BMW has revealed the new M4 50 Jahre Edition, a special version of the M4 Competition conceived to celebrate – you guessed it – 50 years of the M division. Just 5 units are destined for South Africa…

The BMW M division recently unwrapped the new M4 CSL to mark 50 years of existence. But the performance division’s anniversary celebrations are by no means over, with the M3 Touring also on the horizon. Now the new M4 50 Jahre Edition has also hit the scene.

Interestingly, the Munich-based automaker has actually revealed 50 Jahre editions of both the M3 sedan and M4 coupé, though only the latter has been earmarked for South Africa (the M3 version was “designed exclusively for the US and Canadian automotive markets”, says BMW). In fact, just 5 units of the two-door model will make their way to our shores.

First things first, there are no changes to the oily bits. That means the M4 50 Jahre Edition’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six makes the same 375 kW and 650 Nm as the Competition model on which it’s based. Power goes to all four wheels (only xDrive versions of this special model will come to SA) through an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission.

As a result, the vital statistics are unchanged. BMW claims the M4 50 Jahre Edition will reach 100 kph from standstill in 3.5 seconds, before topping out at 290 kph.

So, what makes a BMW M4 50 Jahre Edition special?

BMW says exterior paint-colour options for the newcomer include “style-defining” hues from the history of BMW M, complemented by M forged wheels in a “similarly exclusive colour scheme” along with “striking accents” in the cabin.

The paint colours on the table are Carbon Black, Macao Blue, Brands Hatch Grey, Imola Red and San Marino Blue. The 19-inch M forged wheels on the front axle and 20-inch items at the rear feature a double-spoke design, available for the first time in Orbit Grey Matt or Gold Bronze matt. All 5 units set aside for South Africa, however, will be finished in San Marino Blue with Gold Bronze matt wheels.

Inside, you’ll find special touches such as door sill panels bearing the lettering “Edition 50 Jahre BMW M”, along with a metal plaque on the centre console with the lettering “M4 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M” and a corresponding imprint on the headrests of the M carbon bucket seats up front.

BMW Group South Africa has yet to announce when these 5 units will touch down, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled and ears to the ground…