LEGO model celebrates 40th anniversary of BMW M3

Quick look:

• Co-created by LEGO and BMW, the scale model celebrates 40 years of the legendary M3 that appeared in showrooms and on racetracks in 1986.

• The LEGO model will be released for worldwide sale on August 1, 2026, and a full-sized model will also be displayed in Berlin.

Introduced in 1986 as part of the E30 generation, the original BMW M3 is legendary; more than just fast car, it was a purebred racing car disguised as a daily driver. Developed by BMW’s M division to meet Group A touring car racing homologation rules, the M3 fundamentally created the blueprint for the modern sports sedan.

Now, 4 decades after it appeared in showrooms and on racetracks, the original M3 is getting a rather unique anniversary present. The BMW Group has extended its partnership with LEGO to co-create a special edition kit in the Speed Champions range. This marks the first time the two companies have worked together to design a unified, custom livery.

Livery inspired by racing cars
The distinctive colour scheme draws heavy inspiration from classic BMW M Motorsport racing cars on the 1980s, featuring bold geometric accents that accentuate the boxy, unmistakable shape.

Full-sized model as well
What makes this model particularly unique is that the partnership isn’t confined to a cardboard box. To accompany the launch, BMW has also created an exact full-sized M3 E30 showcar with identical livery.

Automotive fans will be able to see the 1:1 scale vehicle in person during its public presentation in Berlin, Germany which serves as the official celebration venue for the car’s 40th anniversary.

358 pieces
For scale model, the LEGO design team paid meticulous attention to historical styling elements. Despite its compact size, the 358-piece model accurately replicates the defining features of the original M3, such prominent rear spoiler and the characteristic quad round headlights that came to define German sportscars of that era.

Measuring 17 cm long and 7 cm wide, the miniature touring car features functional, free-rolling wheels and a driver figure. Mirroring the lifestyle aspect of the collaboration, the driver wears a custom BMW M T-shirt. For collectors who want to take the passion beyond the model, a human-sized, wear-ready version of the same organic cotton T-shirt will also be released globally.

The LEGO Speed Champions BMW M3 E30 is currently open for pre-orders on LEGO’s official website, priced at €27.99 (about RM130). The official global release across retail channels is scheduled to commence on August 1, 2026.

50 years of the BMW 3-Series