Few cars carry the same emotional resonance as the BMW 3 Series. For five decades, it has represented the essence of driving pleasure — agile, balanced, rewarding, yet practical enough to be lived with every day. First launched in 1975 to succeed the BMW 02 Series, the 3 Series carved a new category for itself: the sports sedan that could do it all. Over seven generations, it has grown from a compact two-door into a sophisticated line-up of sedans and performance models, each one staying true to the original promise of connecting driver and machine.
The 3 Series has become BMW’s most successful model line worldwide, with over 16 million units sold. From the cult status of the E30 and the motorsport glory of the M3, to the refined comfort of the long-wheelbase versions that cater to markets like China and India, the 3 Series has adapted to changing times without losing its driver-centric soul. In India, too, the car has always had a loyal following. For many enthusiasts, owning a 3 Series was the first step into the world of premium motoring, and it continues to be the model that captures the spirit of BMW better than any other.
The M340i celebrates five decades of 3 Series performance.
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Special Arrangement
This year, as the badge celebrates its 50th anniversary, BMW India is celebrating with something very special: the ‘50 Jahre’ Editions of the BMW 330Li M Sport and the BMW M340i. These are not mass-market models; they are collectibles. Just 50 units of each will be offered, making a total of 100 cars that stand apart not just for what they represent, but for how they’ve been finished.
The 330Li M Sport ‘50 Jahre’ Edition brings an added dose of flair to the long-wheelbase sedan launched in India in 2021. Already the most spacious car in its class, the Li has been a popular choice for those who want rear-seat comfort with a dash of dynamism. The ‘50 Jahre’ treatment enhances its personality further. The M High-Gloss Shadowline adds a darker, sportier look to the kidney grille, window surrounds, diffuser and tailpipes. Inside, there’s a carbon fibre trim, a BMW head-up display with 3D augmented navigation, and the unmistakable exclusivity of the laser-engraved 1/50 badging on the B-pillar. Available in Mineral White, Skyscraper Grey, and M Carbon Black, it looks every bit as special as its anniversary tag suggests.
Distinctive design cues honour the 3 Series legacy.
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Special Arrangement
If the 330Li appeals to the sensible side of the brain, the M340i ‘50 Jahre’ Edition tugs firmly at the heart. Since its launch in 2021, the M340i has built a cult status in India — not only is it the fastest locally produced internal-combustion BMW, sprinting to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, it is also the brand’s best-selling performance model in the country. For its anniversary edition, BMW has layered on exclusive details: ‘50 Jahre’ emblems and hubcaps, blacked-out M badging, a laser-engraved B-pillar marking its 1-of-50 status, and a special M Performance key fob. Customers even receive a 1:18 scale model of the BMW 3.0 CSL, a subtle nod to the motorsport heritage that gave the 3 Series its edge.
Under the skin, the M340i remains the enthusiast’s choice: a straight-six turbocharged petrol engine pushing out 374 hp and 500 Nm, paired with xDrive all-wheel drive, M Sport differential, and a soundtrack courtesy of the M Sport exhaust. But it isn’t just about straight-line speed — the chassis tuning, variable sport steering, and M Sport brakes make it an engaging drive whether on city roads or twisty mountain passes. In essence, it’s a performance car that still works perfectly as a daily driver, which is exactly what has kept the 3 Series relevant for 50 years.
Limited to 100 units, these editions are built for collectors.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
These two ‘50 Jahre’ Editions are more than just cosmetic packages. They are a celebration of an enduring story. For BMW, the 3 Series is not just a model line — it is a cultural reference point, a car that defined the modern sports sedan, and one that continues to attract fans across generations. In India, the M340i has proved that performance has an eager audience, and where the 330Li has shown that long-wheelbase luxury still has room for sportiness, these limited runs are fitting tributes.
Fifty years is a milestone that few cars achieve. The 3 Series has not only achieved it, but has done so while remaining at the centre of BMW’s identity. As enthusiasts look back on the E30s, E36s, and E46s with nostalgia, the ‘50 Jahre’ Editions remind us that the 3’s story is far from over.
And in case you’re wondering — exclusivity does come at a price. The BMW 330Li M Sport ‘50 Jahre’ Edition is priced at ₹64 lakh (ex-showroom), while the BMW M340i ‘50 Jahre’ Edition comes in at ₹76.9 lakh (ex-showroom). Only 50 units of each will ever be made available, exclusively through BMW’s online shop. In a country where the 3 Series has long been the aspirational dream, these are destined to become prized possessions.
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Published – August 21, 2025 03:33 am IST
