M140i Championship Edition announced

Previously tempted by an M Performance 1 Series but found it lacking in stickers? BMW has the car for you!

Well, it must have been a good few weeks since either the M135i or M140i was mentioned on PH, mustn't it? Ensuring that the six-cylinder 1 Series is still not far from any forum discussion, BMW UK now has this: the M140i Championship Edition.

That's Championship Edition to celebrate two titles in last year's BTCC, BMW taking a championship for both Manufacturers and Teams. As such it was revealed at last weekend's 2018 BTCC season opener, although BMW has only officially announced it now via its Facebook page.

To all intents and purposes this would appear to be a regular 340hp M140i three-door, although without a full spec yet confirmed we can't be sure. The most obvious additions for the Editions are the tricolour stripes - with Championship Edition branding - the black wheels and black kidney grilles. Those mirror caps are carbon too, of course. And that's sort of it.

It's an entirely cosmetic exercise then, or certainly seems that way. Still, it's some recognition of motorsport success, even if some might see it as a bit limp. As for what the Championship Edition will cost, a UK RRP hasn't yet been announced; going from Facebook comments it's £46,000, whereas going from the automotive blogs it could be £36,000.

For what it's worth an M140i Shadow Edition with three doors and six manual gears is £34,485 - we'll keep you updated on any further news as it arrives. And if this all looks too cynical and marketing led for you, then the earliest M140is are now from £20k; whatever the Championship Edition costs, that's going to be a fair chunk less!