It is impressive how BMW evolved from a little obscure Bavarian brand to the world’s most prominent luxury car manufacturer with record sales.
As you can imagine, it was a long and challenging process filled with difficulties, recessions and at least one world war. But also with intelligent decisions, risk-taking and holding on to what they do best – build special cars with recognizable styling and quality mechanics, proven on the Autobahn and the race tracks.
Cars like BMW M3 E30 became the winningest touring car ever, or the gorgeous BMW 507 with a limited production run but A-list celebrities as its owners. Or maybe the influential BMW X5, which redefined what SUV is. All of those cars helped BMW become what it is today. So what is the most expensive BMW ever built amongst all those legendary machines? Here is the selection of the rarest and most sought-after Bavarian classics.
10. BMW 2002 Turbo
Price: $200,000
Cars produced: 1672 examples
BMW 2002 Turbo
Back in the early ’70s, BMW was a small company with a big hit on their hands – the eponymous 2002 Series cars, which were the definition of compact but lively performance sedans that set the tone for all future BMW models. Amongst those legendary cars highest position was reserved for the unique and highly influential BMW 2002 Turbo, one of the first production cars ever to feature a turbocharger. Introduced in early 1973, the 2002 Turbo had several unique exterior enhancements and a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that delivered 170 hp, a whopping figure for the times. With significant top speed (over 150 mph), the 2002 Turbo was a real Autobahn missile, but the oil crisis of the early ’70s and its high price meant that it was tough to sell to the average BMW customer. That makes it highly collectible today, reflecting on the prices.
9. BMW Alpina V8 Roadster
Price: $310,000
Cars produced: 555 examples
BMW Alpina V8 Roadster
The general rule amongst BMW enthusiasts is that if you are looking for a refined and more exclusive BMW, you have to go to Alpina, a legendary manufacturer renewed for its attention to detail and unique feel. When BMW discontinued the Z8 Roadster in the early 2000s, Alpina took over and introduced the V8 Roadster, a slightly comfortable and more luxurious version of this gorgeous retro-futuristic convertible. The Alpina V8 featured a standard V8 instead of the M Division engine of Z8. It delivered 375 hp, special automatic transmission, more exclusive interior materials, and a limited production run of only 555 examples. With the prices of Z8 going through the roof, you can easily understand why the Alpina V8 roadster is considerably costlier.
8. BMW M1
Price: $700,000
Cars produced: 453 examples
1979 BMW M1, for sale by
Even though the BMW M1 might be a commercial flop with just over 450 examples, it was never considered a failure by automotive enthusiasts. It simply cannot be one because it represents the greatest hits of classic BMW philosophy, engineering expertise, and motorsport success, covered in the timeless body designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign fame. It is powered by a proper M-Performance 3.5-litre engine with 273 hp on tap. It might not sound as much today, but in the early ’80s, the healthy output translated to fantastic performance. The M1 even had a remarkable racing career in the famous Pro Car series. As one of the finest examples of Teutonic supercars, the M1 is also a design icon that is finally recognized for what it is – a fantastic driver’s machine.
7. BMW 320i Turbo IMSA
Price: $731,000
Cars produced: 5 examples
As a company that was amongst the first to flirt with turbocharging, by the late ’70s, BMW had considerable experience, which gave it an advantage on the track. Fighting Porsches, BMW used the E21 320i as a platform for a monster of a turbocharged race car in form of 320i Turbo IMSA. Although it looked like a standard model, this was an utterly different beast fitted with a tube chassis, lightweight panel, and M12/9 engine. BMW hired McLaren engineers for this racing program which proved to be highly successful and influential. This particular example won numerous races between 1977 and 1980, beating those Porsches 935 in their own game. Interestingly, this highly turbocharged four-cylinder was capable of delivering over 1000 hp, but in most cases, cars had 600 hp tuned for reliability reasons.
6. 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL
Price: $750,000
Cars produced: 50 examples
2023 BMW 3.0 CSL
2022 is a very important year for BMW since it marks the 50th anniversary of its famed M Performance division. To mark this occasion, BMW presented several unique versions and a brand new M4 CSL. However, an ultimate birthday present is in the works, and it is expected later this year. It is called 3.0 CSL, and it is a clear homage to the legendary E9 3.0 CLS models of the mid-70s. However, the new one will be based on the existing M4 but with numerous visual enhancements, a semi-competition setup, and a 3.0-liter engine with power output north of 600 hp. The 2023 3.0 CSL will be highly exclusive at just 50 planned examples at $750,000 apiece.
5. BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition
Price: $825,000
Cars produced: 1 example
BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition
When BMW introduced the i8, it caused a lot of controversy amongst the brand faithful. It was a supercar, and it was clearly a BMW, but the one nobody expected. Powered by a small petrol engine and electric motors creating one of the first sports car hybrids the world has ever seen. Produced as a roadster or coupe, i8 was a success, and BMW sold several notable unique versions. However, the Concourse d’Elegance Edition was the one everybody wanted, but only one customer got it. Introduced in 2014 at Pebble Beach and featuring special paint, trim and interior materials, it sold at an auction for a whopping $825,000.
4. BMW M3 E46 GTR V8
Price: $1 million (est.)
Cars produced: 10 examples
BMW M3 E46 GTR V8
The M3 GTR is probably the most controversial car BMW has ever built. First of all, BMW never had the plans to produce this model, and it was only constructed after Porsche appealed to FIA, claiming that BMW broke the rules and fitted the V8 engine instead of a straight-six in M3 race cars. BMW then decided to build a road-going, V8-powered M3 so it could continue beating Porsches in the IMSA championship, and that is how BMW E46 M3 GTR V8 was conceived. However, everybody knew that BMW didn’t have the plans to actually sell any of the cars it made, and this is where the mystery starts. The company claims that it made ten cars and sold 6 of them to wealthy and anonymous collectors. So far, only four cars are known to exist, and they are all in BMW’s possession. There is a rumor that one was for sale a few years ago and that it was sold for $1 million, but nothing is confirmed.
3. BMW 328
Price: $1.4 million
Cars produced: 464 examples
BMW 328
The legendary 328 was the car that put BMW on the map and scored over 100 victories worldwide, including the iconic 1940 Mille Miglia. Before the 328, BMW was literally unknown, and after it, it was regarded as a performance and engineering company, which is a cherished reputation. The 328 was first shown to the public in 1936 as an elegant roadster powered by a small but powerful six-cylinder delivering 80 hp. Even though it isn’t much today, 80 hp was enough for high-performance credentials back in the late ’30s and numerous wins all over the continent. Due to its lightweight construction, BMW 328 was so fast and capable that it remained competitive even in the early ’50s.
2. BMW 507
Price: $3 million
Cars produced: 252 examples
1958 BMW 507 Roadster Series II. Image:
After WWII, BMW was in a challenging situation. People did remember the 328 and the company’s performance image, but its then-current model lineup didn’t reflect that. So, the board decided to concentrate on building a luxurious roadster that would show the public that BMW is still capable of delivering sublime performance and world-class engineering. Under the hood was an impressive, all-aluminum V8 engine that displaced 3.2-liters and produced 150 hp. When the car was unveiled in 1956, the automotive world was stunned by the sheer beauty of the roadster body and technical achievements but also by with high price which eventually doomed this model. At $9600, it was too expensive and not as fast as similarly priced and equally gorgeous Mercedes 300 SL. That is why the 507 was discontinued after just three years on the market and only 252 examples. Elvis Presley even had two.
1. BMW Nazca M12
Price: $3 million
Cars produced: 3 examples
BMW Nazca M12
Most car enthusiasts know about BMW M1 or the fantastic, BMW-powered McLaren F1. Still, not a lot of people know about the secret and very rare supercar from Munich in the form of an esoteric BMW Nazca M12. Introduced in 1991, Nazca M12 was built in Italy and designed by famous Giorgetto Giugiaro. Powered by a 5.0-liter V12 engine, Alpina slightly modified the unit to deliver 350 hp output. Due to lightweight materials, precise engineering, and fantastic aerodynamics, BMW Nazca M12 could achieve almost 200 mph top speed. However, only three examples were ever produced, and by 1993, M12 was discontinued.
Read more: Top 20 Most Expensive Cars in the World
