2026 BMW M3's Color Scheme Honors E36 and E46 Legends
New Color Options for the 2026 BMW M3
When it comes to purchasing a BMW M car like the iconic M3, performance is often the main attraction. However, another benefit of owning an M model is access to a more adventurous color palette. The 2026 BMW M3 offers an impressive selection of new colors, and with the configurator now live, we can explore what's available. This range includes several heritage colors that were popularized by the legendary E36 and E46 M3 models.
Different Colors for M3 and M3 Competition
The color options vary depending on whether you choose the standard manual M3 or the Competition model with its automatic transmission. Both models have access to eight Individual colors, which add between $3,600 and $4,500 to the price of each. Some of these shades are common to both models, including:
- Frozen Brilliant White metallic
- Frozen Portimao Blue metallic
- Frozen Pure Grey II metallic
- Dakar Yellow II
Dakar Yellow was famously used on the E36 M3 and became one of its signature colors. It complements the bold design of the G80 M3, especially highlighting the large kidney grille. Additionally, yellow is known to help cars retain higher resale value in the used market.
Unique Colors for the Base M3
The base M3 also features some unique Individual colors that aren't available on the Competition model:
- Imola Red II
- Laguna Seca Blue
- Technoviolet metallic
- Oxford Green II metallic
Imola Red was a vibrant shade that debuted on the classic E46 M3, while Laguna Seca Blue was also popularized by that model. Technoviolet was seen on the E36 M3, and Oxford Green II is a deep shade that helps reduce the impact of the grille.
Exclusive Colors for the M3 Competition
The M3 Competition gets its own versions of the base M3’s unique shades:
- Cinnabar
- Avus Blue metallic
- Goodwood Green Pearl Effect metallic
- Daytona Violet metallic
Daytona Violet is a striking choice that continues BMW’s trend of purple shades for sporty models. Cinnabar Red was used on the original E30 M3. Goodwood Green Pearl Effect replaces the base M3’s Oxford Green, but both are racy options similar to classic British Racing Green. Avus Blue is another shade that was used on the E36 M3.
Extended Production Times for Certain Colors
BMW notes that certain Individual colors may extend the production time of the M3 by between 10 and 14 weeks from the time the dealer registers the order. Considering that many customers already wait several months for a custom M3, those looking for a hot sedan in one of these colors will need to be patient.
A Nostalgic Touch with Modern Performance
It’s great to see BMW having fun with the M3’s color palette while also paying homage to past models that helped establish its reputation. Although the M3 has evolved significantly over the years—now producing over 500 horsepower—it still retains many of the qualities that define the nameplate. Features like a manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and an inline six-cylinder engine are still highly valued by M3 enthusiasts heading into 2026.
At least one of these elements, the straight-six engine, will remain for the foreseeable future, ensuring that the M3 continues to deliver the performance and character that fans expect.