BMW M3 limited edition announced

BMW is offering a special edition of its M3 Coupe and Convertible called the Limited Edition 500.

Based on the previous version of the 3 Series, just 500 of the cars will go on sale. BMW has added a range of extras to make the Limited Edition 500 stand out from the normal M3.

This includes using a laser to cut One of 500 into the dashboard, while the car will also benefit from Novillo leather seating. The seats will also feature contrast stitching, with the colour matched to the exterior paintwork.

There will be just three paint options on offer for the Limited Edition 500 - Imola Red, Mineral White and Santorini Blue. Both Coupe and Convertible models will also come with the glossy Shadowline exterior trim, as well as M-car details on the grille, side air vents, and twin double exhaust pipes.

A set of 19-inch alloy wheels is also included as standard to complete the look. Further options can be added from the usual list, but not the Competition Pack that boosts performance.

The engine in the limited edition car is unchanged from the standard M3, offering 414bhp and a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds for the Coupe and 5.3 seconds for the Convertible. The optional double clutch gearbox drops the acceleration time by 0.2 of a second for both cars.

The M3 Limited Edition 500 costs 55,690 for the Coupe, while the Convertible is 59,785 and both are available to order now. BMW is expected to release at least one more special edition version of the M3 before it ends production.

Tom Webster