BMW celebrates ‘30th anniversary’ of M4 Convertible

BMW will commemorate the 30th anniversary of its original M3 Convertible with the release of a special-edition M4 Convertible, dubbed Edition 30 Years, which is limited to just 300 units globally.

Speaking to GoAuto, BMW Group Australia product communications manager Adam Davis said the importer had put its hand up for the Edition 30 Years, with deliveries expected in the second half of this year. However, the exact number of examples coming Down Under is yet to be confirmed.

Staying true to the birthday theme, the Edition 30 Years is offered in two classic colours, with Macao Blue Metallic throwing back to the debut model, while Mandarin II Uni pays homage to the Dakar Yellow hue, which was available with the second-generation M3 Convertible.

Inside, full Merino leather upholstery complements the chosen exterior paint, with a black and Fjord Blue or Silverstone colour scheme for Macao Blue vehicles, or black with yellow contrast stitching for Mandarin II examples.

Contrast stitching for these colour schemes is applied to the headrests, seats and trim inserts, while the M floor mats have contrast piping.

Carbon-fibre interior trim comes standard on all versions, as do ‘30 Jahre Edition’ lettering for the scuff plates and headrests, and a ‘1/300’ build plate on the passenger side of the dashboard.

Other cosmetic upgrades that differentiate the Edition 30 Years from the regular M4 Convertible include high-gloss Shadow Line trim for the kidney grille surround, M side gills and model lettering.

Furthermore, its 20-inch alloy wheels feature a star-spoke design and are finished in exclusive matte Orbit Grey paint.

Given the Edition 30 Years is based on the M4 Competition Convertible, it is motivated by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine that produces 331kW of power from 5500 to 7300rpm and 550Nm of torque from 1850 to 5500rpm.

Paired to a standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends drive to the rear wheels, the Edition 30 Years should sprint from zero to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds.

Similarly, claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test will likely be 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres, while carbon dioxide emissions should be 213 grams per km.

Additionally, standard equipment shared with the M4 Competition Convertible extends to an M Sport exhaust system, an adaptive M suspension, a unique Sport driving mode and an active M differential.

Local pricing for the Edition 30 Years will be announced closer to its launch, but if the $10,000 premium that the M3 Jahre 30 from 2016 attracted is anything to go by, a sticker price of around $178,200 before on-road costs is likely.

For reference, the M4 Competition Convertible is currently priced from $168,200.

Sales of the 4 Series Coupe and Convertible took a significant hit last year, with 1057 examples sold to the end of 2017, representing a 31.9 per cent decrease over the 1551 deliveries made in 2016.

Nevertheless, the duo finished second in last years premium sportscar segment, trailing only the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet (2818 units).