Top 10 best BMW cars of all time

Since its founding in the early 20th century, BMW has been one of the largest car manufacturers that has ever existed. Over the years, it has produced sports cars, including the legendary high-performance M line, motorsports cars, and electric vehicles.

Even after BMW faced fierce competition from other brands, the company has always gathered a huge number of fans and admirers. TopSpeed magazine has compiled a lost of the top 10 best BMW cars ever made. Learn about the models that have changed or are changing the automotive world.

1957 BMW 507

This car model is considered one of the most beautiful of its era. Its creator was Max Hoffmann, and the developer was Albrecht von Goertz. The car was created as a counterweight to the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Only 252 models were produced. The cost of producing the BMW 507 almost led the concern to bankruptcy. This model was discontinued in 1959. Nowadays, this car can be purchased for 2.2 million dollars, and only three of these cars are available.

1996 BMW Z3

The 1996 BMW Z3 was the brand's first production roadster, combining style, performance and affordability. The car was powered by a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower, which provided good handling but not high power. Thanks to its compact chassis and 50:50 weight distribution, the Z3 was suitable for winding roads and fast driving. Its aggressive design influenced subsequent models, including the Z4, and made the car iconic after its appearance in the James Bond movie. Today, the BMW Z3 is appreciated for its sportiness and luxury, although the car has a tendency to overheat the water pump and suffers from frequent oil leaks if it is early models. The cost of the car is currently $12,300.

1990 BMW 3 Series

The 1990 BMW 3 Series, as part of the legendary E30 generation, is known for its versatility and luxury. Available in sedan, coupe and convertible versions, it combines aggressive styling with power and comfort.

The car is powered by a 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine with 168 horsepower, capable of reaching a top speed of 142 miles per hour. The interior, focused on driver comfort, features a classic design, high-quality materials and a comfortable center console.

Sporty models like the 325is and M3 feature firm sport seats and a simple digital instrument cluster for tactile feedback. Today, the E30 remains a cult car among collectors thanks to its combination of performance, style, and aftermarket availability. The cost of this model is $40,185.

2020 BMW Z4

The 2020 BMW Z4 is a modern interpretation of the classic roadster that successfully combines sporty appearance, elegant design and advanced technology. Introduced in 2020, this car is the successor to the legendary Z3 line and other iconic BMW models.

Created in collaboration with Toyota, the 2020 Z4 shares a platform with the Toyota Supra. This decision allowed BMW engineers to create a car with an ideal 50:50 weight distribution, which ensures excellent handling and grip. The Z4 design is characterized by aggressive lines and a low center of gravity, which emphasizes its sporty design.

Two powerful gasoline engines are offered: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and provide a dynamic ride. The M40i version with a 3.0-liter engine is capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds.

The Z4's interior is characterized by high quality materials and ergonomic controls. The driver's seat provides excellent body support, and the infotainment system offers a wide range of functionality.

A new BMW Z4 has an average price of $35,275, and a used sports car can be purchased for less than $5,000.

1999 BMW 8 Series

The 1999 BMW 8 Series has become one of the company's most prominent cars, demonstrating a unique combination of power, innovation, and luxury. This model features an aerodynamic design and retractable headlights, and its wedge-shaped profile provides excellent handling at speeds up to 155 miles per hour.

The model features electronic throttle control, as well as the additional option of a V-12 engine in combination with a six-speed manual transmission. The BMW 8 Series is available in 840Ci with a V-8 engine, 850Ci with a V-12 engine, and 850CSi with 375 hp. Thanks to its robust multi-link suspension and comfortable interior, the 850Ci model is especially suitable for long trips at high speeds. The unique combination of performance and exclusivity makes this model popular among automotive enthusiasts today.

2001 BMW 750 iL (E38)

This is a true masterpiece of the German automotive industry that embodies the luxury, power and advanced technology of its era. This large-format sedan has become a benchmark for many competitors, setting high standards in the luxury car segment.

The 750iL's exterior is characterized by elegance and confidence. The long wheelbase provides a spacious interior with high-quality materials, soft leather and natural wood. Of particular note are the rear seats, which can compete with limousines in terms of comfort.

The 750iL is powered by a powerful V12 engine that delivers a dynamic ride and an impressive top speed of 250 km/h. Thanks to the combination of power and smoothness, this sedan is capable of both quiet travel and active driving.

2003 BMW Z8

This car is a recognized masterpiece for its elegant design and high performance. Its look is inspired by the legendary BMW 507, giving it a timeless aesthetic, with a long hood, flowing lines and muscular profile.

The roadster is built on an aluminum frame that combines lightness and rigidity for dynamic driving. Thanks to its 50:50 weight distribution and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), the Z8 delivers unrivaled handling even at high speeds. Its 5-liter V8 engine is capable of accelerating the car to 180 miles per hour, making the Z8 one of the most powerful cars of its time.

Produced in a limited number of 5,700 units, the Z8 is a collector's rarity today with a value of over $241,000. Its exclusivity and combination of modern technology and classic design make the BMW Z8 a cult roadster.

1981 BMW M1

This is a true masterpiece of automotive engineering that has gone down in history forever. This sports car was BMW's first supercar and marked the beginning of the legendary M line. Created in collaboration with Italian designers, the M1 combines German engineering with Italian aesthetics.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the M1 is characterized by aggressive lines, retractable headlights and a wedge-shaped shape. The car has a characteristic silhouette and is recognizable even today.

The M1's interior combines sportiness and comfort. High-quality materials and comfortable seats create the atmosphere of a racing car. The M1 is powered by a 3.5-liter M88 inline six-cylinder engine that develops impressive power and provides a dynamic ride. The central location of the engine and balanced suspension provide excellent handling and precision control.

Buying a 1981 BMW M1 will cost you an average of $524,000.

2023 BMW M5 CS

This is an exclusive high-performance sedan designed for speed, comfort and drive. With a top speed of 190 miles per hour and a powerful engine, this model is considered the most powerful version of the M5, combining elements of BMW's motorsport heritage with state-of-the-art technology. The M5 CS has an advanced suspension and lightweight parts such as a carbon fiber roof, hood and splitter that improve handling and stability.

The interior features comfort technologies such as adaptive cruise control, track mode, and a HUD that displays all the information you need on the windshield.

For performance, 20-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and carbon-ceramic brakes are fitted for effective grip and durability. The interior is also sporty, offering carbon fiber seats and a modern instrument cluster that informs the driver in real time. With an average price of about $118,000, the M5 CS combines luxury, performance and sporty style. It is also relatively budget-friendly.

The 2024 BMW M5 will cost approximately $118,000.

2023 BMW M4 CSL

A high-performance sports car that showcases BMW's rich racing heritage. With a top speed of 191 miles per hour, it is powered by a powerful twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic for precise control and quick shifts.

Rear-wheel drive and classic styling make it the perfect choice for true driving pleasure. The aggressive exterior is emphasized by the carbon fiber hood, roof and trunk, as well as the sporty low stance and lightweight forged wheels that improve aerodynamics. The interior is driver-focused, with red accents, an Alcantara steering wheel and sport seats for driving stability.

With a limited production run of just 1000 units, the M4 CSL is a true exclusive. It costs more than $140,000.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.