BMW limits special-edition M3 coupe to 30 copies for the United States

As the 25th anniversary of the M3 draws near, BMW is starting the celebration a bit early with a limited-edition M3 coupe for U.S. buyers.

And BMW means limited--it will sell only 30 copies of the car, painted in a color called Frozen Gray. To sell the car, BMW will open the phone lines at 11:30 a.m. Eastern on Monday, June 21. The number is 1-800-245-4269. The sticker price is $77,600 which includes delivery charges--but you'll still get hit with a $1,300 gas-guzzler tax.

What do the winning 30 buyers get?

It starts with an M3 coupe powered by BMW's 4.0-liter V8 rated at 414 hp and mated the M dual-clutch transmission. Added is the new M3 Competition package--19-inch wheels, lowered ride height and electronic damping control with sport programming.

The interior is covered in two-tone black and red leather. Buyers will also get a one-day session at the BMW Performance Driving School in Spartanburg, S.C.

And the Frozen Gray paint? It's created by topping the gray metallic base coat with a silk matte clear coat.

Here's the full equipment list, from BMW:

-- BMW Individual Frozen Gray Metallic exterior paint

-- BMW Individual bicolor (Fox Red with Black) Novillo Leather interior

-- M DCT Transmission

-- Competition Package: Electronic Damping Control, 19-inch light-alloy wheels, lowered suspension, sport mapping for EDC and DSC

-- Premium Package: Power folding mirrors, universal garage-door opener, digital compass mirror, BMW Assist with Bluetooth, Novillo Leather, Carbon Leather trim

-- Technology Package: M Drive system, Comfort Access system, Navigation system, Voice Command system, Real Time Traffic Information system

-- Heated Front Seats

-- Rear Park Distance Control

-- Enhanced Premium Sound System

-- Satellite Radio with one-year subscription

-- iPod and USB Adaptor

By Dale Jewett