BMW is blowing out 50 candles for the 3 Series and it is doing it in a way that speaks straight to enthusiasts: paint first, specs second. The new BMW M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Edition is a tribute to half a century of the 3 Series, wrapped in five throwback colors that pull directly from some of the most loved generations of the car.

Those colors are not random. Each one is tied to a specific generation, starting with Ruby Red Metallic for the original E21, Boston Green Metallic for the E30, Avus Blue Metallic for the E36, Carbon Black Metallic for the E46, and Sparkling Graphite Metallic for the E90. For long-time BMW faithful, that is like a highlight reel of 3 Series history parked on a single options sheet.

BMW did not stop at paint. Every exterior color comes matched to one of three interior shades of Extended Merino Leather: Black, Ivory, or Tartufo, coordinated so each combo feels like its own curated special. It is also the first time Extended Merino Leather has ever been offered on a US-market 3 Series, which gives this car a genuine hook beyond cosmetics. Inside the cabin you will also find carbon fiber trim and “3 Series 50 Jahre Edition” badging so there is no question you bought the birthday car.

The exterior details keep the celebration going. A standard Shadowline Package brings adaptive LED headlights along with dark trim on the grille and lower intakes, while out back an M Performance carbon fiber trunk lid spoiler and special 50 Jahre badging dress up the tail. Filling the arches are 19 inch M dual spoke wheels, and the finishing touch is a set of M Performance exhaust tips that hint at what the straight six is about to do. Even the brake calipers play along, painted either red or blue depending on which heritage color you chose.

Under the hood, BMW wisely decided not to mess with success. The M340i 50 Jahre Edition sticks with the turbocharged 3.0 liter inline six mild hybrid engine, sending 386 horsepower and 398 lb ft of torque through an eight speed automatic to all four wheels. BMW says that is good for a 0 to 60 mph run of 4.1 seconds, which means this nostalgia soaked sedan still pulls like a proper modern sports sedan when you flatten the right pedal.

If you want one, you will need to be ready to pay for the privilege. BMW is asking $76,375 including destination for the M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Edition, a healthy bump over a standard M340i but one that folds in the paint, leather, trim, and hardware as part of a single well equipped package. Production numbers have not been publicly detailed yet, only that this will be a limited run model, with the first cars set to hit the road early next year.