BMW Marks Nurburgring 100th with Nine M Special Editions

BMW rolls out nine special-edition M cars and motorcycles for the Nürburgring centenary

BMW has unveiled a dedicated fleet of nine special-edition models to mark the 100th anniversary of the Nürburgring. The collection spans six BMW M cars and three BMW Motorrad M motorcycles, all wrapped in a bespoke "Nurburgring Green" livery and stamped with the track’s silhouette and the wording "Nurburgring since 1927." This release underlines BMW’s long-standing technical and emotional connection to the German circuit — a place where the brand has developed and tested performance models for decades.

Why the Nürburgring matters

Opened in the summer of 1927, the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife evolved into one of the most influential proving grounds in the automotive world. With almost 21 km (13 miles) of tarmac, 73 corners and dramatic elevation changes, the track has become a benchmark for vehicle dynamics and durability. Manufacturers like BMW treat the Nürburgring as both a developmental lab and a stage to showcase their fastest machines.

"Born on the Racetrack. Made for the Streets," reads the edition tagline — a nod to cars that trace their engineering DNA to the circuit but are intended for everyday use.

What’s included in the 100 Jahre Nürburgring lineup

BMW’s anniversary portfolio includes these models:

• M2 (special edition, order launches January)
• M3 Sedan (available to order now)
• M3 Touring (available to order now)
• M4 Coupé (available to order now)
• M5 Sedan (available to order now)
• M5 Touring (available to order now)
• M 1000 RR (motorcycle — limited to 100 units)
• M 1000 R (motorcycle — limited to 100 units)
• M 1000 XR (motorcycle — limited to 100 units)

BMW hasn’t announced production limits for the cars, but the three Motorrad models are strictly limited: just 100 examples of each bike will be made. Pricing for all models has not been revealed yet, and final delivery dates for the motorcycles remain to be announced.

Design and unique touches

Rather than mechanical upgrades, the centenary set emphasizes exclusive styling and bespoke appointments. Highlights shared across the range include:

• Nurburgring Green paint and Nordschleife graphics, including the track silhouette
• 100 Years logo and "Nurburgring since 1927" branding on the bodywork
• Edition-specific stripes on the roof — carbon roofs on some models, steel on others
• Green-accented kidney grille frames and special graphics on front doors, C-pillars and rear quarters
• Black interiors with green-and-white contrast stitching and M Alcantara steering wheels

On the cars, roofs differ by model: the M2, M3 Sedan, M4 Coupé and M5 Sedan feature carbon roofs, while the M3 Touring and M5 Touring retain steel roofs adorned with the edition’s stripe motif. Inline six-cylinder models get a 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel — a subtle motorsport touch that enthusiasts will appreciate.

Motorcycles: race-focused details, limited numbers

The M 1000 RR, M 1000 R and M 1000 XR receive a similar visual treatment, inspired by the Nürburgring’s "Green Hell" nickname. BMW Motorrad outfits each bike with:

• Green accents and the Nürburgring silhouette on the fuel tank
• Carbon wheels with green edge stripes
• Alcantara seats embroidered with "100" and "one of 100" markings on the airbox cover
• Black swingarms and rear subframes to contrast the vivid livery

Beyond looks, the bikes are based on their full-specification M variants, which includes high-end hardware such as the M Track Package and other race-capable components. Each limited bike also comes with an M Cover Kit (for the M 1000 RR and M 1000 R), a bespoke M motorcycle mat featuring the 100 Jahre Nürburgring logo, and a paddock stand — items aimed squarely at owners who plan track days.

No mechanical changes for the cars — it’s a heritage pack

Importantly for buyers focused on performance, BMW has clarified that the special-edition cars receive no mechanical upgrades. Powertrains, chassis, and performance hardware remain the same as on the standard M models. The appeal here is heritage and exclusivity — bespoke materials, unique finishes and commemorative insignia that celebrate BMW’s Nürburgring legacy.

Context and market positioning

This launch follows similar centenary gestures from other manufacturers — Porsche introduced its 911 GT3 "100 Jahre Nürburgring" edition earlier — but BMW’s approach is broader in scope. By offering both four- and two-wheeled tributes across track-bred M models, BMW is reinforcing the M and Motorrad subbrands as custodians of motorsport pedigree.

For buyers and collectors, the motorcycles’ 100-unit caps make them instantly collectible. The cars, sold without explicit production limits, will likely appeal to enthusiasts who want a unique M without changing the driving dynamics they expect from BMW’s performance range.

Quick highlights

• Shared design language: Nurburgring Green, track silhouette, 100 Years logo
• Six BMW M cars; three BMW Motorrad M bikes
• No mechanical changes to the cars; bikes are limited to 100 units each
• Ordering: most cars available this month; M2 launches in January; motorcycles: TBA

Final thoughts

BMW’s nine-model tribute is a measured celebration: it leans into visual storytelling and exclusivity rather than re-engineering. For enthusiasts who value provenance and track heritage — and for those who follow Nürburgring lap times as gospel — these limited editions provide a wearable piece of motorsport history. Whether you’re a collector after a rare motorcycle or a driver wanting a subtly bespoke M, this centenary collection keeps the Nürburgring’s spirit alive on road and track.

"The Nürburgring isn’t just a circuit; it’s a benchmark," BMW’s design choices for this range seem to say. "Here’s a way to carry that benchmark home."