BMW is celebrating the 3 Series’ 40th birthday by launching a limited-edition model appropriately called 40 Years Edition. Curiously, the 40 Years Edition is only available in Japan and in Italy.
The 40 Years Edition was designed to show how far the 3 Series has come since its introduction at the 1975 edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Four decades ago, the 3 was exclusively offered as a two-door sedan with a gasoline-burning engine and rear-wheel drive. Today, buyers can order the 3 as a station wagon equipped with a diesel engine and all-wheel drive, which is the configuration that the limited-edition model is based on.
Limited to just 100 units, the commemorative model is finished in Tanzanite Blue Metallic, it rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and it is fitted with the M Sport Package, which gives the 3 a more aggressive look. Each example comes with a numbered luggage set manufactured by Italy’s Piquadro.
Inside, the Italian-spec model gets white leather upholstery on the seats, the door panels and the bottom part of the dashboard, contrasting black leather on the top part of the dash and the door panels as well as piano black trim. Other upgrades include a M three-spoke steering wheel and a small plaque on the center console that’s engraved with the car’s serial number.
The upgrades stop in the engine bay, where the 40 Years Edition is identical to the 320d on which it is based. That means power comes from a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-banger that makes 190 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 295 lb-ft. of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by steering-wheel mounted paddles sends power to all four wheels.
The 320d reaches 62 mph from a stop in 7.3 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 141 mph. It returns approximately 50 mpg in a mixed European cycle.
Pricing information hasn’t been published yet. Similarly, whether other commemorative models will be offered elsewhere around the world is anyone’s guess.
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