Traditionally, silver is associated with a 25th anniversary, with ruby marking 40 years. But BMW has chosen to celebrate the foundation of the M Division back in 1972 with the M3 Coupé Frozen Silver Edition.

The UK will get 100 examples of the anniversary M3. Along with the special paint the car can be identified by matt black 19-inch alloy wheels, dark chrome trim and black bonnet intakes. Keen BMW spotters might also notice that the suspension has been lowered by 10mm.

For the interior there is Black Novello leather with Palladium leather armrests and inserts and the steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara and carries an M3 chequered flag motif. A similar logo is used on the door sills. There is plenty of carbon fibre trim, the handbrake has 'M Power' stitched on to it and there is a plaque to indicate the car's limited edition status.

BMW says there is £9,000 of extra equipment fitted to the M3 Coupé Frozen Silver edition but the price is just £4,000 more than a standard M3. The limited edition M3 goes on sale on 1st June priced at £58,720.

John Lambert - 20 Apr 2012