When it comes to wheels, black is the new alloy, especially for BMW. Last week a Sytner salesman told me that any car fitted with black wheels commands a premium over any with a more traditional look and this probably explains why the new, limited ‘Edition’ version of the M3 can be ordered this way. You can also have the 19-inchers with either a brushed metal or polished with white highlights finish, but BMW obviously reckon black will be the colour of choice as both cars on their test fleet have them.
The only non-cosmetic change for the M3 Edition is a small 10mm drop in ride height which as well as allowing the car to corner a little crisper, helps those new wheels fill the arches. We’ll have to wait for another time to discover what effect this has had on ride quality as thus far we’ve only had the opportunity to drive it for a few laps of the Bedford Autodrome.
Subscribe to evo magazine
The Edition is available in four paint schemes – white, black, yellow and blue – and all come with dark details including the kidney grille, the vents and the mirrors, while the exhaust tips are now blackened chrome instead of the shiny version fitted to standard M3s. The interior also gets a makeover with a trim to compliment your exterior colour choice. The Edition will only be available for six months.
Specifications
| Engine | 8/3999 |
| Max power | 414bhp @ 8300rpm |
| Max torque | 295lb ft @ 3900rpm |
| 0-60 | 4.8sec (claimed) |
| Top speed | 155mph |
| On sale | Now |
