Back in 1988, BMW decided to chop off the roof of a BMW M3. Unthinkable at that time, the decision turned out to be a good one for Bimmer because 30 years later, it’s actually celebrating that decision with the launch of the BMW M4 Convertible Edition 30 Jahre. The M4 Convertible 30 Jahre follows a long line of models that have been given the “Jahre” treatment. For those who don’t know, “Jahre” is a German word that means “years” in English. In BMW’s case, it’s made a habit of releasing special editions of models celebrating their 30th anniversary, or as it likes to call them, 30 Jahre. The M5 got one in 2014. The M6 got one in 2016. Most recently, the 7 Series got the 30 Jahre treatment last year. Now it’s the BMW M4 Convertible’s turn, which itself is odd because the 4 Series didn’t come to existence until 2013 when it was packaged as the coupé and convertible versions of the 3 Series. Follow that thought, and you’ll realize that the M4 Convertible Edition 30 Jahre is actually a 30th-anniversary tribute to the M3 Convertible.

2018 BMW M4 Convertible Edition 30 Jahre

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 BMW M4 Convertible Edition 30 Jahre
  • Engine/Motor: inline-6
  • Horsepower: 450
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the BMW M4 Convertible Edition 30 Jahre special

History lesson aside, the BMW M4 Convertible Edition 30 Jahre has a number of exclusive features that help differentiate it from other special edition M4s. Let’s start with the two color options that are exclusive to the special edition M4 Convertible. One of these colors is called Macao Blue Metallic. Some of you may not be familiar with it, but the color is a nod to one of the shades the original open-top M3 came with three decades ago. The other color is called Mandarin II. The specific shade wasn’t used on the M3 Convertible in the past, but it does draw inspiration from the Dakar Yellow hue that was available for the second-generation M3 Convertible.

As cool as they are, the historical ties of the M4 Convertible Edition 30 Jahre’s color options are not the only features worth mentioning. The limited edition M4 also benefits from BMW Individual’s High Gloss Shadow Line trim, which manifests itself in the form of shiny black trims on the kidney grille surround, M side gills, and model lettering. A new set of 20-inch alloy wheels are dressed in their own exclusive Orbit Grey matte color. For continuity’s sake, the same black trim found throughout the M4 Convertible’s body can also be seen on the forged M light alloys.

Step inside the cabin of the M4 Convertible Edition 30 Jahre and you’ll also be given a choice of two-tone color combinations, including Black/Fjord Blue and Black/Silverstone. Depending on the color combo you get, you’ll also receive corresponding contrast stitching, particularly with the Mandarin II shade that comes with yellow contrast stitching in the interior. Complementing all of that are carbon fiber trim strips that come standard for all edition model versions.

Since we’re talking about a limited-run BMW M4 Convertible, it wouldn’t be complete without some identifiers, right? In this case, there’s a “30 Jahre Edition” lettering imprinted on the headrests, doorsills, and on passenger side dashboard area. The lettering on the dash is also accompanied by the specific model number. This could range from “1/300” to “300/300.”

On the performance front, most of you will be happy to know that the M4 Convertible Edition 30 Jahre also get the Competition Pack. That means that the droptop’s 3.0-liter, Biturbo, inline six engine has an extra 20 horsepower to play with, putting its total up to 450 ponies. The pack also gives the M4 Convertible a new M sport exhaust, an adaptive M suspension with a Sport mode, and an active differential that should make this special edition M4 Convertible a treat to play around with on open space. BMW didn’t say how these performance goodies affect the M4’s performance time, but you can bet that there’s going to be some improvement compared to the standard M4, which sprints to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds before topping out at 155 mph. No, the M4 isn’t a slouch, so don’t expect the M4 Convertible Edition 30 Jahre to be one either.

BMW announced that only 300 units of the M4 Convertible Edition Jahre will be available. That’s a limited stock for a very attractive special edition M4 Convertible. Unfortunately, Bimmer forgot to divulge the most important figure of all: the price tag. Don’t worry, that number should come out soon enough. In the meantime, you might want to start saving up for it.

References

BMW M4

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW M4 Convertible.

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW M4.

Read more BMW news.