The E30 BMW M3 remains the winningest, or most successful, road-racing touring car ever made, dominating Group A and DTM. It made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1985, entering production the following year. That means that 2026 is the 40th anniversary of its arrival at dealers, and since BMW rarely passes up an opportunity to produce a special edition, we expect a big celebration for the first M3’s 40th birthday. Nothing has been announced just yet, so all that follows is pure speculation, but hopefully, BMW fanatics will have an anniversary edition to fawn over before the Neue Klasse takes over with the first-ever mild-hybrid M3 (G84).
The Last Non-Hybrid M3 Could Be the Last Manual M3
James Riswick/Autoblog
The 2027 G84 M3 is rumored to be an all-wheel-drive-only sports sedan (albeit with the ability to switch to a rear-drive mode), and it will likely lose access to the manual transmisson. Therefore, it’s quite possible that the G80 swansong may give enthusiasts a three-pedal setup for the last time. The E30 M3 had a manual, so it would be a nice callback. This would almost certainly mean no more than 473 horsepower, but a driver’s car need not be all about the raw output. Of course, BMW could go the other way, potentially bidding goodbye to the G80 with the same 543 hp of the M3 CS, or maybe even more if emissions legislation allows it, but that might diminish the CS badge, so we think outright output won’t be the chief focus.
Special Colors Are a Must
BMW
The BMW M3 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M, to quote its full legal name, was revealed in 2023 to celebrate half a century of the performance division that officially came together on 24 May 1972, hence the last two elements of the name, and it was available in special Individual colors like Techno Violet (E36 M3), Fire Orange III (E92 M3 Lime Rock Park Edition), Limerock Grey (F80 M3 CS), and Interlagos Blue (E46 M3). A new anniversary edition for 2026 would likely also be offered in a range of hues, and we’d like to see some of the eight offered with the E30. These were Alpine White, Alpine White II, Henna Red, Cinnabar Red, Brilliant Red, Salmon Silver metallic, Sterling Silver metallic, and Diamond Black metallic. More vibrant colors from other generations could reappear, but as a celebration of the E30, these less flamboyant shades make the most sense.
A Specially Reworked Interior?
BMW
To celebrate the E30 M3, we expect the G80’s optional carbon fiber bucket seats to feature in the 2026 anniversary edition, likely with commemorative badges below the headrests. Seats made of plant-based composites could make an early appearance instead, but either way, to truly sell the link to the E30, we’d love to see one of the 11 original upholstery options applied. These included various fabrics, including Uberkaro designs, and a few leather choices, but an M-Technic cloth would undoubtedly be the most nostalgic. Red seatbelts and an Alcantara-clad steering wheel seem like perfect fits, too. Since Bimmers now feature digital clusters, it wouldn’t be too difficult to recreate the E30’s round dials instead of the squared, linear gauges now common on modern BMWs. This may have to be restricted to a certain mode, though, since there’s much more information to convey in a modern car than just speed, engine revolutions, coolant temp, and fuel level. Either way, expect carbon fiber and a plaque or two in the cabin.
More Cosmetic Changes
BMW
Unique badging on the trunk also seems like a given for a special edition, and we’d love to see a larger take on the Style 5 “Basket Weave” wheels that were standard on the original M3, perhaps with a single center-lock nut (the E30 used covers mimicking such a device), while a set of brightly polished exhaust tips from the non-Competition G80 would also add a touch of old school flavor. In the front, the grille openings could be framed in a similar finish, like the chrome kidneys of the E30, though we concede that might appear a little excessive with the G80’s enormous apertures. Maybe horizontally slatted grille mesh for the other front fascia openings would help. But if we’re going wild, let’s go wild — integrate a big wing with a Gurney flap into the trunk lid, and cast a new hood without recesses and with a subtle central bulge (okay, this would require a revision of the bumper, too, but anything is possible in our imagination).
Final Thoughts
Instagram/Mate Rimac
Granted, many of the ideas we’ve put forward are too extreme for what is still meant to be just an M3, and there’s a limit to how much customers will pay for a special edition (unless it looks like a completely different car, as in the modern 3.0 CSL). Reworking too much of the car would be a very expensive exercise that would slow production down and potentially even require specialist assembly staff (again, see 2022’s 3.0 CSL), so if BMW does bid farewell to the G80 with a special edition in 2026, it’s likely that it will only be enhanced with some special paint options, a few badges and plaques, and some extra equipment like bucket seats and perhaps an exhaust upgrade. Perhaps BMW will limit production to 17,184 globally, matching the run of the E30, or 5,300 units like the E30’s North American sales figure. Of course, whatever Munich decides, customers will eagerly snap it up, and we’ll readily and enthusiastically talk about it, but if it were up to you, how should the iconic M3 celebrate 40 years? Let us know in the comments below.
About the author
Sebastian Cenizo
Senior Editor, Autoblog