficient Dynamics.
•     G20 (2019-present): The current generation, on which the M340i is also based, combines the latest technologies (such as the BMW Curved Display) with established sporting DNA, continuing to be the benchmark in its class.

The BMW 3 Series has sold over 20 million units globally since its launch, making it the most successful model in BMW history.

 
A Collector's Piece

With the limited edition M340i xDrive "50 Jahre Edition", BMW is not only celebrating a round number, but also offering fans the opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.

This edition, available in extremely limited series in certain markets (sometimes only 50 or 100 units), is a recognition of the impact that the 3 Series has had over the past 50 years: it transformed the concept of the family sedan into a true symbol of performance and driving pleasure.