When the original BMW M3 hit the scene, it completely rocked the notion of what could be done with sport sedans, and set in motion a performance arms race between BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Jaguar that continues to this day. Now, 30 years later, a special edition M3 is out to showcase the best the Bavarian automaker has to offer. The BMW M3 30 Years will be limited to 500 examples globally and goes on sale this summer, following hot on heels with another special edition M car – the M4 GTS.

One of the notable changes involves the performance itself. The engine has been tuned up to deliver an extra 19hp, shaving 0.1 seconds off its 0-100km/h time. Making use of this extra power, too, is the reworked Adaptive M Suspension, now with all new dampers, springs, and differential.

Interior changes aim to increase sportiness and comfort (objectives that are often at odds with each other), with special sport seats. The dashboard is finished in carbon fiber, and the seatbelts have been embroidered with the BMW ‘M’ stripes and seats and arm rests are wrapped in a two-color full leather Merino trim. The exterior features recognizably different forged alloy 20-inch wheels, black chrome tailpipe and front grille trim, and exclusive Macao Blue metallic paint.

For our money, despite some wonderful AMG-tuned Mercedes models and some ludicrously potent RS Audis, the BMW M3 and its M4 coupe are still setting the benchmark. They’re just that hard to beat, although we concede that this might be more perception than reality.