Green Hell, Green Edition: BMW M and BMW Motorrad Celebrate 100 Years of the Nürburgring.

4 days ago

3 min read

The Nürburgring opened its gates on June 18, 1927 – and to mark its 100th anniversary in 2027, BMW M and BMW Motorrad are paying tribute with a joint special edition. Under the name "100 Years Nürburgring," the two brands are launching six BMW M cars and three BMW Motorrad M models – nine vehicles that all share one thing: a decades-long bond with the "Green Hell."

One Edition, One Design Concept

What visually unites all nine anniversary models is a specially developed paint finish in historic Nürburgring Green. It's complemented by the "100 Years" logo, the "Nürburgring since 1927" lettering, and a graphic nod to the silhouette of the Nordschleife. The edition slogan "Born on the Racetrack. Made for the Streets." sums up the message: what works on the track finds its way into series production.

On the BMW M cars, the edition graphics appear on the front doors, C-pillar, and rear side sections depending on the model, along with exclusively designed roof stripes – on the M Carbon roof for the M2, M3 Sedan, M4 Coupé and M5 Sedan, and on the steel roof for the M3 Touring and M5 Touring. For a more understated look, Sapphire Black metallic is available as an alternative.

Inside, black interior worlds dominate, set off by contrasting green and white stitching. The straight-six models get an M Alcantara steering wheel with a 12 o'clock marker, while the M5 models feature a correspondingly designed M steering wheel.

Six BMW M Models in the Edition

The edition models are based on the latest technical standard from BMW M GmbH:

BMW M2 – the compact entry point, with M Carbon roof, M Carbon bucket seats, and a clear affinity for the Nordschleife
BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M3 Touring – everyday usability meets racetrack competence
BMW M4 Coupé – the two-door performance icon, finished with BMW M stripes
BMW M5 Sedan and BMW M5 Touring – M HYBRID powertrain, Styling 951 M with green accents

The straight-six models (M2, M3, M4) also feature BMW M Ignite: the patented pre-chamber ignition system, which has been in use since July and August 2026 respectively, increases efficiency under high-load conditions, reduces fuel consumption under track conditions, and supports compliance with Euro 7 requirements – without any loss of performance.

Three BMW Motorrad Models, Each Limited to 100 Units

On two wheels, the BMW M 1000 RR, the BMW M 1000 R, and the BMW M 1000 XR form the motorcycle lineup of the anniversary edition – each model limited worldwide to 100 units.

Standard equipment includes the M Track Package, the Nürburgring Green special paint finish, anniversary graphics, carbon wheels, a black swingarm and rear frame, plus a seat in Alcantara-look with "100" embroidery. A particular highlight: the painted fuel tank with Nordschleife design and the airbox cover with individual "one of 100" markings. Rounding out the package are an M Cover Kit (for the M 1000 RR and M 1000 R), an exclusive M motorcycle mat featuring the "100 Years Nürburgring" logo, and a paddock stand for the rear wheel.

Why the Nürburgring?

For BMW M, the Nürburgring is far more than a test track. "The Nürburgring is much more to us than just a racetrack – it's a second home for the BMW M brand. Every one of our production vehicles is put through its paces on the Nordschleife," says Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH.

BMW Motorrad's history at the track goes back just as far: in 1927, the very year the circuit opened, the brand scored its first victory there. Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad, puts it this way: "The Nordschleife has been part of the DNA of our M models for decades. With our special models for the Nürburgring's 100th anniversary, we're honoring a place that has written motorsport history."

At 20.8 kilometers long, with 73 corners, significant elevation changes, and constantly shifting track characteristics, the Nordschleife remains one of the most demanding test tracks in the world – and a development benchmark where chassis, powertrain, aerodynamics, brakes, and thermal management are all tested together under extreme conditions.

Order Start and Availability

The BMW M3 Sedan, BMW M3 Touring, BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M5 Sedan, and BMW M5 Touring can be ordered starting September 2026. The BMW M2 follows in January 2027. Details on order start and availability for the BMW Motorrad special models will be announced separately.