13 Rarest BMWs Ever Made
BMW has always been known for its precision engineering and iconic designs, but some of their models stand out even more due to their rarity. Whether it’s a limited-edition production or a unique concept car, these rare BMWs have captivated car enthusiasts for years. From performance-driven classics to luxurious roadsters, each of these vehicles tells a story of innovation and exclusivity. Their scarcity, combined with their historical significance, makes them highly sought after in the collector’s market. Many of these rare models have appreciated over time, becoming prized possessions among automotive enthusiasts.
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BMW 328 Roadster (1937)
The BMW 328 Roadster is often regarded as one of the most iconic pre-war sports cars. With its lightweight body and a 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine, it was designed to dominate European racing circuits. Only about 464 units were produced, making it extremely rare and highly collectible today. The 328 Roadster’s advanced engineering and beautiful design made it a favorite of racing enthusiasts in its time.
Due to its rarity and historical significance, the BMW 328 Roadster commands a high price on the market. Collectors are particularly drawn to well-preserved examples with original parts. The car’s value has increased steadily over the years, with well-maintained models now fetching around $2,000,000.
BMW 507 Roadster (1956-1959)
The BMW 507 Roadster is a true symbol of 1950s luxury sports cars. Designed by Albrecht von Goertz, it combined elegance and performance in a way that set it apart from other roadsters of the time. Only 252 units were built, making it one of the rarest cars in BMW’s history. The 507 was powered by a 3.2-liter V8 engine, capable of producing 150 horsepower, which was a significant achievement for its era.
Due to its limited production, the BMW 507 Roadster has become a highly sought-after collector’s item. Examples in excellent condition can be found at auctions, with prices reaching up to $2,500,000 depending on originality and condition.
BMW M1 (1978-1981)
The BMW M1 is one of the most legendary models from the brand’s M performance division. Built to compete in motorsport, the M1 was a mid-engine supercar designed for both racing and road use. Its striking design by Giorgetto Giugiaro and its potent 3.5-liter inline-six engine made it a standout vehicle. A total of just 453 units were produced, which contributes to its rarity today.
Despite being overshadowed by more modern supercars, the BMW M1 remains a cherished piece of automotive history. As a result, the car’s market value is estimated between $450,000 and $600,000, depending on its condition and provenance.
BMW Z8 (2000-2003)
The BMW Z8 is a modern classic that combines 1950s-inspired styling with cutting-edge technology. Powered by a 4.9-liter V8 engine, the Z8 is a high-performance roadster capable of 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Only 5,703 units were built, making it rare and desirable among car collectors. The Z8 was designed by Henrik Fisker and was offered as a limited-production luxury vehicle.
Collectors value the Z8 not only for its performance but also for its rarity. The BMW Z8 typically fetches around $150,000 to $200,000 in today’s market, with well-maintained examples often reaching higher prices.
BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile (1973-1975)
The BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile is a true racing icon. It was originally built as a homologation model for racing, and its distinctive “Batmobile” rear wing is a hallmark of the car’s unique design. Only 167 units were produced, and it became an instant legend in both motorsport and automotive culture. The 3.0 CSL was powered by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, which delivered around 206 horsepower, providing excellent performance for its time.
The rarity of the 3.0 CSL Batmobile, along with its racing pedigree, makes it one of the most coveted BMWs on the market. Prices for a 3.0 CSL Batmobile have skyrocketed, with some examples selling for as much as $1,000,000 or more at auction, depending on condition.
BMW 850CSi (1992-1996)
The BMW 850CSi is part of the legendary 8 Series, which was BMW’s flagship model in the 1990s. It was powered by a 5.6-liter V12 engine and came equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, offering a unique combination of luxury and performance. Only 1,500 units of the 850CSi were produced, making it rare compared to other BMW models from the era.
The 850CSi has become a sought-after model among BMW enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate the car’s engineering and exclusivity. Its current market value typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on mileage and condition.
BMW M5 E28 (1984-1988)
The BMW M5 E28 is a classic performance sedan that marked the beginning of BMW’s M division in the 1980s. Powered by a 3.5-liter inline-six engine, the E28 M5 delivered an impressive 286 horsepower, offering exceptional performance for a sedan at the time. Only around 2,000 units of this model were produced, making it highly collectible.
Today, the E28 M5 is considered one of the most iconic sports sedans ever made. Prices for well-maintained models can range from $30,000 to $45,000, with rare color options or low-mileage examples fetching more.
BMW M3 E30 (1986-1991)
The BMW M3 E30 is widely regarded as one of the most significant performance cars ever made. With a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a lightweight chassis, the E30 M3 was a dominant force in motorsport during its era. It was produced in limited numbers, and only 17,000 units were made, further adding to its status as a collectible. The M3 E30 is known for its precise handling and iconic boxy design.
As one of the most coveted cars in BMW’s history, the M3 E30 holds its value exceptionally well. Depending on its condition and mileage, a well-preserved M3 E30 can fetch anywhere between $40,000 and $80,000, with some limited editions reaching even higher prices.
BMW 327 Roadster (1937-1941)
The BMW 327 Roadster is a classic pre-war model that perfectly embodies the brand’s commitment to luxury and performance. With its elegant design and 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine, it was a car made for long drives across Europe. Only 1,000 units of the 327 Roadster were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after collector’s item today. Its streamlined body and refined interior make it a highly regarded piece of automotive history.
Due to its rarity and vintage appeal, the 327 Roadster often commands prices above $700,000 at auctions, with well-maintained examples fetching even more.
BMW M3 E46 GTR Strassenversion (2001)
The BMW M3 E46 GTR Strassenversion is a rare and extremely powerful version of the standard E46 M3. Powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine, it was developed as a road-going version of the race car used in the American Le Mans Series. Only 150 units were produced, making this model a rare and highly valuable collector’s car. The car’s combination of race-bred technology and street-legal performance makes it one of the most desirable M3s ever made.
With its limited production and racing history, the E46 GTR Strassenversion has become a highly coveted model. Prices for this rare BMW model typically range from $700,000 to $1,000,000, with some examples exceeding that price at auctions.
BMW M4 GTS (2016-2019)
The BMW M4 GTS is a limited-edition, high-performance version of the already impressive M4. This special edition featured significant enhancements to its performance, including a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine capable of producing 493 horsepower. With its lightweight design and water-injection system for added performance, the M4 GTS was engineered for those who crave the ultimate driving experience. Only 700 units were produced worldwide, making it a rare find.
Due to its performance and exclusivity, the M4 GTS has gained significant value in the marketplace. Depending on the condition and mileage, the M4 GTS is currently valued at approximately $80,000 to $120,000.
BMW 1 Series M Coupe (2011-2012)
The BMW 1 Series M Coupe, often referred to as the “Baby M,” was a surprise to the automotive world due to its incredible performance in a compact body. With a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 335 horsepower, the 1 Series M Coupe packed a punch. Only 6,000 units were built, making it a rare and highly desirable model for enthusiasts who want the thrill of an M car in a smaller package.
Today, the 1 Series M Coupe is highly regarded by collectors, and its value has steadily increased since production ceased. The current market value for the 1 Series M Coupe is typically between $40,000 and $60,000, with exceptionally low-mileage models fetching higher prices.
BMW 2002 Turbo (1973-1974)
The BMW 2002 Turbo was the first production BMW to feature a turbocharged engine, making it a historic model in the brand’s history. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the 2002 Turbo produced 170 horsepower, which was significant for its time. Only 1,672 units of this limited-edition model were produced, making it extremely rare and valuable today.
The 2002 Turbo’s status as a pioneer in performance and technology has made it highly collectible. Prices for a well-preserved example typically range from $50,000 to $70,000, with special editions or cars in exceptional condition reaching higher market values.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.