BMW is marking 30 years since the release of the original E30 M3 Convertible with the M4 Convertible Edition 30 Jahre, a limited-build run featuring bespoke styling touches and a retro-inspired paint palette. Despite the different nomenclature (you can thank BMW’s recently uprooted naming structure for that), the M4 Convertible is a direct forerunner of that 1988 original.
Changes for the M4 Edition 30 Jahre include the choice of two bespoke colours – Macao Blue and a matte finished Frozen Dark Grey, the latter unique for the UK market. The M4 also features BMW’s high gloss shadowline that replaces the chrome kidney grilles, side wings trim and badging with black units. Star-spoke 20-inch wheels are also standard; here in a bespoke Orbit Grey finish.
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Inside, buyers will have the choice of two colour option packs of black and blue, or black and silver. Also standard is a full leather package that extends the cow on the centre console and dashboard. Carbonfibre trim is standard, as is 30 Jahre Edition branding on the sills and headrests.
Mechanically, the 30 Jahre is based on the M4 Convertible fitted with the Competition Pack. As such, it is powered by the same 3-litre turbocharged inline-six with 444bhp, driving the rear wheels through the usual combination of an active M rear differential and rear-wheel drive. BMW’s snappy seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is also standard fit.
The M4’s three-piece folding roof is also unchanged, although you pay the price for it with a lardy kerb weight of 1864kg.
Prices will start at £76,675, which is £8650 more than a standard Competition Pack M4 Convertible fitted with DCT. Add in a few of those options listed above and the difference will shrink further, making the special edition surprisingly good value considering its rarity on British roads.
