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Adrian Padeanu

BMW Celebrates Nürburgring Centenary With Six Limited-Edition M Cars

  • The lineup consists of the M2, M3 Sedan, M3 Touring, M4 Coupe, M5 Sedan, and M5 Touring.

  • All have anniversary graphics, green accents, and special badging as a nod to the Nordschleife.

  • As an alternative to Nürburgring Green, BMW is also offering these cars in Black Sapphire.

BMW is celebrating the Nürburgring’s 100th anniversary by giving six of its M cars a special-edition makeover. The “100 Jahre Nürburgring” lineup brings together the M2, M3 Sedan, M3 Touring, M4 Coupe, M5 Sedan, and M5 Touring, all getting exclusive styling inspired by the legendary German circuit.

The anniversary edition actually includes nine models in total, with the two-wheeled Motorrad side contributing the M 1000 RR, M 1000 R, and M 1000 XR. However, the two divisions are taking slightly different approaches. While each motorcycle will be limited to 100 units worldwide, BMW has yet to announce production numbers for its six cars.

All nine models share the same Nürburgring-inspired theme, highlighted by an exclusive shade called Nürburgring Green. The cars also get model-specific graphics, green accents, and a “Nürburgring since 1927” logo, along with the silhouette of the Nordschleife.

Green Or Black?

The M2, M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe, and M5 Sedan take things a step further with anniversary stripes running across their carbon-fiber roofs. The M3 Touring and M5 Touring get the same treatment, although their stripes stretch across the standard steel roof because BMW doesn’t build the wagons with a carbon-fiber roof. If Nürburgring Green is too flashy for your taste, buyers can also opt for the more subdued Black Sapphire Metallic.

Inside, BMW uses a black theme with contrasting green and white stitching. The inline-six models get an M Alcantara steering wheel with matching stitching and a red 12 o’clock marker. Meanwhile, the M5 Sedan and Touring receive an M steering wheel with the same anniversary treatment.

BMW M Is Tweaking The Engines In Europe

Since the 100 Jahre Nürburgring lineup is intended for Europe, the M2, M3, and M4 get the updated inline-six engine. The turbocharged 3.0-liter mill uses the new pre-chamber ignition system to meet Euro 7 regulations without sacrificing performance. For now, the technology isn’t coming to the M cars sold in North America.

Since we mentioned Euro 7, M5 models on the continent have had their engines detuned to meet the strictest requirements. The sedan and wagon duo share the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, which makes 536 hp, or 41 hp less than before. However, the hybrid powertrain's combined output remains unchanged at 717 hp. BMW compensates for the drop in ICE power by dialing up the electric motor.

It's safe to say that BMW has chosen an appropriate place to celebrate. The 12.9-mile (20.8-kilometer) Nordschleife features 73 corners and huge elevation changes, making it one of the world’s most demanding racetracks. BMW tests prototypes of all its future cars there before they go into production.

The M3 and M5 models will be available to order in Europe this month, while the M2 will follow in January 2027.

BMW 100 Years of Nürburgring Edition


Motor1's Take: The 100 Jahre Nürburgring edition is a neat way for BMW to celebrate its long-standing relationship with the Green Hell. The fact that the M2, M3, M4, and M5 all get their own interpretation of the theme makes this more interesting than a single commemorative model.

It also feels appropriately old-school in one important respect: the Nürburgring remains a place where BMW develops its cars the hard way. Whether you’re looking at an M2 with a manual gearbox or an M5 with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain, the Nordschleife continues to influence how BMW’s performance cars drive.

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