BMW's new M3/M5 Performance 04 | 06 | 2012

BMW HAS CONFIRMED details of its limited edition M Performance versions of the BMW M3 and BMW M5. Only 30 models of each car will be built, and BMW dealers across Scotland have already opened their order books.

And not only will you need to be quick: you'll require rather deep pockets. The M3 M Performance Edition starts at £74,080, with the M5 M Performance Edition £95,140.

Only available to the UK market, both are around £20k dearer than the 'standard' models.

The two new models introduce three new Frozen paint colours: BMW Individual Japan Red with a Frozen Red wrap (pictured), BMW Individual Frozen White, and BMW Individual Frozen Blue. 

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Standard equipment on the M3 version includes 19in Matt Black alloys, carbon-fibre front splitters, BMW Professional Media Package and a ‘One of 30’ laser cut into the interior trim, all of which would usually cost £9,790.

It's powered by the same 420hp, 155mph V8 engine used in the currently standard M3. It comes with BMW's seven-speed M DCT gearbox as standard, along with a variable M differential.

The M5 version, meanwhile, gets a power upgrade — up from 552bhp to 560bhp — and gets additional equipment worth £22,075. Included in the package are 20in M Double-spoke Matt Black alloys, M Sport multi-functioning seats, internet, BMW Professional 12-loudspeaker system and also a ‘One of 30’ laser cut into the interior trim.

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Jim McGill