Top 10 BMW Models of All Time: From Classics to Modern Legends
BMW is one of the few car companies that has successfully balanced motorsport heritage with luxury and everyday usability. Its long history includes legendary sports cars, elegant grand tourers and wildly innovative experiments. Picking a “top 10” is subjective, but the following list represents models that shaped the brand’s identity, introduced new technologies or defined an era. The list blends classics such as the hand‑built 1950s roadsters with modern M‑badged icons.
Why these cars matter
BMW’s early success came from aircraft engines and motorcycle technology, but by the 1950s it needed a halo product to re‑establish itself as a premium automaker. The 1957 BMW 507, for example, was a gorgeous roadster with a 3.2‑litre V8 that achieved 122 mph and helped BMW rebuild its image. Later models like the E30 M3 dominated touring‑car racing and inspired multiple generations of enthusiasts. Each car listed below either pioneered a new segment, delivered outstanding performance or introduced styling cues that later models would copy.
Top 10 BMW models
| Rank | Model (years) | Key features | Why it’s legendary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1957 BMW 507 (1956–1959) | 3.2‑L V8; 122 mph top speed; hand‑built aluminum body | A rare (254 produced) roadster that saved BMW’s reputation and influenced later Z‑series roadsters |
| 2 | 1973 BMW 2002 Turbo | 2.0‑L turbocharged four‑cylinder; 170 hp; wide fender flares | First European production car with a turbocharger; cemented BMW’s sporty image |
| 3 | 1986–1992 E30 M3 | 2.3‑L four‑cylinder; homologation special; box‑fender bodywork | Developed for Group A racing; dominated touring‑car championships and is now a prized collectible |
| 4 | 1998–2003 E39 M5 | 4.9‑L V8 (S62); 394 hp; manual transmission only | Often called the best sports sedan ever; balanced luxury and performance perfectly |
| 5 | 1992–1999 E36 M3 | Inline‑six engines (3.0‑3.2 L); improved chassis | Made the M3 more accessible and refined, bringing a smoother engine and improved everyday comfort |
| 6 | 1999–2004 Z8 (E52) | Retro‑styled roadster; 4.9‑L V8; all‑aluminum construction | Limited‑production halo car that echoed the 507 and used the M5’s V8; rapidly appreciating in value |
| 7 | 2000–2006 E46 M3 | 3.2‑L S54 inline‑six; available as coupe or convertible | Considered one of the best‑balanced sports cars of the early 2000s; high‑revving engine and precise handling |
| 8 | 2011 1 Series M Coupe (E82) | 3.0‑L twin‑turbo N54; 335 hp; compact dimensions | Limited‑run “baby M” that became an instant classic; praised for old‑school driving feel |
| 9 | 2014 BMW i8 | Plug‑in hybrid sports car; carbon‑fibre passenger cell; 1.5‑L turbo and electric motor producing 369 hp | Pioneered BMW’s use of carbon‑fibre and hybrid technology in a production sports car |
| 10 | 2016–present G30 M5 / M5 Competition | 4.4‑L twin‑turbo V8; optional all‑wheel drive; >600 hp | Modern super‑sedan that offers everyday usability with supercar acceleration |
Honorable mentions
- BMW i3 (2013–2022) – The quirky carbon‑fibre city car proved BMW could think outside the box, with a sustainable interior and optional range‑extender.
- E9 3.0 CSL (1973–1975) – Lightweight “Batmobile” touring car homologation special that won multiple European Touring Car Championships.
- E92 M3 (2007–2013) – The only V8‑powered M3 (S65 engine) delivering an 8,300 rpm redline.
Summary
These cars illustrate why BMW remains a benchmark for performance and luxury. From the hand‑built 507 to cutting‑edge plug‑in hybrids, BMW continually pushes boundaries and maintains a devoted fan base. Modern enthusiasts may never drive a 507, but they benefit from technologies and philosophies born from these legends.