BMW is celebrating fifty years of the three Sequence with one thing extra significant than a badge package deal or a brand new wheel end. The 2026 BMW M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Version is a curated, heritage-driven spec that ties the fashionable G20 to 5 generations of the vehicles that constructed the sports-sedan blueprint. And in contrast to current “restricted editions” that felt extra like choice bundling, this one genuinely leans into BMW Particular person, materials upgrades, and efficiency touches you usually need to spec your self.
It is usually, in basic BMW vogue, very restricted and really centered. One configuration. 5 heritage-inspired seems to be. No further choices. And a value that places it squarely into M3 territory at $75,200 plus $1,175 vacation spot.
Nonetheless, that is an intriguing nod to half a century of the three Sequence, and one of the crucial thoughtfully executed particular editions BMW has accomplished in years.
A Heritage Palette That Truly Issues
BMW went deep into its again catalog for the 50 Jahre Version, reviving signature colours from the primary 5 generations of the three Sequence and pairing them with inside hues that really feel correctly thought of. Every model will get both pink or blue M Sport brake calipers, relying on the mix.
The 5 design packages:
| Era | Paint | Upholstery | Brake Calipers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (E21) | Ruby Purple Metallic | Ivory | Purple |
| 2nd (E30) | Boston Inexperienced Metallic | Tartufo | Blue |
| 3rd (E36) | Avus Blue Metallic | Tartufo | Blue |
| 4th (E46) | Carbon Black Metallic | Black | Purple |
| 5th (E90) | Glowing Graphite Metallic | Tartufo | Purple |
For longtime BMW followers, these colours are excess of advertising and marketing names. Ruby Purple on an E21. Boston Inexperienced and Avus Blue on the E30 and E36. Glowing Graphite on the E90. These shades outlined eras, and seeing them layered onto the G20 seems like a quiet reminder of how central coloration was to the id of every era.
Each model additionally receives the Shadowline Package deal with blacked-out trim, darkened adaptive LED headlights, and delicate exterior detailing that retains the throwback paint because the hero.
Correct Efficiency Touches
BMW didn’t cease with paint. The 50 Jahre Version will get the manufacturing facility M Efficiency exhaust, Shadowline finishers, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. The wheels are 19-inch 792M dual-spokes in a bicolor black end on all-season runflats.
Is that this a full M automotive? No. However these touches lastly give the M340i the visible and acoustic presence its chassis has all the time deserved.
A First for the US: Prolonged Merino Leather-based in a 3 Sequence
That is arguably the largest useful improve. For the primary time on a US-market 3 Sequence, BMW is providing Prolonged Merino Leather-based. And it reveals. Whether or not you select Ivory, Black, or the always-excellent Tartufo, it immediately elevates the cabin past the everyday M340i spec.
Carbon fiber trim is normal, as are the Harman Kardon system and BMW’s Curved Show with Head-Up Show because of the included Premium Package deal. Even the door sills and the cupholder plaque get “3 SERIES 50 JAHRE EDITION” markings that really feel extra coachbuilt than gimmicky.
Beneath, It’s the Benchmark We Already Know
At its core, that is nonetheless the M340i xDrive we have now lengthy thought of the candy spot of the lineup. BMW’s 3-liter inline-six with TwinPower Turbo and 48-volt gentle hybrid tech produces easy, speedy torque. Paired with the 8-speed Steptronic and xDrive, the automotive hits 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
The chassis stays the M340i’s secret weapon: balanced, unflustered, and communicative in a method newer opponents nonetheless battle to emulate. Even with all-season tires, the package deal delivers the identical mix of accuracy, compliance, and playfulness that has saved the three Sequence on the heart of the section for therefore lengthy.
Ultimate Ideas
The 50 Jahre Version is the sort of anniversary mannequin BMW used to excel at: centered, fantastically completed, and rooted in model historical past with out feeling nostalgic or pressured. By tying iconic colours to fashionable supplies and efficiency items, BMW has created one thing that feels worthy of the badge.
It is probably not cheap, and it might tempt a couple of consumers away from base M3 territory, however as an homage to 50 years of the sports activities sedan benchmark, it is without doubt one of the most compelling G20 variants but.
In case you’ve been ready for a 3 Sequence that honors its previous with out leaning on clichés, this is perhaps the one.
Gallery
Specs
| 2026 BMW M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Version | |||
| Physique | |||
| No. of doorways/seats | 4 / 5 | ||
| Size / Width / Top (in) | 185.9 / 71.9 / 56.7 | ||
| Wheelbase (in) | 112.2 | ||
| Observe, entrance / rear (in) | 62.2 / 61.7 | ||
| Floor clearance (in) | 5.1 | ||
| Turning circle diameter (ft) | 39.4 | ||
| Gasoline tank capability (gal) | 15.6 | ||
| Curb weight (lbs) | 4,008 | ||
| Baggage capability (cu ft) | 16.9 | ||
| Engine | |||
| Config. / no. cylinders / valves | Inline / 6 / 24 | ||
| Capability (cc) | 2,998 | ||
| Bore / stroke (mm) | 82.0 x 94.6 | ||
| Compression ratio (:1) | 11.0 | ||
| Max output (hp @ rpm) | 386 @ 5,200-6,250 | ||
| Max torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 398 @ 1,900-4,800 | ||
| Chassis | |||
| Steering | Electrical Energy Steering (EPS) with Servotronic perform | ||
| Steering ratio general (:1) | 14.9 | ||
| Tires entrance / rear (std) | 225/40 R19 / 225/40 R19 | ||
| Rims, entrance / rear (in) (std) | 19 x 8.0 / 19 x 8.0 | ||
| Transmission | |||
| Sort | 8-speed STEPTRONIC transmission | ||
| Gear ratios | I | :1 | 5.25 |
| II | :1 | 3.36 | |
| III | :1 | 2.17 | |
| IV | :1 | 1.72 | |
| V | :1 | 1.32 | |
| VI | :1 | 1.00 | |
| VII | :1 | 0.82 | |
| VIII | :1 | 0.64 | |
| R | :1 | 3.71 | |
| Ultimate Drive | :1 | 2.81 | |
| Efficiency | |||
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 4.1 | ||
| High Pace (mph) | 130 | ||
