Most people don’t make a big deal out of their 46th birthday. It’s not exactly a major milestone, with the big 5-0 still on the horizon. But if the number 46 holds a special meaning for you, things might be different.

Enter Valentino Rossi. The legendary racer adopted the number 46 after watching his father compete with it, and he’s stuck with it throughout his career. With nine world championships and 115 Grand Prix victories under his belt, Rossi has since transitioned from two wheels to four, yet his iconic number remains on his BMW M4 GT3. His hometown of Tavullia, Italy, even adjusted its speed limit from 50kph to 46kph in his honor.

To mark Rossi’s 46th birthday, BMW has introduced a special edition in his name: the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46. And yes, only 46 units will be produced.

This exclusive model comes in two variants: ‘Sport’ and ‘Style.’ The Sport version features a Marina Bay Blue metallic finish with a bold 46 graphic in Tanzanite Blue metallic, while the Style edition inverts the theme with a matte Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic body and a Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic graphic. The difference between “frozen” and regular paint? Let’s just say it adds to the exclusivity.

Signature Rossi yellow accents give the car extra flair, outlining the kidney grille, running along the door tops, and highlighting one of the V spokes on the forged M-spec wheels. Even the brake calipers and a roof graphic get the vibrant yellow treatment.

Rossi played a hands-on role in designing the VR46 edition, and the blue-and-yellow color scheme continues inside. Special M carbon bucket seats feature leather trim, the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel includes a yellow center marker, and the carbon center console proudly displays the car’s limited-edition number.

Performance-wise, BMW didn’t just slap a new paint job on a standard M4 CS and call it a day. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six still pumps out 542bhp, sending power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the VR46 edition benefits from bespoke chassis tuning, including unique wheel camber settings, auxiliary springs, and anti-roll bars. Adaptive dampers, variable-ratio steering, and an upgraded braking system have also been fine-tuned. Plus, the standard M Driver’s Package ensures a top speed of 188mph.

The best part? BMW hasn’t revealed the price tag just yet, but every buyer will enjoy an exclusive two-day experience in Rossi’s hometown. Day one includes a visit to Valentino’s house for a barbecue and some shop talk with the legend himself. Day two shifts to the Misano World Circuit, where lucky owners will take part in the full BMW M driving experience across various models.

“There is no other brand that has motorsport so deeply rooted in its DNA as BMW M,” said Rossi. “I am proud to be a BMW M works driver and to share this passion. The fact that there is now a special VR46 edition, which I was involved in designing from the beginning, makes me proud. When I see the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 on the road or the racetrack, it will be very cool.”

Oh, and while Rossi didn’t officially say this, we’d recommend taking your shoes off before heading into his house, just in case. But a barbecue with The Doctor? Now that’s a birthday celebration done right.