The M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Edition celebrates five decades of the 3 Series with subtle flair and limited availability. Here's a fresh take on the model and its commemorative lineage.
At its core, the M340i remains a compelling package: 374hp from a 3.0-litre straight-six, 369lb ft of torque, and a rear-biased xDrive system that propels the saloon from 0–62mph in 4.4 seconds. It’s not a full-fat M car, but it’s no slouch either, think of it as the sweet spot between everyday usability and spirited driving.
What sets the 50 Jahre Edition apart is its visual uplift. BMW has dipped into its Individual palette to offer six distinctive colours: Madeira Red, Laguna Green, Avus Blue, Carbon Black, Deep Green, and Citrin Black. These are paired with 20-inch forged M Performance wheels and Merino leather upholstery as standard. There’s also subtle badging to mark the occasion, and mention of an M Performance exhaust, though it’s unclear whether that’s new or simply highlighted.
This isn’t the first time BMW has rolled out a “Jahre” edition. The term “Jahre” (German for “years”) has been used across various M models to mark milestones, including:
M3 30 Jahre Edition (2016): Celebrating 30 years of the M3, this limited run featured bespoke paintwork (Macao Blue), unique interior trim, and a power bump to 450hp.
M5 30 Jahre Edition (2014): A more aggressive affair, with 600hp and only 300 units produced globally. It came in Frozen Dark Silver and included every performance upgrade BMW could throw at it.
M4 50 Jahre BMW M Edition (2022): Released to mark 50 years of BMW M, this edition offered exclusive colours, unique wheels, and commemorative badging across various global markets.
Compared to those, the M340i 50 Jahre is more subtle, less about performance tweaks, more about aesthetic distinction. It’s a clever move: the M340i has always been a bit of a sleeper, and this edition gives it just enough visual punch to stand out without stepping on the M3’s toes.
Sadly, for British enthusiasts, this particular model won’t be making its way to UK showrooms. But it’s a reminder of how BMW continues to honour its legacy, not with overblown fanfare, but with thoughtful touches that speak to long-time fans.