BMW M GmbH proudly presents a new exclusive model. It celebrates the 46th birthday of Valentino Rossi. Rossi is a nine-time motorcycle world champion. The car is the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46. Designers worked closely with Rossi. He is currently a BMW M works driver. They developed this unique edition model. It features Rossi’s famous number 46.
Design and Collaboration: “The Doctor’s” Touch
“The Doctor,” or “Il Dottore,” personally shaped the design. There are two distinct design variants. These are named “Sport” and “Style.” Each variant is limited to 46 cars. Rossi adopted “46” from his father. He kept this number throughout his career. It became his trademark. He never even swapped it for the reigning world champion’s #1 plate.
Every BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 was produced. This happened at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. Production took place between February and May. It combined large-scale efficiency. It also used precise manual paintwork expertise.
The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 “Style” and “Sport” variants will be displayed. This will occur at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025. The event runs from May 23 to 25. It is held on the shores of Lake Como.
Tailor-Made Exclusivity and Craftsmanship
The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 features special BMW Individual paint finishes. These blend perfectly with exposed carbon surfaces. The Sport variant is captivating. It has a Marina Bay Blue metallic finish. Outsized “46” graphics are in Tanzanite Blue metallic. Bright yellow accents highlight the BMW M kidney grille. They also appear on the brake calipers. The forged light-alloy wheels also have yellow accents.
In the “Style” design, the bodywork is matte. It is Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic. The “46” is in Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic. Both variants have a carbon-fibre roof. It is adorned with the VR46 logo. Rossi’s signature is also present. Both the bonnet and roof were manufactured and painted.
This happened individually at BMW Group Plant Landshut. This component plant also supplied lightweight struts. These are high-precision for the engine compartment. Engine parts like the crankcase and cylinder head were also provided. These were installed in the high-performance drive system. This occurred at BMW Group Plant Steyr.
Special Production at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing
Production of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 shows impressive flexibility. BMW Group Plant Dingolfing has great skill. It handles exclusive small-batch series manufacturing. Previous exclusive models were also made here. These include the Jeff Koons edition models for the BMW 8 Series. Also, 50 examples of the BMW 3.0 CSL were produced here. This Bavarian plant combines high-tech manufacturing. Craftsmanship goes hand-in-hand. This is particularly true in the paint shop.
For the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46, a primer coat was applied. This was the underlying color tone. Then, cars were removed from the series production process. The entire paintwork surface was sanded down. This improved adhesion for subsequent layers. Paintwork experts in Dingolfing then used stencils.
They masked the “46” and other design elements. This included bright yellow lines on the rear end. The A-column also had masked elements. Then, contrast color was added to the masking film.
Once all layers dried, the film was removed. A clear varnish coating was added. This was applied by hand to the design area. It was then sanded down after drying. This guaranteed seamless transitions. It ensured a flawless surface. The cars then returned to regular series production. They received another clear varnish layer. The carbon-fibre roof was also installed. This roof was made in Landshut. Each car required 20 hours of work. A small team of four experts completed the paint finish. This was the exclusive BMW Individual paint finish.
Vehicle Assembly: VR46 Branding Inside and Out
The next production step moved to Dingolfing. The edition cars went for assembly. The exclusive design appears in installed components. Bumpers were specially painted in Landshut. The interior also reflects the design. Night Blue dominates the interior. Yellow accents are prominent.
The M Carbon bucket seats have a Sao Paulo Yellow shoulder area. Yellow contrast stitching is present. A yellow center marker is on the steering wheel. Headrests and door sill trims feature a yellow VR46 logo. The carbon-fibre center console has a “1/46” badge. This is on all examples. After extensive quality controls, cars are ready. This exclusive edition is ready for delivery. Two sets of 46 customers worldwide will receive them.
“Once in a Lifetime” Experience for Customers
Customers buying a 405 kW/550 HP BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 get more. They also enjoy a “once in a lifetime” experience. This includes an exclusive personal meeting with Valentino Rossi. It happens at his VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia, Italy. They also get a BMW M Driving Experience. This uses current BMW M models. It takes place at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Rossi won GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup races there. He drove a BMW M4 GT3. This was in both 2023 and 2024. He aims for a hat-trick this year.
“The Doctor” became a BMW M works driver. This was at the start of the 2023 season. He races a BMW M4 GT3. He drives for BMW M Team WRT. He ended his motorcycle career in 2021. Then, he focused solely on car racing. He had previously tested Formula 1 cars. He also made guest appearances in rallies. He competed in endurance races. The Italian competes as a BMW M works driver. He races in the GT World Challenge Europe.
The 24 Hours of Spa is a highlight. He also races in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. He competed at the Bathurst 12 Hour. He celebrated second place there. This was in the BMW M4 GT3. It was at the opening round of this season’s Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC).
Valentino Rossi: A Legend on Two Wheels
“Il Dottore” became a living legend. He is a global motorsport and style icon. He achieved this on two wheels. He holds nine world championships. He has no fewer than 115 Grand Prix victories. He is one of history’s three most successful motorcycle racers. Rossi claimed his first world title in 1997. This was in the 125cc class. Two years later, he won the 250cc class title. In 2000, he moved up. He joined the top Grand Prix category, the 500cc class. He was crowned world champion in 2001.
Rossi remained dominant. The 500cc class became the MotoGP class. This change happened the following year. By 2005, he added four more world titles. Numbers eight and nine followed in 2008 and 2009. VR46 became a globally famous trademark. Rossi’s hometown of Tavullia even honored him. They reduced its speed limit from 50 km/h to 46 km/h.
A Collector’s Dream
The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 is a tribute. It combines automotive excellence with motorsport history. Its limited production and unique design make it special. The exclusive customer experience adds immense value. This car is a true collector’s item. It celebrates a legendary figure.
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