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BMW South Africa Celebrates 50 Years of 3 Series with Retro Colorways Commemoration

BMW marks the 50th anniversary of the 3 Series Sedan in South Africa with a limited-edition release, featuring the 320i and M340i models.

BMW South Africa Celebrates 5 Decades of the 3 Series by Reviving Retro Hues
BMW South Africa Celebrates 5 Decades of the 3 Series by Reviving Retro Hues

BMW South Africa Celebrates 50 Years of 3 Series with Retro Colorways Commemoration

The BMW 3 Series, a beloved icon in the automotive world, is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025. And to mark this significant milestone, BMW has released a special edition, the 50 Jahre BMW M3, available in South Africa. This limited edition, with production limited to 50 cars, one for each year since its debut, comes in two variants: the 320i and the M340i. The M340i version, a nod to the car's racing heritage, comes in British Racing Green, a colour reminiscent of the E46 generation. On the other hand, the 320i variant dons Aegean Blue, while the interior boasts Cognac-finished perforated artificial leather, evoking the spirit of the Stratus Grey colour option that channels the E46's essence. The 50 Jahre BMW M3 is packed with standard features. It comes equipped with the M Sport Package, aluminium trim, a crystal-like gear selector, 19-inch wheels, adaptive M suspension, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, Comfort Access, Park Assist Plus, and Driving Assist Professional. BMW's decision to celebrate the 3 Series' anniversary in South Africa is a testament to the strong local ties the brand has forged over the years. The production of the BMW 3 Series at the Rosslyn plant near Pretoria began in 1984, following BMW's takeover of the plant from a local importer in 1972. Generations two through six of the 3 Series were assembled at the Rosslyn factory, contributing to the total of 1,191,604 units of the BMW 3 Series made in South Africa. The 50 Jahre BMW M3 is not the first special edition to roll off the Rosslyn production lines. Iconic versions such as the 333i and 325iS were also produced in South Africa. In honour of the F30 version of the BMW 3 Series, Lime Rock Grey has been added as a colour option for the 50 Jahre BMW M3. Pricing for the 320i starts at R1,067,730, while the M340i is listed at R1,422,607.30. With its limited production run and premium features, the 50 Jahre BMW M3 is a fitting tribute to five decades of BMW's most successful model. Currently, the Rosslyn plant is producing X3s in gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid flavours. Despite the production of the 3 Series ending in February 2018 after 35 years, the legacy of the BMW 3 Series lives on, and the 50 Jahre edition is a testament to that. As we look forward to the 50th anniversary in 2025, the anticipation for what's next in the BMW M3's journey continues to grow.

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