2026 Chengdu Motor Show: BMW M3 40th Anniversary Edition lands with just 40 units for China

If there's one BMW M3 you're unlikely to see every day, this is probably it.

The BMW M3 40th Anniversary Edition is now on display at the 2026 Chengdu Motor Show that opens today.

The limited-run model was launched in China on 19 August, with prices starting from RMB 1.038 million (~RM 622,800).

BMW is offering it in both Sedan and Touring body styles, limited to 20 sedans and 20 tourings in China.

Exterior

The BMW M3 40th Anniversary Edition gets a number of subtle changes to set it apart from the standard car.

Up front, it features a dedicated black-framed kidney grille with black LED headlights. The body is finished in the iconic Laguna Seca Blue paint from BMW Individual.

The car rides on black 826M double-spoke forged wheels (front 19 inches and rear 20 inches), paired with blue M Compound brakes.

The 40th Anniversary Edition badge appears on details such as the roof and door sills, marking out the limited-run model.

Interior

Inside, the M3 40th Anniversary Edition gets M Carbon bucket seats wrapped in Merino leather, finished in Silverstone White and black with Polar Blue stitching. The front headrests also carry the "40th Anniversary Edition" logo.

The car also comes with an M multifunction sports steering wheel in Alcantara, complete with a heating function.

The centre cupholder also has a "40th Anniversary Edition" plaque.

Powertrain

The M3 40th Anniversary Edition is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 530 hp (390 kW).

Power is sent to all four wheels via BMW's M xDrive system and an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. Top speed is rated at 290 km/h for the Sedan and 280 km/h for the Touring.