BMW Brings The 3 Series “40 Years Edition” To Europe, But Makes It Exclusive To Italy

After various limited edition models dedicated exclusively for the Japanese market, BMW finally launches a 40th anniversary, extremely-limited 3-Series model in Europe, but it’s only for Italy.

If you liked that Tanzanite-Blue, 4-door sedan Bimmer, you’ll probably love this one. Unlike the Japanese-spec 340i – which was limited to only 20 units, by the way – this automobile comes solely as a 320d Touring variant, albeit aided by xDrive. Sure, its 190 horses are far-off from the 321 its Nippon-dedicated counterpart develops, but this time it isn’t a case of raw power, but of symbolism.

You see, 40 years ago, in 1975, the BMW 3 Series ushered in the birth of the modern sports sedan. I know what you’re thinking; “it’s an odd way to celebrate a rear-wheel-drive, gas-powered sports sedan with an all-wheel-drive, diesel estate car”, and you’re right, but the Touring Bimmer – in this case – symbolizes the versatility of the 3 Series, its development since 1975 and the transition/adoption of the BMW-specific sporty character in other body styles. That or BMW’s marketing team is really good.

Unfortunately, the model is limited to only 100 units – which makes it rarer than Ferrari’s Enzo. Of course, you can always configure an identical 3-Series Touring, but it will miss the “40 years edition” interior plaque and it won’t be the same without it.

The model comes equipped with the M Sport Package, which includes M Sport brakes covered by a set of 19 inch rims. It also offers an exclusive travel kit from Piquadro, which brings a little color in the chromatic-austere interior, governed by fine-grain Merino leather in Opal White, complemented by contrast stitching and piano black interior trim.