These BMW M4 coupe and M3 saloon special editions celebrate 50 years of M-ness

Remember BMW announcing it would celebrate 50 years of its M division with optional retro roundels? Well now you can go the whole hog by ordering an entire car on which to adorn your heritage-inspired logo.

In Europe (but not in the UK, we’re sad to report) there'll be an M4 50 Jahre edition of the two-door coupe, with BMW promising ‘exclusive design features and individually selectable equipment options’ that gives every car the potential to be unique.

There’s no cursory meddling with the powertrain, so you’ll still be getting the 503bhp straight-six engine in either rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual or all-wheel drive, eight-speed auto forms.

But buyers will get a choice of exterior paint colours reissued from BMW M’s past, so take your pick from Carbon Black, Macao Blue, Brands Hatch Grey, Imola Red and San Marino Blue.

Meanwhile the door sills and headrests get the ‘Edition 50 Jahre’ treatment, with a plaque on the centre console to really ram the message home. 19in fronts and 20in rears are included, and can be finished in Orbit Grey or Gold Bronze. The gallery above really should come with a drool warning…

Meanwhile the limited-run M3 is destined for the US and Canada only, with 500 units available to those west of the Atlantic. It’s a similar deal as with the M4, although BMW points out that a carbon fibre splitter and rear spoiler, plus carbon/titanium tailpipe trims, are available too.

Enough to psyche you up for BMW M’s big five-zero? Maybe they’ll turn up in our list of noteworthy anniversary specials one day…