BMW was widely criticised, yours truly contributed his 5c worth to the criticism, when the current 4.0-litre V8 M3 Coupe came out. Absolutely nothing wrong with the driving experience of the M3 but we, I, felt the car could be more distinguished from its lesser siblings, most especially from the 335i Coupe.
I’d like to think some of those calls fell on BMW executives’ listening ears because the M3 is now offered in a limited edition Edition model that addresses some of these concerns. The M3 Edition has a few unique styling characteristics that other M3s do not have.
The car’s interior is matched with one of four exterior colours which are Alpine White, Dakar Yellow and Black, all of which are non-metallic. The one metallic hue is Monte Carlo Blue. I was especially chuffed that the Yellow has returned to M3. I just wish I had pictures to show you. After all, what is an M3 with no yellow option?
All four models come with their tail pipes covered in dark chrome, same as the engine compartment lid and side gills. Even the exterior mirrors are coloured black. Special 19-inch alloy wheels are fitted for that extra touch of exclusivity.
Of course the interior, as mentioned before, is matched to the exterior as far as colours are concerned. Carbon structure leather is included while the centre console and arm rests on the doors panels are done in white on the Alpine White and the Black models.
Power remains the same at 309kW (420hp) and torque is still 400Nm. BMW says the M3 will hurl off into the bright 100km/h horizon from standstill in just 4.6 seconds for the M-DCT double-clutch transmission and 4.8 seconds for the 6-speed manual.
The cars are priced at R831 000 for the Black and the Alpine White models while the Yellow and Blue cars cost R837 000. A standard M3 will set one back R762 000.
Only 20 M3 Edition models are coming to South Africa. How exclusive is that?
