The leading Bavarian automaker has proven itself worthy in the automotive world time and again for over a century. Their catchphrase, "Freude am Fahren," which translates as "the pleasure of driving," has been keen to build their unique brand image as one with an ethereal focus on the joy of driving machines. And indeed, BMW vehicles are one of the few pleasures in this world. Sales numbers, more than anything, show that.
Today, BMW is a top seller of luxury automobiles, and it is one of the most valuable brands in the world. Their high revving engines, reminiscing exteriors, and one-of-a-kind detailing have been attracting every gearhead. While there are some BMWs that people consider as overrated, and simply over-priced, there are some ultimate classics which will never be forgotten. In this article, you will find our ultimate favorite BMW machines.
10 BMW 3200 CS
The 3200CS wasn't an appreciated car when it first came out in 1962. Even today, many people consider it as extremely unsafe, although attractive-looking. But, sometimes, we cannot help but root for the underdog; hence, why the 3200 CS beauty appears on this list.
To be perfectly honest, the 3200 CS is hard to drive and even dangerous, if you're not good at driving. But otherwise, if you both speak the same language, you, as a driver, can make the 3200 CS dance around corners and perform exceptionally well in straight lines. Italians designed it after all: sometimes, beauty is all you get.
9 BMW 8 Series E31
There are so many reasons why the E31 8 Series is one of the ultimate classic BMW cars. First of all, it has pop up headlights. It might be childish, but we love to see pop-up headlights on any vintage car.
Secondly, it has a V12. In fact, it was the second post-war German car to be powered by a V12. And who doesn't love a massive engine in a luxurious car? Thirdly, it had many features inside, including seat memory function, onboard computer, and a lot of other luxuries. And lastly, it turns heads everywhere. We cannot help but love it.
8 BMW 2002
The classics rarely live up to their hype, but the BMW 2002 is not one of them. Road and Track described the BMW 2002 as a vintage car that doesn't feel old. And we agree entirely with that. It's the great-grandfather of the M2, but there's nothing about it that feels old.
The driving experience truly represents what BMW stands for, and even for today's standards, it, surprisingly, hasn't diminished in quality. The 2002 first was introduced at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show, and it was BMW's first turbocharged production car. Today, it is a rare find, but a precious one, so keep your hearts open.
7 BMW E9 3.0CSL Batmobile
Named because of all the weird and unusual looking bits, the Batmobile was made to be a race car, which was barely street legal. It dominated the European Touring Car Championship and won several titles at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It's a crazy good race car and simply beautiful. We have no idea why people thought it looked weird.
The 3.0 SCSL had a top speed of 134 mph and could go from 0 to 60 in 7.8 seconds. While these figures might not sound impressive today, the Batmobile was an actual superhero back in the days. Hence, why so many people love it today.
6 BMW 700 RS
While the world had its historical events happening in the 60s, like the first man in space, the construction of the Berlin Wall, and the birth of Amnesty International, the Bavarian automaker was making its own history. We are talking about the production of the 700 RS. After the success of the 700, which was a breath of fresh air for the automotive industry, BMW decided to build a car only for racing.
The completed 700 RS had a five-speed gearbox, and while its engine was capable of only 69 horsepower, the car was lighter than a feather at 1,411 pounds. In 1961, it rivaled many Porsches, and it brought BMW numerous victories, making it an essential car in BMW's history.
5 BMW NAZCA C2
The Nazca C2 was a fruit of the collaboration between the Italian design house Italdesign Giugiaro and BMW. And it was a revelation for the automotive industry. Futuristic looking, just as the name tells us, the C2 was only a concept sports car that premiered at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show.
Unfortunately, it was too daring to enter mass production, but the three existing Nazcas are some of the most expensive BMW cars globally, costing up to $1 million. And yes, it's costly, but how can you put a price on German greatness like the C2?
4 BMW M3 E30 Sport Evolution
The M3 E30 Sport Evolution is not your usual BMW. Don't get us wrong, even the usual BMWs are thriving cars, but the E30 Sport EVO is a unique, probably one-in-the-world type of vehicle. With a bigger four-cylinder and 18-inch wheels, it was the best of all the E30 M3s.
Only 600 Sport EVO E30s were produced, and they had mechanical upgrades resulting in 238 horsepower, much more than the standard M3. Other changes included more aggressive camshafts, thinner glass, lighter trunk and bumpers. But, nevermind the looks, driving it is the real unforgettable experience.
3 BMW 7 Series E32
The E32 is not only a remarkable car for BMW but the whole automotive industry. Being the second generation of the 7 Series, the E32 introduced some essential features for BMW, like the Electronic Damper Control and the Traction Control System. It also added some passenger features for the first time in the whole industry, like the projector lens headlamps and double glazed windows.
Not to mention that it was initially offered with a V12 engine, as well as a V8. They changed the game by providing more technology than any other luxury car while designing a vehicle that would age like fine wine.
2 BMW M1
The M1 was engineered to be a winner car, one to finally take on the ultimate rival, the Porsche 911. Unfortunately, we didn't get a champion, although the M1 was quite successful but too outdated. Nonetheless, what we got is a mix of Italian design and German engineering, which, as we know, is where vehicles reach their peak.
Still, the M1 is considered one of the best BMW cars, and that's for a reason. Its straight-six engine that kicked out 273 horsepower was placed in the middle, making it the first mid-engined BMW. After all, it's not a car to win races with, but to have fun and experience the pure joy of BMW engineering.
1 BMW 507
Americans were passionate about driving luxurious European roadsters back in the '50s. The Mercedes 300SL already found its way in the garages of America's upper class. But, still, there was some gap to be filled and not enough roadsters to buy. That's why Max Hoffman, the man responsible for bringing BMW cars in America, suggested that BMW build a roadster based on the 501 sedan. Hence, the birth of the 507 roadster in 1956.
The 507, being one of the most glorious BMW vehicles, even today, is a true wonder. It's simple, pure, more American than any other BMW we've seen, and absolutely astonishing. Its V8 engine allows the 507 to reach 60mph in only 6 seconds, being one of the most responsive cars in the 50s. Only the 507 could represent so well the era and lifestyle of LA in the 50s.